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A large quantity of assorted computer cables came into my possession. The collection includes almost every type of computer-related cable (video, USB, Ethernet, printer, audio and speaker, SATA, power, etc.). I'm focused here on just passive cables, nothing with active electronics or things like power bricks. They became dirty in storage and need to be cleaned.
Most of us have probably heard about washing a keyboard in the dishwasher, and now I am wondering if the same method can be applied to dirty cables. My assumption is that because the older PS2 keyboards used in these dishwashing experiments have their own cables attached, what could be the difference?
Some of the possible concerns I can envision with using a dishwasher to clean them:
- Cable construction could be different from a keyboard cable and the materials and fastenings might not hold up to dishwasher cleaning.
- Dishwasher water temperature might be too hot for the materials used in some kinds of cables.
- Immersing some kinds of cables in water might be bad for them, so some might be cleanable in a dishwasher and some not.
My assumption is that if all kinds of cables cannot be safely cleaned in this way, cables fall into just a few broad categories that drive what would be dishwasher-safe.
Questions:
Dishwashability
What characteristics (for example, type of construction or type of use), would differentiate computer-related cables that should not be cleaned in a dishwasher, and why?
Scope of risk
If a computer cable is put through the dishwasher and is adversely affected in a way that isn't externally visible (so it would be used rather than discarded), would it be only the cable that was affected? Or, is there any kind of computer cable where the kinds of adverse effects that could come from cleaning in a dishwasher could damage the equipment it's plugged into?
17What kind of contamination are you trying to clean off of them? – PseudoSu – 2016-07-28T19:40:14.980
9Indoor UTP cables (Category-5e/6) are not designed to get wet, and the sheaths are not really waterproof. Water inside the cable could cause problems by changing the dielectric properties of the cables. – Ron Maupin – 2016-07-28T19:51:35.847
2Contamination from rodents mainly. Also, I am asking this question because most people will find their cables running through dusty/dirty areas and can also get things spilled on or in them (think sticky substances like juice). – user58446 – 2016-07-28T20:00:26.867
17you are kidding right? – Keltari – 2016-07-28T23:13:19.787
1@Keltari Can you imagine that a box left open with cables inside for several years in a storage area might become home to rodents? I'm not sure what others people found useful though, other than if they have some grimy cables that need to be cleaned. – user58446 – 2016-07-29T01:16:08.840
5After your edited missing one: No. Don't do it. Absolutely no way. They're not cables, they're mains powered devices with cables hanging off them. If you plugged one in after spraying water all over it, you'd be lucky if it only fried itself and not you. – Chris H – 2016-07-29T08:29:18.777
6Also do you really want that <s>sh</s> stuff getting into something you're going to use to wash your plates? They don't really sterilise you know. – Chris H – 2016-07-29T08:33:36.380
4Just because the cables don't have a "hand wash only" label doesn't make them machine washable :) The isopropyl suggestion is the best, but you ought to be able to clean most cables by wiping with a damp cloth and detergent. Do not dip the ends in water. – pjc50 – 2016-07-29T10:04:34.620
3I don't advocate one way or another regarding cables, but I will share this: My company manufactures test equipment, we assemble our own surface mount and through-hole PCBs. We use a standard old dishwasher to clean flux/etc from the boards. We use distilled water, and we don't use normal detergent (if at all). Water isn't necessarily harmful to all electronics. Some components, cannot get wet (that's on the datasheet). So, comments like
If you plugged one in after spraying water all over it, you'd be lucky if it only fried itself and not you.
are technically not completely correct. – Steve – 2016-07-29T15:58:26.6631The kinds of components that can't get wet include things like unsealed relays or transformer windings that could trap water. Also, some components must be "baked" before running through a solder reflow oven, because any moisture inside the part can cause "popcorning" when the board is heated to reflow the solder. – Steve – 2016-07-29T16:00:57.083
@random, there are a lot of answers, none particularly long, and all providing similar information. Is "too broad" just the closest available close reason for something you view as not a good fit for a different reason? Bottom line, are there specific issues that can be fixed to make the question on-topic? – fixer1234 – 2016-07-29T18:52:16.057
Cut down on the types of cables being washed; Confine it to either dishwasher or sink-washing; Stay on the washing and not residue water http://superuser.com/questions/372446/i-washed-my-usb-drive-any-long-term-risks ; Sidenote: The cables are not worth several hundred dollars, that's just how much was spent on them in the first place
– random – 2016-07-29T19:12:23.200@random Thank you for the suggestions. These are all the cables in question, so leaving one out would make it incomplete. A dishwasher was used because it is the most extreme and worked for a keyboard. This is regarding cables, not a device containing a circuit board as in the question you linked to... – user58446 – 2016-07-30T01:47:47.213
@random Also, the cost is the amount it would take to replace them as they will all be used. Additionally, the cost will be affected by the quantities of each cable. Say 10 SATA cables @ $5 each (average figure, varies by manufacturer), that's $50 dollars plus shipping right there... Now, are you gonna get around to an offer on my mystery box now that you're done low-balling me? :) – user58446 – 2016-07-30T01:50:40.053