Cleaning projectors

[Guest Guest]

Hi guys

 

I'd like to know your thoughts and experiences of cleaning projectors. I've read that some people use compressed air but apparently you should use a vacuum cleaner? If a vacuum cleaner is the way to go can people recommend ones that are ideal. Also if your projectors are on a pole do you take them down to clean or are you able to clean them whilst still mounted?

 

Thanks in advance!

[localzuk]

We use compressed air. Using a vacuum cleaner on any electronic items is risky to be honest, as you may end up sucking something up which you shouldn't. Not such an issue if you're doing an external vacuum on a projector, as there's no capacitors you could accidentally be sucking up but still.

 

We do it in place, spray all the bits that need a clean, make sure all vents are free and clear and move on to the next one. Otherwise, what is about a 2 hour job becomes a 10 hour job.

 

My technician does this now, with it being done termly. Keyboards, monitors and mice are cleaned half-termly (which reminds me, need to get some more cleaning materials!).

 

We have a full maintenance schedule and log, which includes visual checks for the power leads etc...

[hardtailstar]

i just use my own breath.

[synaesthesia]

Here we used a small air compressor (handheld) but at one of my primaries they have an anti-static vacuum cleaner which you can wear as a backpack. It's awesome

[elsiegee40]

I use a 99p blusher brush from Superdrug... A very female solution

[synaesthesia]

Maybe, @elsiegee40 but it's a solution I also carry around in my mobile-toolbox too

[CamelMan]

Here we used a small air compressor (handheld)

 

Out of interest what are you using? Been looking for a small portable air compressor to clean dust etc out of machines but only come up with the Hurricaine (£100 ish and iffy reviews) and the Datavac Electric Duster (which Im not sure has the grunt).

[jon_nais]

We were advised not to use compressed air as it can push dust further into the projector rather than blowing it all out.

We use a handheld dyson here, not cheap i know, but it lasts a good 15 minutes on a charge and recharges in 4 hours so i can get round our 180+ projectors in a couple of days.

[rad]

I did our projectors with a paintbrush. Took out the filters, brushed and then gave a tap on the desk!

 

I did recently take apart a Toshiba (as part of the unifi 45) which has no filter and that was caked in dust. Compressed air was the only way forward.

[speckytecky]

SmartBoart projectors supply on request a cleaning kit for theirs - it's a little bellows thing that slots in - I'd have thought compressed air was more effective but their kit is their recommendation.

[mats]

School vacuum cleaner (Henry) for cleaning in-situ, Giottos Rocket for blowing out internals eg pc cases. Using lung power isn't all that good for you and the Rocket (designed for cleaning cameras) never runs out of air, unlike cans.

[plexer]

Giottos rocket here too

 

Ben

[Guest Guest]

I've always used compressed air to clean projectors but I keep reading that all that does is blow dust back into the projector. It's just a case of finding a suitable vacuum for a reasonable price.

[synaesthesia]

Out of interest what are you using? Been looking for a small portable air compressor to clean dust etc out of machines but only come up with the Hurricaine (£100 ish and iffy reviews) and the Datavac Electric Duster (which Im not sure has the grunt).

 

It's the Datavac

 

 

Oh it has grunt. It could blow the wig off a bald man from 100 feet. It's noisy and VERY effective. It certainly blows a LOT harder than any of the cans of compressed air.

Edited May 9, 2013 by synaesthesia

[Guest Guest]

It's the Datavac

 

 

Oh it has grunt. It could blow the wig off a bald man from 100 feet. It's noisy and VERY effective. It certainly blows a LOT harder than any of the cans of compressed air.

 

That Datavac looks the bees knees!

[geraintpowell]

We use a high power air compressor that the design technology department has from teaching pneumatics. this means we do take them down to clean, but the very strong air leaves the projector spotless, use this for computers too.

[Sylv3r]

We use one of these. Works well, I just wish the charge lasted longer than it does when using it.

 

[Kingstech]

We use one of these. Works well, I just wish the charge lasted longer than it does when using it.

 

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We use one of these as well. I tend to take the hoover and a small paint brush with me when cleaning filters.

[Guest Guest]

Well it seems that both options are viable but I'm still undecided on whether to get a vacuum or a duster. All the projector manuals say to use a vacuum but then people seem to be getting on fine with compressed air. A tough decision.

[Andrew_C]

Compressed air has disadvantages:-

 

The dust ends up in the air (and your lungs)

It can be blown deeper into the projector

If using cans, the propellent is flammable (unplug before squirting)

It is possible, I've done it, to blow big holes in the filter

 

All that said, it is what I use!

[sted]

Compressed air has disadvantages:-

 

The dust ends up in the air (and your lungs)

 

have a vacuum pointed at where the dust is expected to exit that way most of it ends up in the vacuum

[Guest Guest]

I'm going with a vacuum, it just seems to make more sense. Thanks for all the help guys!

[jonnykewell1]

if it's called DataVAC would you not expect it to suck?

[jdoldridge]

@jonnykewell1 They do both if I remember correctly

[jonnykewell1]

ahh very good, I wouldn't mind one of these actually.