The first thing we need to clarify is that despite having the same name, Rubbing alcohol and isopropyl alcohol belong to different families.. In reality, they are different chemical compounds that should not be confused. Keep in mind that if you use the wrong type of alcohol, you will damage your PC. So this is always the one you should use to clean electronic components so that they remain as good as the first day.
Isopropyl alcohol, your best ally for cleaning your PC
Isopropyl alcohol, 70% alcohol or isopropanol It is a colorless chemical compound, but it has a very strong and even unpleasant odor (the smell disappears after a few seconds, so do not worry if everything smells like isopropyl alcohol after using it). At first glance, it is the same as sanitary alcohol, but at low temperatures it becomes quite dense. Of course, just like sanitary alcohol it is highly flammableso you should be careful when using it. That is why we recommend cleaning with the products unplugged from the power source or, failing that, with the batteries or accumulators removed.
Properties of Isopropyl Alcohol
The reason it is used to clean electronic components is because It is less abrasive than rubbing alcohol.
Best of all, it evaporates quickly, this can be seen simply by opening a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. What makes leaves no trace or moisture. That is, you will not have liquid drops affecting the paths and contacts of the parts. Avoid ing potential short circuits on the circuits of our components.
Precautions when using it
Being a chemical product, it carries a series of dangers. We do not need to tell you to leave it out of reach of children and your pets because of what could happen. In any case, a series of elements must be taken into account when using it. That is why a series of points must be taken into account for greater safety. Do not worry, these are precautions that everyone can take.
Flammable
Do not store it in places near fire or where sparks could fall. it could cause a fire. Our advice is to keep it as far away from the kitchen as possible. If you have a gas stove and if you have a smoking area at home, try to keep it away. By the way, close the lid of the product tightly so that it does not escape into the environment.
Use it in ventilated spaces
When cleaning your PC and peripherals with isopropyl alcohol open the windows of the room you are in wide open, lest the buildup of gas end up making you dizzy. If you have a fan, we recommend using it to recirculate the air in the room once you’re done. In other words, don’t use it in a windowless basement.
This can damage your skin
That’s why we recommend wearing latex gloves when using it, as it is not abrasive with some materials, but that doesn’t mean it is not destructive to your epidermis. And it is much better to be safe, as prolonged exposure can damage your skin. And we don’t need to tell you that it is advisable to wash your hands after using it.
Where can you buy this type of alcohol?
Well, it’s a chemical that you can get in a multitude of different places, plus, you probably won’t even need to order it from an online store, since you can find it in:
- Department stores like Mercadona, Leroy Merlin or El Corte Inglés.
- Look for it in the cleaning/pharmacy section of said malls.
- In hardware stores.
- In pharmacies.
- It is not found in pharmacies because it is considered a maintenance product.
In any case, if you live in a somewhat isolated area or far from a shopping center, you can always buy it on Amazon.
How to use it to clean components and peripherals
Our advice is that if you need to clean your PC from the inside, the first thing is to try to remove all the dust. To do this, we recommend combining the use of compressed air and a handheld vacuum cleaner.
- For the most difficult spaces we recommend using a toothbrush, even for very narrow places an interdental spray or even a toothpick can be effective in removing dirt from the joints.
- We recommend using a microfiber cloth to which you can add isopropyl alcohol to clean little by little. You can also use cotton, but cloths are much more practical from our point of view.
- It’s not about adding a lot, just the right amount, and doing it little by little in each part, there’s no need to rub like a brute.
Of course, be patient and remember that the whole process is worth it. In the end, what you will achieve is that your components have a longer life and without overheating problems due to accumulated dirt. In addition, if you have them in good condition, you can always resell them easily if you no longer need them. In other words, not only will you extend the life of your components and peripherals, but you will also get more for them. So, with this, you will also get some money back.
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