A CD-ROM is one of the most delicate electronic items, so you should take good care of it if you want to work it properly. You should be aware that you need to clean your CD-ROM drive from time to time.

How should you know when exactly it needs cleaning? There are a few signs that will help you recognize when your CD-ROM drive needs to be cleaned. If a CD-ROM drive doesn’t work it’s definitely a sign. If the drive is having a hard time reading a disc, it’s a sign as well. Another sign is a profusion of weird noise while the drive attempts to read a disc. A fourth sign is if your disc skips. These are the most common signs that might necessitate cleaning your CD-ROM drive.

So, what products should you use to clean your CD-ROM drive? The answer is simple — air. Warning! DO NOT blow into the CD-ROM drive. We meant compressed air. Your breath contains moisture that can cause even more problems to your computer than you have now.You can buy cans of compressed air at most places that sell electronics and computers.

Use the compressed air wisely. In some cases it can be harmful to you and your computer. Many compressed air cans contain toxic and hazardous chemicals. Don’t throw an empty can in the trash. Take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

And now for your consideration, here are a few advices on how to prepare your CD-ROM drive for cleaning. Turn on your computer. While it works open the drive. Then turn off your computer, leaving the CD tray open. Remove any disc you may have in the drive.

You can find a lot of «helpful» videos in the internet that will give you an advice to take your CD-ROM drive apart. Don’t listen to them! You will run the risk of permanently damaging your CD-ROM drive. And your warranty will become invalid. Better contact the website or call the store where you bought your computer and ask for advice. If your computer is still under warranty, you are lucky one. In the warranty paperwork you will find a phone number that you can call in situation like this.