At most, experts said you can use a solution of 1 part distilled vinegar to 5 of 6 parts water. Or, many experts say, never use rubbing alcohol. And never hand sanitizing gel, which tech experts say can damage your devices.
Do not use rubbing alcohol, paper towels, compressed air, dish soap or vinegar. All of these can damage your phone: Paper towels can scratch your screen, and vinegar could damage its coating. Do not use hand sanitizer on your phone screen, but do sanitize your hands before touching your phone.
Use a lint-free microfiber cloth like a lens cloth to gently wipe away smudges and fingerprints. For dirt and buildup, dampen the microfiber towel lightly and wipe down the screen first, and then the case. Avoid using paper towels or tissues because the lint could scratch your tablet screen's protective coating.
Simply put, it can damage your hardware. Hand sanitizers typically have a high alcohol content (usually above 60%), which makes them effective cleaners with a wide range of uses. The problem is that they often also contain water that can, of course, damage a system and cause shortages.
Last but not least, hand sanitizer can be used to clean away smudges on glass surfaces. Yes, this means your precious iPhone or computer screen can be smudge free with a simple spray and wipe.
And not just damage it in a small way, but totally ruin the display. Note: Use the 70% isopropyl alcohol. The higher concentrations might be too harsh. The big DON'T of using isopropyl alcohol is this -- don't pour or even spray isopropyl alcohol on your display.
As far as alcohol yes. The conductivity of isopropyl alcohol (which is commonly the major component of rubbing alcohol) is typically 6 μS. m−1, so it is very low (typical value for a metal would be multiple millions of S.m−1!).
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.
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% is ideal for industrial and consumer cleaning of electronics, because its fast evaporation ensures that it will dry spot free.
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.
Re: White spirit for cleaning? Be aware - rubbing alcohol is a combination of isopropryl alcohol and lanolin. The lanolin is added to prevent drying of the (human) skin. The lanolin is not required and is certainly detrimental to using on electronic/mechanical parts as it will leave a residue.
Long answer: Many components on a circuit board are sealed, so would be ok for a quick wash. But some components are very sensitive to moisture, and washing those could lead to a catastrophic failure. Such as a relay, switch, or transformer; these generally are not sealed or are sealed poorly.
Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any visible dust and dirt. If necessary, apply gentle pressure to remove surface-level smudges. If any marks remain, wipe with a lightly moistened cloth. For glass-coated screens, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
Wipe on hand sanitizer (but not if you've just shaved). Sanitize a toilet seat in a public bathroom when there are no covers available. Deodorize your yoga mat. Treat clothing stains (make sure your hand sanitizer is clear and fragrance-free for this one).
Just don't spray your device with hand sanitizer. It might cause a short-circuit. “But isn't isopropyl alcohol non-conductive?”, you might ask. And it's true.
Using them on soft surfaces: Antibacterial hand wipes aren't intended for use on your sofa cushions or your rugs. They are intended for use on your hands. Cleaning fruits and veggies: This is a huge no-no because the cleaning agents in the wipes are absorbed into the food and can be toxic when ingested.
Some devices are more sensitive than others and can be easily damaged by chemicals. But generally, if you're being careful about it and you're using isopropyl alcohol that's diluted to no more than 70%, your electronics should be safe. Just avoid spilling it on sensitive components.
What About Vodka? Most vodka, and most liquor generally, is around 40% alcohol by volume, so no, it's a bad idea for electronics repairs.
For most laboratories, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is the preferable choice for cleaning electronics because of its rapid rate of evaporation and its ubiquity in the laboratory environment at the purity required to clean electronics without damaging them.
DO use a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol solution (aka 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.
The short answer is: yes, 91% isopropyl alcohol is safe for most electronics, as long as you follow a few simple precautions. In fact, if you plan on cleaning sensitive components like circuit boards, 91% IPA is actually one of the best choices.
In short … sanitizers reduce bacteria on a surface by at least 99.9%, disinfectants kill a wider range of microorganisms (than sanitizers), and cleaners simply remove dirt, soils and impurities from surfaces.
Methanol or methyl alcohol, also known as wood alcohol, is used to make rocket fuel and antifreeze and is very toxic. Methanol should never be rubbed on your skin or swallowed. Swallowing or drinking hand sanitizers contaminated with methanol can cause serious health problems, including permanent blindness, and death.
If you have a price tag or any other kind of sticker you need to remove, then hand sanitizer can help you do so. The alcohol will help get through the adhesive of the sticker. Simply rub it into the sticker, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrape the sticker off.