Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my PC?

Author: Mr. Jace Zboncak  |  Last update: Monday, December 15, 2025

DO use a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol solution (rubbing alcohol). DON'T spray a cleaning agent directly on your computer's surface. Spray your cleaner onto a cloth first and then gently wipe the cloth over the surface. DO wring out your wipe or cloth so it's not dripping wet, just slightly damp.

Can I clean my PC with rubbing alcohol?

Please hold off on using alcohol on your laptop screen. While alcohol might have been a decent option for screens in the past, most new displays have coatings that will not do well with any alcohol-based or ammonia-based detergents. That means NO WINDEX, RUBBING ALCOHOL, ISOPROPANOL, NAIL POLISH REMOVER, OR SKOL VODKA.

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol safe for computers?

Yes, 70% isopropyl alcohol(IPA ) is safe for electronics. Rubbing alcohol (IPA) is used as a disinfectant on electronics products. Even apple mentioned the use of isopropyl alcohol on apple products with instructions. Here are the steps that you need to follow when using 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean electronics.

What's the best thing to clean a PC with?

  • Isopropyl Alcohol (preferably 99%): This is the best cleaning agent for electronics.
  • Soft-bristle brush: A clean, dry toothbrush or a small paintbrush works well.
  • Compressed air canister: For blowing out dust and debris.
  • Microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth: For drying and wiping surfaces.

Can you use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean a GPU?

I used 70% to clean ~200 games over the last year and have had no issues at all so far. As long as it's over 50% you are pretty much gonna be ok. But going higher won't hurt anything, and alcohol evaporates quickly and cleanly.

Isopropyl Alcohol As a Cleaner

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol safe for cleaning?

The good news is, if used correctly, isopropyl alcohol (70% by volume) is a good sanitizer. The bad news is it is a very poor cleaner. Although it has a small effect on some salts and grease, it has no detergent properties, which means it doesn't clean well.

What alcohol should I use to clean my CPU?

You cannot use your typical drinking alcohol for this job. You need a special kind of alcohol, commonly known as “rubbing alcohol”.

What to avoid when cleaning a PC?

Lastly, using abrusive materials like rough clothes or paper towels can scratch delicate surfaces inside the computer. It is important to use the right tools , such as anti-static brush and microfiber cloth , to avoid these common mistakes when cleaning a computer's interior.

Should I wipe my PC clean?

The primary reason you should wipe your computer hard drive is personal data safety. If you decide to sell, donate, or recycle your computer, it is not enough to delete your files because third parties can recover them using specialized software.

Can I use a hair dryer to clean my PC?

Safety Tips!

Do not use a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer to clean your PC fan. This may create static buildup and discharge into the sensitive electronics inside the computer case.

Will rubbing alcohol damage electronics?

Almost everything on your computer, television and phone can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol just fine. Sometimes the anti-glare designs of some computer screens can be a bit delicate. Check manufacturer instructions the first time you clean any screen to make sure you get the right chemical.

Is rubbing alcohol the same as isopropyl alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a diluted form of isopropyl alcohol. Sometimes, it also contains other ingredients, such as wintergreen essential oil. While the concentration of isopropyl alcohol is 100%, the concentration of many brands of rubbing alcohol is 70%.

Does 70% isopropyl alcohol leave a residue?

It leaves no residue, evaporates quickly relative to water, and does not cause corrosion. It is low toxicity compared to alternative solvents and is similarly relatively environmentally benign, being ozone safe with excellent “green solvent” scores.

Is rubbing alcohol OK on Windows?

Cleaning your windows regularly is key to their long-term maintenance. Homemade window cleaners can be whipped up using rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or dish soap. A lint-free microfiber cloth can be used for cleaning, but a squeegee will give you the best results and is a simple way to boost your cleaning power.

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol flammable?

ISOPROPYL RUBBING ALCOHOL 70% MSDS. WARNING! FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED.

Can I use an alcohol wipe on my computer?

Otherwise you risk damage to the laptop. Note: For disinfecting purposes you can use store bought disinfecting 70% alcohol wipes such as Lysol or Clorox or a solution of 70% Isopropyl (99%) alcohol to 30% lukewarm water. Please do not use Ethyl alcohol. Caution!

Can I clean my PC with a wipe?

Can I use disposable wet wipes made specifically for cleaning eyeglasses or camera lenses to clean my computer screen? Those should be perfectly okay to use on your glass-coated computer screens.

Will my PC run faster if I clean it?

Yes, giving your PC a good, old-fashioned cleaning can improve its performance. And it only takes minutes. For the most part, PCs don't slow down on their own over time. It's the way we amass apps, files, and services that slows things down as your PC ages.

Will factory reset remove viruses?

Factory resets remove most viruses

Performing a hard reset will get rid of most viruses on your device because it wipes everything away. When you return your phone to its original state, the process removes all programs and system files from your device, leaving your phone with a clean slate.

How long can a PC go without cleaning?

The extra time that you take to clean up the inside and outside of your gaming PC will ensure that it's running at maximum capacity and thus will improve your gaming experience. We recommend cleaning your computer every three to six months to keep the performance up and increase your machine's overall lifespan.

What can I clean my PC with?

Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Computer

Compressed air can. Microfiber cloths. Isopropyl alcohol (99%) Cotton swabs.

Is it safe to vacuum a PC?

Don't use a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum can create static electricity that can damage computer components. A vacuum can also create enough suction to make your fans spin hard enough to damage them. Don't use a feather duster or rag, either.

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol ok for CPU?

According to Dr. Vijay Iyer, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rutgers University, "70% isopropyl alcohol should be safe for most CPUs." He went on to say that if there is any residue left on the CPU after cleaning, it can be removed with a bit of water.

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol safe for electronics?

Isopropyl alcohol removes oils, adhesives, fingerprints, soldering flux and other contaminants, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. However, it is important to note that only alcohol with a grade of 90% or more should be employed on circuit boards and other internal electronics.

Previous article
How do you check if the ground is level or not?
Next article
Does regular Avon Skin So Soft repel mosquitoes?