Do I have to open up my macbook to clean the dust?

[CalmPhill]

Does blowing compressed air into the side vents do anything? Also, I'm not even sure if my macbook is getting hot due to dust, is there any indication that would be the cause? Lastly, is there any risk in opening up my macbook to clean out the fans with compressed air?

 

[ferrarr]

Does blowing compressed air into the side vents do anything?

It may push the "dust" further into the electronics.

Lastly, is there any risk in opening up my macbook to clean out the fans with compressed air?

This is the best option, if you feel comfortable doing it. Take a look here, Fixing the world, one gizmo at a time. | iFixit News and find the guide for your particular model MacBook, size , and the model year as well.

 

[pm-r]

Also, I'm not even sure if my macbook is getting hot due to dust,

To answer your questions as to how dusty the inside of your MacBook might be will depend on where and how it has been used and under what conditions, and to add to Bob's excellent suggestions, you might want to add the free Macs fan control.app to at least let you know what the inside temperature of your MacBook are.

Available here:

Macs Fan Control Download for macOS & Windows (Boot Camp)

crystalidea.com

Opening up a MacBook is not overly difficult if you are inclined to be a do-it-yourselfer and have the proper tools and keep the screws removed in their order due to some that are of different length for different models. If in doubt leave things alone and Save further additional problems.

Google Search

MacBook Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself.

Repair guides for the MacBook. Discontinued by Apple on July 9, 2019.

www.ifixit.com

- Patrick
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[MacBiter]

Sucking rather than blowing is what's often advised.

 

[CalmPhill]

Sucking rather than blowing is what's often advised.

Would an average vacuum cleaner be worth using? I haven't seen any videos suggesting that.

 

[pm-r]

Does blowing compressed air into the side vents do anything?

It's interesting to just use your subject question for a Google search and check out some of the hits...

Google Search

Interesting to see some of the different situations some laptops get exposed to ... And interesting to think that the user was No Doubt exposed to the same air and conditions...




- Patrick
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[Rod]

Used with care/caution a domestic vacuum cleaner can be used but will seldom shift impacted dust. I occasionally use our vacuum on our MacBooks with the soft brush head fitted to lightly rub over the keyboard with the "vent" open. The vent is the thing on the handle that lets air in. This minimises the suction while still removing loose debris/dust. If you use full suction you run the risk of ripping the keys off.
I then use the "crevice" tool along the back edge between the body and the screen where the fan exhausts, again with the "vent" open.
I recently had to have my MacBook Pro serviced and I did ask if it was dusty inside. The tech said it was fairly clean of dust but that could be entirely due to where I use it so, vacuuming may help a little, it certainly removes obvious dust on keyboards and in the ports on the sides, as for internally or the fans? I cannot say.

However you do it care needs to be exercised but I personally have never had a problem with it.

 

[CalmPhill]

It's interesting to just use your subject question for a Google search and check out some of the hits...

Google Search

Interesting to see some of the different situations some laptops get exposed to ... And interesting to think that the user was No Doubt exposed to the same air and conditions...




- Patrick
=======

Yea I came here because I had more questions than just that, you guys have been extremely helpful!