# Console Care 101 — 3) Dust Removal & Vent Cleaning
**Goal:** Keep consoles breathing freely by removing dust build-up **without stressing fans, ports, or plastics**.
**Time:** 3–5 minutes
**Tools:** Soft brush (ESD/camera/makeup), handheld blower or compressed air (low pressure), lint-free cloth, cotton swabs
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## Safety first
- **Power off & unplug.** Never clean vents while powered.
- **No high-pressure air.** Use a hand blower or gentle canned air—**short bursts only**.
- **Hold fans.** If exposed, prevent blades from spinning.
- **Avoid liquids.** Dust removal is always a dry process.
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## Quick steps
1) **Exterior dusting** — Sweep the top and sides with a soft brush; wipe with a lint-free cloth.
2) **Vents** — Use the brush to loosen dust, then blow gently across (not into) the vent.
3) **Fan guard** — If visible, hold blades still with a swab or finger guard and blow short bursts.
4) **Ports** — Brush edges lightly; use a dry swab for lint at the lip.
5) **Finish** — Check airflow paths are clear; wipe surfaces once more with a dry cloth.
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## Do / Don’t
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
| --- | --- |
| Short bursts with blower | Long blasts of canned air |
| Hold fan blades still | Let fans spin at high speed |
| Brush gently at vent edges | Jam swabs or tools deep inside |
| Use soft, lint-free cloths | Spray cleaners into vents |
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## Common signs of dust trouble
- Console runs **hotter** than usual
- **Fan noise** louder or uneven
- Occasional **shutdowns** under load
- Visible dust mats around vent grills
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## When to escalate
- Thick dust mats remain deep inside the case
- Sticky deposits or smoke residue coating vents
- Fan blades caked with grime (requires opening the case)
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**Performed by:** Shopkeeper
**Last updated:** 2025-09-06