Apple iMac: How to clean the fan

If you notice changes to the fan of your iMac or dust collects behind it, you should clean the device thoroughly. We'll show you how it's done.

iMac: Fan needs regular cleaning

• If the fans turn up unusually high immediately after starting and no longer leave the level or if the fan makes louder noises, it is time for cleaning.
• Even if this is not the case, cleaning the fan cannot hurt. Cleaning will reduce wear on the iMac.

iMac: Clean the outside of the fan

• If your fan shows no abnormal behavior, cleaning from the outside is sufficient. To do this, switch off the iMac and disconnect it from the power.
• Wipe the back of the iMac with a microfiber cloth. If you cannot reach the dust in the grooves, cotton swabs or toothpicks will help.
• Alternatively, you can also work with air pressure spray. However, special caution is required here. Spray the air into the side of the slots and not from the front. Since the dust is now whirled up in the iMac, this method is not particularly suitable in the long term.

iMac: Clean the fan from the inside

• It is recommended to properly clean the iMac fan every one to two years. This means that the components have a longer service life, especially under high loads.
• Opening an iMac is complicated and should not be done by lay people. If you still want to take the risk, you will find suitable instructions on YouTube.
• Once you have found the fan, you can carefully vacuum it with a vacuum cleaner or remove the dust with an air pressure spray. Very important: Hold the fan so that it cannot turn.
• If you don't want to dare to do the cleaning yourself, many repair services will do it for you. On average, cleaning costs around 20 euros.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to make your iMac faster.