The safest method to clean dust inside a computer is to use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case. This approach is preferred because it dislodges debris without any physical contact, which eliminates the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) or mechanical damage to sensitive components like the motherboard, RAM, or GPU. Compressed air also avoids introducing moisture or static buildup, and its directed force can reach tight spaces between heatsinks and circuit boards where dust accumulates most. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of proper cleaning procedures and ESD prevention—a common trap is choosing a vacuum cleaner, which can generate static and suck up loose jumpers, or using a damp cloth, which risks moisture damage. Remember the memory tip: “Air is fair, vacuum is tragic”—compressed air is always the safe, non-contact choice for internal dust removal.
220-1202 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is cleaning the inside of a desktop computer that has accumulated a large amount of dust. What is the safest method to remove the dust?
Use a standard household vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Why wrong: Vacuum cleaners can create static electricity that may damage components. They are not recommended for cleaning inside computers.
B
Use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case.
Compressed air is the recommended method. It effectively removes dust without generating static or causing physical damage to components.
C
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the components.
Why wrong: Moisture can cause short circuits and corrosion. Damp cloths should never be used inside a computer.
D
Use a soft brush to sweep the dust out.
Why wrong: While a soft brush may be used in some cases, it can still create static and may not reach all areas. Compressed air is the preferred method.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case.
Compressed air is the safest method because it dislodges dust without physical contact, avoiding electrostatic discharge (ESD) or mechanical damage to sensitive components. Unlike other methods, it does not introduce moisture or static buildup, and it can reach tight spaces between heatsinks and circuit boards.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use a standard household vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Why it's wrong here
Vacuum cleaners can create static electricity that may damage components. They are not recommended for cleaning inside computers.
✓
Use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case.
Why this is correct
Compressed air is the recommended method. It effectively removes dust without generating static or causing physical damage to components.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the components.
Why it's wrong here
Moisture can cause short circuits and corrosion. Damp cloths should never be used inside a computer.
✗
Use a soft brush to sweep the dust out.
Why it's wrong here
While a soft brush may be used in some cases, it can still create static and may not reach all areas. Compressed air is the preferred method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a vacuum cleaner is safe because it 'sucks' dust away, but Cisco tests the understanding that vacuum cleaners generate dangerous static charges and lack the precision needed for delicate electronics.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Compressed air cans use a propellant (often difluoroethane) that evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. When cleaning, the air stream should be directed at a 45-degree angle to avoid forcing dust deeper into power supply units or fan bearings. In real-world scenarios, technicians often use grounded ESD-safe vacuums with HEPA filters for initial bulk removal, but compressed air remains the standard for final cleaning of motherboard surfaces and expansion slots.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Safety Procedures and Compliance — This question tests Safety Procedures and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case. — Compressed air is the safest method because it dislodges dust without physical contact, avoiding electrostatic discharge (ESD) or mechanical damage to sensitive components. Unlike other methods, it does not introduce moisture or static buildup, and it can reach tight spaces between heatsinks and circuit boards.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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