[mikebonehead]

A friend mistook air intake manifold cleaner(auto) for air cleaner and sprayed it a couple times into computer. She hasn't turned it on yet, instead waiting for further instructions on cleaning it up. What could be used to clean it off and could this have caused severe damage. All help is very much appreciated. Thanks.

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Hi mikebonehead
Have you got the product details for what was sprayed into the computer, some of these cleaners are alcohol based so if left for a while it should evaporate, for how long depends on how much was sprayed inside.
What are the computer details, desktop or laptop, custom built or brand name such as Dell or HP etc + model name or number.

[phillpower2]

Hi mikebonehead
Have you got the product details for what was sprayed into the computer, some of these cleaners are alcohol based so if left for a while it should evaporate, for how long depends on how much was sprayed inside.
What are the computer details, desktop or laptop, custom built or brand name such as Dell or HP etc + model name or number.

[mikebonehead]

Thank you for the reply. It's a desktop. Compaq Presario SR2011WM. She said she sprayed it twice very quickly and it wasn't sprayed very close. It might be oil-based because that's what the residue looks like. I'll call and ask if she could tell me what exactly it is. Thanks.

[phillpower2]

The fact that it is a desktop is fortunate as the access to clean it will be a lot easier.
We need to get the products details before making a final recommendation but if it was oil
based then something that evaporates quickly needs to be used, 90% pure alcohol or acetone
for example, it needs to be applied sparingly on a lint free cloth, be sure to check the Ram
any other cards or slots and the PSU for contamination

Edit: You could also consider using a recognised PCB cleaner such as the one at the link;
http://www.interstat...electronics.htm

Edited by phillpower2, 08 January 2011 - 03:04 PM.

[mikebonehead]

Thank you very much for the helpful replies.

[phillpower2]

No worries and keep us posted.

[Digerati]

It might be important to know where in the computer she sprayed it. If just into the vents, I would not be too concerned if only a couple seconds. If she sprayed directly onto a circuit board, into a heatsink, into the PSU or into the DVD disk tray, I might be more concerned. Personally, unless she is an electronics technician, she should take it to a shop, swallow her pride, admit her mistake, and cough up the dough to have it professionally cleaned by someone else who is responsible for any collateral damage done while cleaning.

In any case, engine cleaning compounds are, by their very nature, caustic stuff and not designed to be used on electronics not protected from the elements. She needs to move quickly.