Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 06:49:07 am
content: I am aware that methanol is toxic when ingested or inhaled in big amount, a friend offers me a 5 liters of 99% methanol and he said maybe its useful for cleaning electronics stuffs.All this time I've been using IPA.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 06:51:50 am
content: I don't know for sure, but personally I would be worried using methanol on electronics .

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 07:00:23 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 28, 2020, 06:52:15 amOk, what did you use it for ? Cleaning electronics stuffs ?My friend used it for degreasing plastic stuffs as acetone even though is much stronger, but its not plastic friendly, he has plenty and offers me for free as we had a discussion on electronics stuffs.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 07:30:35 am
content: Methanol is also toxic when vapors are inhaled.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 07:44:34 am
content: Methanol is apparently used in optics for cleaning lenses and similar surfaces. I think because it evaporates quickly without leaving smears behind.You can use it as a cleaning solvent, but don't get it all over your hands as it can be absorbed through the skin.

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 07:49:38 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on December 28, 2020, 06:49:07 amWhat's the 1%?

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 08:58:24 am
content: Methanol works fine for cleaning. Small amounts of consumed methanol is well-tolerated by the body (< a few mL) so the vapor shouldn't be a problem, just don't overdo it.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 09:17:21 am
content: Quote from: IanB on December 28, 2020, 07:44:34 amYep, he said that he used it for cleaning acrylic, as it leaves no residue nor hazy film, just clean & clear surface, and compared to IPA, hence the offer after he heard I used IPA for cleaning electronics PCB.Noted, on the toxicity at the skin, thanks.Regarding it's vapor, inhaling just a bit like when opening the lid at "well ventilated" is safe, he used it for decades. And also one or two drops of it touching skin is also fine.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 09:18:39 am
content: Quote from: retiredfeline on December 28, 2020, 07:49:38 amMostly water, as its quite hygroscopic.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 11:18:48 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on December 28, 2020, 09:18:39 amAs long is its not hypergolic.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 11:31:27 am
content: If that is the case, I will ask more.

author: JohnnyMalaria
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 03:43:54 pm
content: As well as the significant toxicity, it also has a low flash point (12 - 14 degC).It is good at cleaning - that's why most windscreen/shield washer fluids are primarily methanol.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 03:51:22 pm
content: Quote from: JohnnyMalaria on December 28, 2020, 03:43:54 pmYep, aware of the high volatility and also the almost invisible flame when burning.When it comes to cleaning, the methanol especially at high concentration is significantly stronger than IPA.I guess its safe for electronics components as IPA does.

author: Mazo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2020, 06:33:17 pm
content: Handled loads of RC nitro fuel(think 60-80% methanol content) as a teen,ofcourse using zero safety measures spilling it all over my hands face and whatnot.Just use common sense,don't drink it and maybe wear some eye protection and you will be fine.I have spilled some on quite a lot of plastics and rubbers,but can hardly remember the exact materials.What I remember though is that you need to be carefull with the tubing and seals and it needs to be methanol-proof otherwise they get swollen.I used Coca-cola bottles for containers and they held the stuff easily(formed some nasty white film on the inside not sure if methanol related or from the other stuff in the fuel).Highly hygroscopic,I suggest you distribute it to smaller containers to avoid repetitive opening of the big one.TL;DR Based on my noob empirical expirience PCBs should be fine,handling is easy just don't do stupid stuff,avoid hot stuff,open flames,methanol drinks water.YMMV