How do i remove thermal paste

so i need to remove the dried thermal paste from my CPU and Fan, how do i do this? i dont want to have to buy anything but should i just take a cloth or something and rub it off? or use some kind of liquid?

also then i need steps on how to apply my new thermal paste, how do i spread it?

Use a fine cloth or q-tip. If you have a retail boxed cpu, the pad material may be a litttle easier to remove. I use isopropyl alcohol or fingernail polish remover (acetate). When you have the cpu and heatsink surface clean, apply the new thermal paste to the heatsink only. This is much safer than putting it directly on the cpu. Too many folks use too much, and this creates a mess and leaves residue on the pins. You may use a single edge razor blade or old credit card to spread it out on the heatsink, creating a fine layer. Less is better. I have worked at dell manufacturering several times; you may also use an esd strap when handling motherboards, cpu, or ram. It prevents static discharge from your body from damaging components.

Isopropyl alcohol and a piece of coffee filter or a lintless rag.

Suggestions for applying thermal compound:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index. [...] mitstart=0

I used rubbing alcohol and q-tips, dipped the q-tips into the rubbing alcohol and started removing, but youre probably gonna need several q-tips. to put it on, you could do the small dot of paste in the center, or spread it evenly with a razor or card. if your hsf is a heatpipe direct touch type, use this guide, its very useful http://benchmarkreviews.com/index. [...] mitstart=5 .