The Difference Between a Contact Cleaner & an Air Duster

Air Duster

• An air duster removes dust and dirt from household objects that cannot withstand moisture, such as electronic cables, computer monitors and keyboards. The gases emitted by the duster evaporate so quickly that the objects retain no moisture. As a result, the air duster provides a method of quick dry cleaning around the house. While it will not remove set-in dirt or grease in most cases, it will remove any loose debris that has settled on the surface.

Contact Cleaners

• An electrical contact cleaner is designed for more heavy-duty applications. Advertised as an industrial cleaner, it uses a method similar to the air duster to remove more difficult deposits, such as grease, silicon, tar and adhesives. It has a more concentrated blast than an air duster, but you can still use it safely on electronic components. When an air duster cannot get the job done, an electrical contact cleaner can come in handy.

Caveats

• The chemicals used in many air dusters and contact cleaners raise some environmental concerns. Specific chemicals include tetrafluoroethane and difluoroethane, known greenhouse gases that trap heat and possibly contribute to climate change. Even canned air products that advertise themselves as environmentally friendly because they supposedly contain no CFCs or HCFs may contain these chemicals. Always read the label when purchasing an air duster or contact cleaners, and try to avoid these chemicals.

Where to Shop

• You can find air dusters at most home supply stores, computer supply stores, electronics stores and office supply stores. You may also find them in drug stores and warehouse stores. Contact cleaners are sold primarily in hardware stores and home improvement stores, as well as in some electronics stores. Always read the label and follow the instructions to avoid inadvertently misusing any canned air products.