Is it safe to clean a PC case with a slightly damp microfiber cloth while powered on?

Posted by tio0___@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 14 comments

Hi guys,

I’ve got a high-end gaming PC and noticed some light paint marks and dust on the outside of the case.

So I wiped it using a microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of distilled water (just slightly damp, not wet). I only cleaned the outside metal panels, nothing near vents or openings, and I didn’t spray anything directly on the case.

The PC was on at the time (yeah I know not the best idea).

Everything is working completely fine after that — temps are normal, no crashes or anything.

Just wanted to check:

- Is there any actual risk from doing this?

- Could a tiny bit of moisture cause issues later on?

- What’s the best way to clean the outside safely next time?

Thanks

[-]

PoppaMeth@reddit

I pressure wash mine on every loading screen.

[-]

RumbleTheCassette@reddit

People are being way too worried in here. While I don't recommend doing it, there is virtually no risk of damage.

[-]

Sketchiest@reddit

Mini duster for components inside, and slightly damp cloth everthing else. Always power it off cleaning the inside in anyway.

[-]

Sensei-D@reddit

I’ve honestly never used anything other than a dry duster on mine. It’s never gotten dirty enough to need a damp cloth.

[-]

GreatPotatoMuffin@reddit

Always turn off your PC before cleaning it.

And no, cleaning the outside of the case probably didn’t do any damage at all. But since turning a PC on and off takes literally seconds, there’s no need to take that risk in the future.

[-]

Stonegrasshopper@reddit

Assuming the cloth was slightly damp and not wringing wet there is no danger wiping the outside of your case with it.

Obviously it is not a good idea to touch the internals whilst the PC is on (or plugged in) but by the sounds of things you have nothing to worry about.

[-]

DrKrFfXx@reddit

I do it all the time.

[-]

pokemonAbuser@reddit

Lol. No

[-]

Naerven@reddit

If it's working then it's working. No it's not considered safe. Yes many of us have done it anyway.

[-]

jhaluska@reddit

If it's already done, no you likely didn't do any damage. I still wouldn't make it a habit.

It's mainly that it only really takes a drop to ruin something, so why risk it?

[-]

aragorn18@reddit

It sounds like you got lucky. Even with distilled water, trying to clean your PC while it's running is just a bad idea. There's simply no good reason to not just turn it off.

If it's working, then great. But, don't do that again.

[-]