F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop It was enjoyable to start cleaning my PC, but an incident the next day made me concerned!

It was enjoyable to start cleaning my PC, but an incident the next day made me concerned!

It was enjoyable to start cleaning my PC, but an incident the next day made me concerned!

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droffilcDP
Junior Member
1
09-11-2023, 05:27 AM
#1
Yesterday was my initial attempt to learn how to maintain my PC independently, but I had someone by my side since it was my first time. They really assisted me and showed me the right techniques to keep everything in good shape without harming the parts. One concern stood out: I cleaned the graphics card with a soft cloth that had dirt on it. After washing it for about 20 minutes, I put it in the heater to dry, but I’m not sure it was completely dry—maybe still a little damp. Then I wiped the GPU and left the PC off for roughly 20 to 45 minutes just in case any moisture remained. Is that duration sufficient to avoid damage from moisture? Could the slightly damp cloth have affected the RAM lights taking longer to power up or caused the monitor to flicker briefly after booting?
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droffilcDP
09-11-2023, 05:27 AM #1

Yesterday was my initial attempt to learn how to maintain my PC independently, but I had someone by my side since it was my first time. They really assisted me and showed me the right techniques to keep everything in good shape without harming the parts. One concern stood out: I cleaned the graphics card with a soft cloth that had dirt on it. After washing it for about 20 minutes, I put it in the heater to dry, but I’m not sure it was completely dry—maybe still a little damp. Then I wiped the GPU and left the PC off for roughly 20 to 45 minutes just in case any moisture remained. Is that duration sufficient to avoid damage from moisture? Could the slightly damp cloth have affected the RAM lights taking longer to power up or caused the monitor to flicker briefly after booting?

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critic_swag
Junior Member
20
09-11-2023, 12:26 PM
#2
I suspect it’s unrelated to the fabric you chose, likely just a coincidence, but I’ll make sure you avoid using a damp cloth again. That approach was risky. Even after drying, the leftover moisture remains conductive and may create a short circuit. The best cleaning method is using the highest concentration alcohol—ideally 99% or more—it evaporates quickly, usually within seconds, without leaving any residue that could damage connections.
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critic_swag
09-11-2023, 12:26 PM #2

I suspect it’s unrelated to the fabric you chose, likely just a coincidence, but I’ll make sure you avoid using a damp cloth again. That approach was risky. Even after drying, the leftover moisture remains conductive and may create a short circuit. The best cleaning method is using the highest concentration alcohol—ideally 99% or more—it evaporates quickly, usually within seconds, without leaving any residue that could damage connections.

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DR_Joykez
Junior Member
4
09-11-2023, 03:06 PM
#3
I waited roughly 20 to 45 minutes before powering on the PC. Is that long enough for the GPU to cool down if needed?
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DR_Joykez
09-11-2023, 03:06 PM #3

I waited roughly 20 to 45 minutes before powering on the PC. Is that long enough for the GPU to cool down if needed?

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sidyfan
Member
151
09-11-2023, 04:42 PM
#4
It doesn't help that dryness isn't enough to protect it. The trace left by water evaporation can harm any electronics, possibly after hours or even years. Avoid using water on devices—definitely not safe. You might be lucky.
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sidyfan
09-11-2023, 04:42 PM #4

It doesn't help that dryness isn't enough to protect it. The trace left by water evaporation can harm any electronics, possibly after hours or even years. Avoid using water on devices—definitely not safe. You might be lucky.

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harrycool222
Member
50
09-13-2023, 03:31 AM
#5
Was der Dozent, der dir beigab, wie man Komponenten sauber macht, dich daran gehindert, einen Schwamm zu verwenden? Welche Komponente der GPU hast du mit einem Schwamm gereinigt?
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harrycool222
09-13-2023, 03:31 AM #5

Was der Dozent, der dir beigab, wie man Komponenten sauber macht, dich daran gehindert, einen Schwamm zu verwenden? Welche Komponente der GPU hast du mit einem Schwamm gereinigt?

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Just_Senya
Member
169
10-03-2023, 12:31 AM
#6
I completed it immediately after he departed... the GPU's surface.
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Just_Senya
10-03-2023, 12:31 AM #6

I completed it immediately after he departed... the GPU's surface.

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67
10-03-2023, 05:36 AM
#7
What GPU do you have?
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CraftyGamingYT
10-03-2023, 05:36 AM #7

What GPU do you have?

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NinatoPvP
Posting Freak
899
10-03-2023, 10:54 AM
#8
Relocated to Troubleshooting section
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NinatoPvP
10-03-2023, 10:54 AM #8

Relocated to Troubleshooting section