What can I use to clean a PCB? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Deactivated-1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2020, 11:11:02 pm
content: I have a pcb that has some soda or something on it, it’s not flux.I used naphtha to clean it and it worked really well but I ran out of it, it evaporated really fast.So what can I use, I thought about using diesel, acetone (I think it will damage it) or gas, but gas works no better than diesel for cleaning and is super flammable so I won’t use that.

author: I wanted a rude username
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2020, 11:26:59 pm
content: The usual suggestion is isopropyl alcohol, but ethyl alcohol works fine too. Wipe it with a brush (e.g. an old toothbrush).However, if the dirt is actually some sugary residue like from soda pop, I would wash it in water first (preferably distilled water if your tap water has a high pH), then alcohol. Sugar is not really alcohol-soluble.

author: I wanted a rude username
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2020, 11:45:33 pm
content: Maybe you can mail order it.The prices seemOK.I would avoid using that water unless there was no other option. Your nearest supermarket probably sells distilled water. Sometimes it is in the clothes washing section, because people use for their clothes irons.

author: muawiya
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 05:26:47 am
content: Outside of IPA I'd recommend getting lint free wipes like the ones from Kimtech

author: deskpro256
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 07:36:47 am
content: Hey, if you're based in Riga, you can try Lemona. I accidentally came across this:https://www.lemona.lv/?page=item&i_id=217493

author: agehall
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 08:15:18 am
content: Quote from: ELS122 on January 12, 2020, 11:56:23 pmI would dry it in the oven or using a hair dryer just to make sure that there is no water left anywhere. Otherwise you can bet there will be corrosion there later...

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 02:21:56 pm
content: A little water isn't going to hurt anything or cause corrosion as long as you dry it off. I've cleaned many old boards by running them through the dishwasher. I always give them a final rinse with distilled water and let them dry thoroughly (sometimes in the oven at low temperature).https://www.radiomuseum.org/forum/tektronix_washing_your_instrument.html

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 02:30:39 pm
content: Corrosion from liquid exposure that's not dried off is a very real thing with tightly enclosed electronics with minimal internal airflow. If it's a mostly open PCB then it will probably evaporate before causing much corrosion, but inside an enclosure corrosion from liquid is very common and nasty.Just watch Louis Rossman or Jessa Jones on YouTube repairing MacBooks and iDevices that have been exposed to liquids. The corrosion can be horrible and destroys components and connections. Devices can "survive" the initial exposure and seem fine for awhile, until corrosion sets in and causes component failure.I would think that Isopropyl Alcohol would be readily available in any country. For electronics/lab work look for the 99% concentration if you can find it. Lab & cleaning supply places should carry it, as does Amazon. Our local WalMarts here carries 91% if that's the best you can get. The typical medical grade 70% IPA has added water and sometimes additives to prolong evaporation and reduce drying the skin so it's generally discouraged.I have "rescued" liquid-exposed electronics (phones, remote controls, etc.) by submerging in IPA for several hours or overnight. The IPA gets into all the tight spaces and displaces the water, then evaporates quickly when exposed to air.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 02:50:38 pm
content: In an emergency, if you've got nothing better to clean a spill from a valuable PCB, even a 40% ethanol solution is better than just water, so use Vodka, Grappa or other unflavoured, unsweetened white potable spirits! You still need to dry it thoroughly in a warm place with good airflow, due to the high water content.

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 03:42:18 pm
content: In electronics and computer stores, look for PRF IPA Kontakt or AG Termopasty Kontakt cleaner; it's pure isopropyl alcohol. At leastliveshop.lvin Rīga sells it in a liter canister, which should last you years. There are several web shops who have it in spray form.I use acetone, as it's cheap and easily available here. Use the pure stuff, as nail polish removers often have some kind of soap and scents. Check auto parts and paint stores. Got a half-liter bottle almost ten years ago, used for both electronics and removing heat sink compound from processors and heat sinks, and I've still got half of it left.Acetone does not damage PCBs or the components, and is commonly used as a PCB cleaner. Just ventilate well, the fumes are not healthy.(When I started using flux, and acetone with an old toothbrush to clean my "soldering" work, it made a huge difference in the results; looks half decent! Borrowing a saying from welders,"flux and cleaning makes me the solderer I ain't".)