Cleaning rubber esb mat - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: commerou
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2014, 01:30:29 pm
content: HiI have a rubber esd mat on my bench, but it is getting quite dirty with flux and other residues.What do you guys use for cleaning these mats?I have seen a couple commercial antistatic mat cleaner like thishttp://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/3M/8001The big question, which cleaner is the best and/or is there an easy and clever solution to this problem?I am not sure if this is the right forum to ask, if not, admins; feel free to move the topic.-Commerou

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2014, 09:38:39 pm
content: Quote from: commerou on November 13, 2014, 01:30:29 pmI just use Formula 409 or other similar degreaser.-a

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2014, 09:56:39 pm
content: I've always used fantastik and a scrub brush.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2014, 09:58:37 pm
content: I keep knocking over my IPA bottle, the cleaning stuff not the beer, and that keeps it clean.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2014, 09:58:44 pm
content: wipe off with a cloth dabbed in goof-off ( orange terpentine)second wipe with a cloth dabbed in flux removerthird wipe with a cloth drenched in IPAfourth wipe with Chemtronics Staticide.good as new.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2014, 12:57:54 pm
content: I read somewhere or Dave said it in the video that, too much cleaning with wrong solvents will wear away the static dissipative properties of the rubber mat.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2014, 06:42:44 pm
content: Quote from: Legit-Design on November 14, 2014, 12:57:54 pmIt's easy enough to check. As a general rule use a white cloth or black one (opposite of the item you are checking). Next apply a small amount of cleaner to an unused (or unseen) place let sit for 30 seconds wipe and check cloth cloth for rub-off (blue surface of mat) if you see any the that's not the cleaner to use.To see what is in commercial products check the safety data sheet it will have a list of the chems used and in some cases percentages.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 14, 2014, 07:07:09 pm
content: Quote from: Legit-Design on November 14, 2014, 12:57:54 pmYes it's true. There are even special cleaning agents for ESD surfaces. For sure it is not good to use solvents too often.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2014, 01:07:42 am
content: I just use Flash kitchen worktop spray. Never had a problem with it affecting the material.

author: TheNewLab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2014, 08:50:36 am
content: Dave is correct.Using non-ESD solvents reduce the ESD protection and may deteriorate the mat.There are many brands out there. They are all fine. Just buy a large liquid bottle, use a hand-pump sprayer. I just happened to purchaseReztore Surface and Mat Cleaner. The brand does not matter. For me, it was the best price on eBay..less than MCM electronics.I bought a quart because I had a mat that was really messed up. I soaked the entire mat, then wiped it off. The mat is like new..except a few holes I had managed to gouge into it. Didn't notice them until AFTER cleaning it.I recently bought another Rubber ESD mat that had some kind of powder on it that kept rubbing off my hand. It felt miserable. Did the same, soaked it wipe and clean.If you are unsure of the quality of the product you plan to buy, just go to their site and download the datasheet on it. Because of the chemicals they have to make a datasheet available for itOh, one bottle should last a lifetime, and then some.