[jakemfbacon]

I don't know if this is a stupid question but tried searching for it and can not find an answer. My xspc 360 radiator was super dusty and I used a datavac to blow a lot of dust off but there is some that is stuck to the fins. Can you submerge a radiator in water and then let it dry? Never seen anyone do this so assuming no.

 

[Big Elf]

Yes, I sometimes use the shower to get rid of the dust on mine.

 

[BradleyW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakemfbacon

I don't know if this is a stupid question but tried searching for it and can not find an answer. My xspc 360 radiator was super dusty and I used a datavac to blow a lot of dust off but there is some that is stuck to the fins. Can you submerge a radiator in water and then let it dry? Never seen anyone do this so assuming no.

Yep! You can! I always do this with my rads. Just buy a large bottle of distilled water and pour it into a bowl. Then, submerge the whole rad.
Or if you live in the western EU, there are far less chemicals in the water so you can use tap water to rinse.

 

[ZealotKi11er]

I used to too it a lot. Now i am too lazy and just use compressed air to blow the dust inside the case. Hot water is a good idea. When i used to do it all kinds of disgusting dust, oils would come off. At the same time give the inside a cleaning too with vinegar.

 

[NewHighScore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakemfbacon

I don't know if this is a stupid question but tried searching for it and can not find an answer. My xspc 360 radiator was super dusty and I used a datavac to blow a lot of dust off but there is some that is stuck to the fins. Can you submerge a radiator in water and then let it dry? Never seen anyone do this so assuming no.

Yep. You sure can run it under water. I just run mine under the sink a couple times over from both sides then blow as much of the water out with a can of air. Make sure you let it completely dry off before you put your fans back and and put it in your PC.

 

[GingerJohn]

Yeah, no problems with that.

I would use the DataVac first to get the worst off, then wash it. You can just run it under the tap (cover the ports if you want) but make sure you dry it well afterwards to avoid the exposed copper fins corroding (DataVac is good for that too).

 

[jakemfbacon]

haha ok thanks guys!!! Yeah i need to clean the inside with vinegar... does it matter if its hot?

 

[GingerJohn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakemfbacon

haha ok thanks guys!!! Yeah i need to clean the inside with vinegar... does it matter if its hot?

It helps if it is mixed with hot water.

Don't make it too hot and remember that the radiator surface will get as hot as the liquid too - you might want to hold it with a towel to protect your hands.

 

[BradleyW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GingerJohn

It helps if it is mixed with hot water.

Don't make it too hot and remember that the radiator surface will get as hot as the liquid too - you might want to hold it with a towel to protect your hands.

Yeah, protect your hands. I would just use fairly warm liquid so it is not too hot to touch.

 

[Shpongle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GingerJohn

It helps if it is mixed with hot water.

Don't make it too hot and remember that the radiator surface will get as hot as the liquid too - you might want to hold it with a towel to protect your hands.

This.

When I was pouring near-boiling water in my rad I didn't think "Oh, yeah, it's a giant thermal transfer device". Almost dropped my UT60 when I was cleaning it.