Cleaning fans

[robbiec]

I'm in process of changing out my Noiseblocker PL2's for some industrial Noctua's. I'll end up with a stack of about 12 of the things and they'll be grubby with dust and webs. I'm considering just chucking them in the dishwasher and putting them into a box with some silicon pads - worth a shot?

 

[AlienALX]

Don't put them in the dish washer. A brush and a window cleaning cloth will do the job. You run a high risk of getting water trapped in the motor or melting them.

What I mean by window cleaning cloth is the wipes you can get for 99p. They have mild isoprop and window cleaner so it's perfect for fan blades.

 

[Dicehunter]

I'm in process of changing out my Noiseblocker PL2's for some industrial Noctua's. I'll end up with a stack of about 12 of the things and they'll be grubby with dust and webs. I'm considering just chucking them in the dishwasher and putting them into a box with some silicon pads - worth a shot?

If you want to ruin the fans yeah sure put them in the dishwasher, If you want to reuse them at some point or even sell them on then a clean paint brush and a microfibre cloth with iso alcohol.

 

[robbiec]

Makes sense. I have 4 of the Noctua's coming in next week and having a quick look inside showed an awful lot of dust and other stuff. The PL2's are still an expensive fan so I might be able to shift on for 50c on the Dollar

 

[robbiec]

As i'm a contrary sort I went ahead and did what I was advised not to do.

Before:


After:


Standard wash cycle in a dishwasher followed by a run in a heatpump dryer. 5 went in, 5 came out, 5 still working

 

[Warchild]

Just hope there is no onsetting corrosion now.

 

[g0ggles1994]

Just hope there is no onsetting corrosion now.

depends on whether any dishwasher detergent was used, I swear reading somewhere that it usually contains an anticorrosive agent for metal pans and whatnot.

I don't think dishwashing them is a bad idea in itself, people have dishwashed old motherboards which came out working and looking brand new so it does have merits. I'd say just air caution if something has never been washed before and make sure to give plenty of time for it to dry out.

 

[Avet]

All electronics if they are not powered go and knock yourself out. Just make sure you PROPERLY dry them after and remove MBO battery before washing. But fans no. Because fans have bearings, and those are lubricated. You don't want water in there.