Step 4: Remove the dust buildup on your case fans with a can of compressed air. Try to remain at least a few inches away from the surface of the motherboard, memory, processor, and expansion cards. Step 3: Using compressed air, dust the internal components of your computer with short bursts of air. Step 1: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet or surge protector. To help keep your computer running cool, clean the inside of your computer every 6 to 12 months. Over time, dust buildup inside your computer could undermine its cooling efficiency, resulting in shorter life spans for your computer's components.