Cleaning your PC with expired isopropyl alcohol can be risky — here's why

That bottle in your cabinet may not be as safe for electronics as you think.

By Deven McClure Nov. 7, 2026 10:45 am EST PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

Both the interior and exterior of your PC can get quite dirty, especially if you keep it on the floor. For many people, isopropyl alcohol is a go-to electronics cleanser, as it's known as one of the only safe-but-strong substances you can use to clean your phone screen. However, if your bottle has been sitting for a long time, it might not be as safe as you think.