How Dust Can Damage Electronics

There’s never a good time for dust, but there are times we feel like we can get away with ignoring it. When it’s on our television stand right before we have company over, we take care of it, but when it’s in our back office, it might be a little easier to conveniently forget to clean. What is even more important, however, is the effect of that dust on the television itself, or all the electronics sitting on that desk. Many of us neglect to consider the adverse impact of dust on our electronics, but considering the number of electronics that can be found in the average home, that’s a question worth exploring – how can dust damage electronics?

The average home has an increasing number of electronics in it every year. For a family of four, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to find one or two televisions, four cell phones, one to four tablets, one to four speakers, laptops and desktops, a printer, as well as all the kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and more. In office settings, there is going to be dozens, if not hundreds of electrical items that are essential tools for conducting business. For this reason, it’s important for everyone to be aware of how to protect their investments. Dust may be a small, seemingly harmless inconvenience, but the nooks and crannies of your electronics are even smaller. Although it may be difficult to see how dust can be such a liability, there are a few ways it can spell bad news for both you and your electronics.

First, it can act as insulation and cause overheating. Most electrical devices need to vent and have an airflow since operating them can generate a surprising amount of heat. Dust can find its way into these tight spaces and settle, and once there is enough, it can act as an insulating layer. This may be a slow process that happens over time, but it can spell trouble for your belongings, and even pose a fire hazard depending on the type of electronic.

Second, dust can also disrupt the contact points between switches, relays, and connectors. The wiring and construction of your electronics is very precise, so if dust can create a barrier between two contact points, eventually it will cause that electronic to malfunction or break.

Unexpectedly, dust can also cause major moisture problems in electronics. Dust, unlike the hard metals and plastics of your electronics, is absorbent and able to retain moisture. If your electronics are exposed to any moisture, whether through an accident, or simple condensation, any dust hiding inside could trap it inside, which can easily destroy an electrical system permanently.

These are just a few examples of how dust can interfere with the functionality of your electronics, if not break them completely, so it’s important to take preventative measures where possible. In some cases, the best option may be to take apart your electronics so you can check and clean for dust. If that isn’t feasible, use an air duster to clean those small spaces. If you have any questions, google the proper care for that particular item. The best step, however, is to prevent the accumulation of dust in the first place and clean regularly so you can extend the life of all your important electronics.