I found this article in Lockergnome Windows Daily for Sunday, March 31, 2002. It is informative enough that I felt that it would be worthwhile repeating it here.Cleaning Your PC
Scribbled by the Call for Help GeeksCheck the power supply fan for airflow and the processor fan for movement at least every six months. Take the chassis off of the system and turn the computer on to check the processor fan. If one of the fans stops while the machine is on, you need to replace it immediately to prevent further damage. While the computer case is off, use a can of compressed air(available at most office supply stores) to blow out the dust. One caveat: if you are using canned or compressed air, use short bursts to avoid condensation (and never turn them upside-down). We do not recommend cleaning the inside of a conventional monitor (CRT) unless you are an experienced technician. The picture tube retains a high voltage even after the power is shut off. Mechanical mice almost always need cleaning. The easiest way to clean them is to remove the ball to access the X and Y rollers. A careful inspection of the small rollers usually reveals gunk. This stuff can be removed using a Q- Tip dampened with rubbing alcohol and a steel dental pick or toothpick to help free the particles. The ball can also be cleaned with an alcohol-dampened rag.
As far as a laser printer is concerned, it's important to check the operation of the fan while the printer is running. Some fans run only after the printer gets hot, so testing this may take some time. A stopped fan will cause a gradual overheating condition that is serious, but not instantly fatal to the printer. There are two types of rollers in printers: hard plastic and rubber. Plastic rollers can only be cleaned with alcohol. Rubber rollers can be cleaned with Goop Off, which is available at most office supply stores. It smells awful, but works well to rejuvenate rubber rollers. Try not to get Goop Off on any plastic parts, as it will damage them. Blow dust out of the printer only if there is no major toner spill. Check and replace the fuser wand that is usually marked with the word "Hot." Caked-up toner on this wand will destroy your printer's fuser and cause image defects.
Most cleaning products can be substituted for common items you have lying around the house. Methanol: Substitute rubbing alcohol or vodka (for cleaning screens, cabinets, or electronic connectors) (KAT Comment.. Methanol should not be used for cleaning. It is too volitile and will cause moisture to collect. Rubbing alcohol or Isopropanol should be the preferred solvent.) ; Fiberglas brush: Substitute a toothbrush (for cleaning small parts or connectors); CO2 Dust and Particle Remover: Substitute canned air (for dust removal); Lint-free rags Substitute old T-shirts (for cleaning screens and dust-sensitive equipment);Light machine oil Substitute 3-N One oil (for drive rails or printer carriage assemblies); LPS solvent / Label-Off Substitute D-Solvit (for removing gummed labels).
LCD cleaner: Substitute Formula 409 glass cleaner (for LCD screens and monitor screens); Soft Scrub: Substitute any metal polish product (for removing minor scratches from plastic); Plastic abrasive pad: Substitute SOS non-metallic scrub (for cleaning with Soft Scrub or polish); Rubber Rejuvenator: Substitute Goof-Off (for rejuvenating rubber rollers); Philips screwdriver #2 (for opening cases); Flux remover: For removing varnish from PC boards; Antistatic wrist strap: Use as a grounding wire for antistatic protection; Antistatic bags: Substitute aluminum foil (for protecting circuit boards); Antistatic solution: Substitute Downey fabric softener (for antistatic treatment of carpets and cleaning rags).