How to clean MacBook fans

So, you want to know how to clean MacBook fan? If your Mac is running hot or making loud noises, dust buildup inside the cooling system could be the cause.

It's no surprise that over time, dust and debris can clog the vents and fan, restricting airflow, which for a Mac equals one thing — overheating.

While keeping your Mac's cooling system clean is important, opening your Mac to clean the fan is not advisable unless absolutely necessary.

This should only be done if there is no option to take your Mac to a professional service.
In this guide, we'll go over all the steps on what you can do at home to safely clean your Mac fans and, more importantly, how to prevent overheating.

Why users want to know how to clean MacBook fans

If you are curious about cleaning your Mac fans, then you've probably encountered one or more of these worrying issues:

• Loud fan noise

• Increased heat

• Slow performance and crashes

All of these issues are unsettling; when your Mac sounds and feels like it's working overtime, the main concern is any damage to your Mac's internal components and hardware.

But what causes dust buildup in the first place?

Over time, particles from dust, pet hair, and even fabric fibers can accumulate inside your Mac. If you frequently use your Mac in bed, on a carpet, or in dusty environments, your cooling system is more likely to become clogged. The less airflow your Mac gets, the harder the fan has to work, leading to excessive noise and overheating.

If your MacBook is frequently overheating, cleaning the vents and optimizing system performance can help. But we can't stress enough that internal fan cleaning should only be attempted if professional servicing isn't available.

For more ways to reduce overheating, check out this guide on how to cool down a Mac.

How to clean MacBook air vents

Before you start, know that opening your Mac to clean the fan can void your warranty and should only be done as a last resort. Instead, you should also begin with external cleaning methods to improve airflow.

How often should you clean the vents?

Ideally, every few months. If you notice excessive fan noise or your Mac feels warmer than usual, it's time to check for dust buildup. A quick clean every couple of months can go a long way in preventing overheating and maintaining smooth performance. Let's take a look at how to do it.

Step 1: Clean the MacBook vents

One of the safest ways to prevent overheating is to clean your MacBook vents, which allow air to circulate through the system. If dust and debris block these openings, the fan won't function efficiently; here's what you can do:

1. Turn off your Mac from the main Apple menu and unplug it from power.

2. Locate the vents — these are found near the hinge and underside of most MacBook models.

3. Use compressed air to gently remove dust; tilt your Mac to avoid blowing compressed air directly into the vents, which could put it deeper; you can also use a soft brush to loosen dirt.

What NOT to do

Don't use a vacuum cleaner, as the suction can generate static electricity, which may damage internal components.
Avoid pressing too hard with compressed air, as excessive force can loosen internal parts.

If clearing the vents doesn't reduce overheating, your internal fan may need cleaning.

Step 2: Open your MacBook (only if necessary)

If you have no service center nearby and must proceed, follow these steps carefully and with caution.

1. Turn off your Mac and disconnect all connected peripherals.

2. Remove the screws securing the bottom cover with the correct type and size of screwdriver.

3. Lift the bottom cover gently to avoid damaging internal components. Hold the fan in place to prevent damage.

4. Use compressed air to clean dust from the fan blades.

5. Reattach the bottom cover and secure the screws.

After cleaning, closely monitor its performance to see if fan noise and overheating have improved.

Should you use cleaning alcohol?

No, you should absolutely avoid getting any liquid on the motherboard or internal connectors.

For more details on overheating issues with Apple silicon chips, visit this guide on M1 MacBook Air overheating.

How to prevent Mac from overheating

Prevention is key when it comes to most issues on a Mac. Regularly cleaning your air vents can help, but stopping the overheating in the first place is even better.

Your Mac's temperature isn't just affected by dust buildup — it can also overheat due to high CPU usage, outdated apps, and unnecessary background processes.

Optimize your Mac for better performance

A quick and effective way to keep your Mac's health and performance at its best is to use the Smart Care feature from CleanMyMac. It can help to reduce fan strain and overheating by:

• Cleaning up your junk files

• Updating your apps

• Closing useless background tasks

• Monitoring your Mac's system health

Here's how to get started with the powerful tool:

1. Get started with a free CleanMyMac trial.

2. Open the app and click Smart Care from the sidebar.

3. Click Scan to check for system slowdowns, junk files, and outdated apps.

4. Click Run to improve performance and prevent overheating.

By maintaining your Mac with Smart Care, you can reduce fan noise, prevent overheating, and extend your Mac's lifespan. It's a win-win!

Knowing how to clean MacBook fan can help prevent overheating, but as we've mentioned a few times throughout this article, internal cleaning should only be done as a last resort. Before you risk opening your Mac, you should always try the less invasive measures first.