Cleaning your MacBook fan: dust out, quiet back

After a few years almost every laptop has dust inside. In a MacBook Pro it collects in the fan and the cooling fins, so the fan has to spin harder, the MacBook gets warmer and the processor slows itself down. Cleaning your MacBook fan can then make a big difference. This article explains how to clean the outside safely, when the inside needs opening, and what to watch for.

Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam and cleans fans and cooling.

Does your MacBook have a fan?

• MacBook Air with an Apple chip: no, it is cooled without a fan. Dust is less of a problem there; it can get warm and slow down a little during heavy work. That is normal.
• MacBook Pro (all models) and Intel MacBook Air: yes, one or two fans.

Signs the fan is dirty

• The fan often runs loudly, even with light work.
• The bottom or the area above the keyboard gets hot.
• The MacBook gets slower after working for a while.
• You hear rattling, ticking or a high whine: then the bearing may also be worn.

Also see MacBook runs hot or slow.

Cleaning the outside

1. Shut the MacBook down and unplug the charger.
2. Find the vents. On the 14 and 16 inch MacBook Pro they are on the lower sides and at the back, by the hinge. On older models at the back, under the hinge.
3. Blow compressed air along the openings in short bursts, from a few centimetres away. Keep the can upright.
4. Do not use a vacuum cleaner: it can cause static and damage small parts.

Do not blow so hard that the fan spins. A fan spun too fast by compressed air can damage its bearing.

When does the inside need opening?

If blowing from outside does not help enough, the dust is usually stuck between the fan and the cooling fins, as a kind of felt layer. You only get it out with the bottom off. That needs special screwdrivers, the battery must be disconnected and you must be careful with small cables. On older Intel MacBooks we often also replace the thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink; it dries out after years.

Opening it yourself: what to watch for

• Disconnect the battery before touching anything inside.
• Work on a non-static surface and touch something metal first.
• Use a soft, dry brush and tweezers, no moisture.
• Hold the fan still while cleaning.

If in doubt, have it done. Also see repairing it yourself with a kit.

Keeping an eye on the temperature

Want to know whether cleaning helped? Notice how often the fan kicks in during the same task, such as a video call. Also check Activity Monitor for an app that keeps the processor busy; then the fan runs hard even in a clean MacBook. There are apps that show temperature and fan speed, but you do not really need them.

Prevention

• Use your MacBook on a hard, flat surface, not on a blanket or cushion.
• Keep the vents clear.
• Pets and smokers in the house mean more dust and dirt; have the cooling checked more often then.

What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam

We open the MacBook, clean the fan and cooling fins, replace the thermal paste or a worn fan where needed and test the temperature afterwards. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

How often should the fan be cleaned?

With normal use once every few years, or sooner if it gets loud and hot.

Can I replace the fan instead of cleaning it?

Yes, if it rattles or whines, replacing is better.

Why does the fan still run after cleaning?

During heavy work that is normal. If it keeps running hard with light work, an app may be demanding a lot; check Activity Monitor.