

Before you start:

You’ll need thermal paste and optionally PTM7950 thermal pads or any good quality thermal paste and thermal putty for VRMs.

Watch multiple disassembly and repaste videos specific to your laptop model on YouTube. If your exact model isn’t available, look for similar ones.

Take photos while opening the laptop to remember which part goes where.



Steps:

1. Follow all these steps carefully and patiently.

https://www.reddit.com/r/laptops/comments/1jgb6bb/essential_precautions_before_opening_a_laptop/


2. Wear rubber gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints or static discharge.


3. Get all tools ready before opening the laptop:

A soft dusting brush

Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 90% or higher)

Screwdrivers

Plastic prying tools (if needed)



4. When removing the heatsink (which usually covers CPU and GPU), do it carefully and gently.


5. If you're opening the heatsink just to clean the fans, you still must replace the old thermal paste. I recommend using PTM7950 phase change thermal pads for the CPU/GPU and thermal putty for VRMs if needed.


6. Heatsinks usually have numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) printed near the screws.

Unscrew in reverse order (e.g., 4 → 3 → 2 → 1).

Don’t remove screws fully in one go. First, slightly loosen each screw in order, then fully unscrew them on the second round. This avoids pressure imbalance.



7. Also, unscrew the screws holding the fans.


8. Unplug the fan connectors gently and carefully.


9. After unscrewing everything, slowly lift the heatsink.

If it doesn’t come off, double-check for any remaining screws.

Never apply force.



10. Clean out the dust and gunk from vents and fans.


11. When cleaning fans:



Hold the fan blades still with a plastic stick or similar to prevent them from spinning.

Spinning them backward while cleaning may damage the motor.


12. Handle the heatsink gently — do not bend it.


13. After cleaning, apply new thermal paste.

Ensure the VRMs and pads/putty are clean. Replace if dusty or damaged.



14. Place the heatsink back and screw in the correct order (1 → 2 → 3 → 4).

Don’t tighten the first screw completely at once — go in sequence and gradually tighten all screws. This spreads the paste evenly.



15. Reassemble everything carefully.





Optional Tip:

You can use a compressed air can for cleaning fans and vents.
Just remember: Hold the fan blades still while spraying to prevent overspinning.



Done! You’ve cleaned and repasted your laptop. It should now run cooler and more efficiently.


Laptop fans cleaning Guide