The best homemade electronic cleaner is a 50/50 mix of 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and distilled water. This simple, fast-evaporating solution safely cuts through grime and fingerprint oils without leaving mineral deposits, streaking, or causing electrical shorts.
Create safe, highly effective DIY electronic cleaners using basic household items. The best general-purpose electronic cleaner is a 1:1 mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. For a gentle, green option, use a mixture of 9 parts distilled water and 1 part distilled white vinegar.
The best household alternative to commercial electrical contact cleaner is 99% or 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). It is non-conductive, dissolves grime easily, and evaporates rapidly. For heavy corrosion or mechanical parts, you can also use white vinegar or a paste of baking soda and water.
No, you should never use regular WD-40 Multi-Use Product on electrical contacts.
For everyday screens, the best all-around cleaner is 70% Isopropyl Alcohol mixed with distilled water, applied via a microfiber cloth. For internal components, motherboards, and contact points, use a fast-drying aerosol electronic contact cleaner. Always power down and unplug devices before cleaning to prevent short circuits.
These options range from common household items to specialized industrial solutions.
You should never use straight vinegar on an electronic screen, such as the one on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or TV. “Vinegar can damage a screen's anti-glare properties and even make a touchscreen less responsive,” says Antonette Asedillo, who leads computer testing at CR.
If you find any deteriorated terminals or electrical connectors, treat them with a spray of WD-40® Specialist® Fast Drying Contact Cleaner. This will eliminates various types of residue and condensation on electronic equipment, including delicate materials.
While WD-40 is a great multipurpose solvent, it is a poor long-term lubricant and should never be used on items that require specialized lubricants, come into contact with food, or are made of sensitive plastics and rubber.
The best and safest liquid for cleaning electrical components is 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). It cuts through grease and grime, evaporates almost instantly, and contains virtually no water, leaving behind no conductive residue.
Always use rubbing alcohol instead of hydrogen peroxide for electronics. Rubbing alcohol (70% to 90%+ isopropyl alcohol) evaporates almost instantly and leaves no moisture behind. Hydrogen peroxide is mostly water, which can cause severe short circuits and metal corrosion.
Electronic cleaner liquids—also known as contact cleaners or isopropyl alcohol solutions—are designed to safely remove dirt, dust, and flux without causing electrical shorts or damaging sensitive components. They are fast-drying and leave zero residue.
Standard Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are generally safe for hard, nonporous surfaces (like phone screens, the outside of a laptop casing, or a mouse), but you should never use them on delicate screens (like TVs or desktop monitors). Bleach-based and alcohol formulas can strip away anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings.
The best household alternative to commercial electrical contact cleaner is 99% or 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). It is non-conductive, dissolves grime easily, and evaporates rapidly. For heavy corrosion or mechanical parts, you can also use white vinegar or a paste of baking soda and water.
Professional cleaners achieve that sought-after clean-home smell by addressing odors at their source and using natural, non-toxic products to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. From neutralizing odors with baking soda to infusing spaces with essential oils, their techniques prioritize both effectiveness and safety.
All-purpose cleaner: 1/4 cup white vinegar 2 tsp. borax 3 1/2 cups hot water 20 drops lemon or lavender essential oil 1/4 cup liquid dish soap In a 32-oz. spray bottle, mix the vinegar, borax, and water thoroughly.
Spraying WD-40 in your toilet bowl dissolves stubborn hard water stains, rust, and lime deposits. Its petroleum-based formula breaks down grime and leaves behind a slick, water-repellent coating that prevents new mineral buildup and waste from sticking to the porcelain.
There is no functional or safety reason to keep WD-40 in a refrigerator. In fact, it is better stored at room temperature. However, you might hear about this because WD-40 is an excellent product for your fridge.
WD-40 Multi-Use is primarily a solvent designed to displace water, loosen rust, and clean. For long-lasting, heavy-duty, or specialized lubrication, upgrade to one of these targeted alternatives based on your needs:
For general exterior cleaning and screens, use a pre-mixed 70% isopropyl alcohol and water solution or a dedicated cleaner. For internal components, circuit boards, and sensitive contacts, use a fast-drying, residue-free aerosol contact cleaner.
Disconnect the power source to avoid shocks or shorts. Spray the contacts liberally with a dedicated Electrical Contact Cleaner and scrub away grime or light corrosion using a small brush, pipe cleaner, or lightly abrasive sandpaper. Wipe dry or let it air-dry completely.
If you are in a pinch and need an alternative, 100% silicone plumbers grease is the safest and most effective substitute, as it is non-conductive, waterproof, and safe for rubber and plastics. Other specialized lubricants like Krytox 205g0 work well for low-voltage applications like mechanical keyboard stabilizers.
The safest liquid for electronics is Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), ideally 90% or higher. It is non-conductive, dissolves oils and grime, and evaporates instantly without leaving corrosive residues.
With the promise of food and protection, your porch or patio is irresistible to these little critters. While chemical-laden insecticides can effectively eliminate spider infestations, vinegar offers a non-toxic alternative. How does it work? Spiders dislike vinegar's pungent odor, and they avoid areas treated with it.
Vinegar is a versatile, natural cleaner, but its high acidity can easily damage delicate materials, dull finishes, and corrode metals. To prevent costly household repairs and material degradation, never use vinegar on the following surfaces: