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syaoran-kun said:
… digital data can't degrade over time (yes, that's why digital data is so awesome).
Actually data can degrade as with every read/write/copy there is a very slight chance of error, in a process that will eventually cause degradation. Of course this is assuming over a huge amount of time and usage, not what most files see.

That's said, you're completely right and it would not manifest as Jpeg artifacts but as corrupted files.

Tip to OP: check your "cleaning" software. You wouldn't use bleach for your teeth, and the same logic applies here: always read what the product does.