A woman has shared her shock after discovering that her boyfriend attempted to clean her computer monitor overnight, only for the device to be left water-damaged and unusable.
The post, shared by Reddit user Prestigious_Loan4229, describes how a simple comment about dust led to an unexpected outcome.
‘Drenched’
The woman wrote that she had planned to clean a small spot on her monitor the next morning. Instead, she woke up to what she described as, “this absolute water-damaged mess,” after turning it on.
When the original poster (OP) asked what had happened, her boyfriend said he had, “drenched the entire thing in cleaner.”
The woman added that while she had previously shown him how to clean certain items, she “never in my life did I think I’d have to explain that technology shouldn’t be drowned in disinfectant spray.”
Improper cleaning of electronic devices is a common issue, particularly as people try to keep high-touch surfaces hygienic.
According to Fortec US, “One of the most critical don’ts when cleaning a touchscreen is avoiding abrasive or chemical cleaners,” noting that such products can lead to “permanent damage.”
The guidance also warns against excessive moisture, recommending only lightly dampened cloths rather than soaking a surface.
Similarly, advice from AARP stresses caution when using liquids on electronics.
“Be careful not to get fluid into the openings, such as the charging port or, on older models, the headphone jack,” tech expert Marc Saltzman wrote, adding that even water-resistant devices should not be submerged.
‘I think I know who’
Responses to the post included both humor and shared experiences. As one Reddit pundit shared, “Someone in the house did that to our 70-inch theatre room TV. When we took it off the wall to throw it out, tipped sideways a blue liquid dripped out the corners—likely Windex.
“To this day, no one will own up, but just last week, my mum destroyed the Dyson stick vacuum head by… soaking it in the laundry sink; you know, the thing that’s known for having a powered spin head thing. So I think I also know who broke the TV.”
Another pundit took a lighter view of the OP’s situation, remarking: “Well, at least it’s now virus-free.”
The incident reflects a wider misunderstanding about how to balance cleanliness with device care. Screens are frequently touched throughout the day, making them a potential source of germs.
AARP notes that high-contact devices like phones and computers are handled dozens of times daily, increasing the need for regular cleaning. At the same time, incorrect methods can lead to costly damage.
Crash Course
Manufacturers and experts generally recommend powering devices off, using microfiber cloths and avoiding harsh chemicals or excessive liquid. Even small amounts of moisture entering internal components can cause short circuits or long-term malfunctions.
For the OP, the lesson came at a cost. What began as an attempt at being helpful resulted in a damaged monitor and a crash course in basic tech care for her partner.
Newsweek has reached out to Prestigious_Loan4229 for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
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