pcb cleaning

[ican7]

Hi all I was wondering if anybody can recommend some sort of chemical or liquid to clean dirty pcbs?

[robertferanec]

We use: KONTAKT PCC 200ML

- Farnell: http://uk.farnell.com/kontakt-chemie...0?ost=214-2400

[ican7]

Hi Robert, thank you for your reply. I am just wondering also Is alcohol safe to use ?

[robertferanec]

I sometimes use alcohol, but it is not the best cleaner.

[ican7]

I have 96 percent alcohol mixed with 4 percent pure water. Would it be safe to use on pcbs such as motherboards?

[robertferanec]

You can try on an old PCB. I used two different type of alcohols (one which you can buy in a drugstore, one in pharmacy) and boards were working oki - it just didn't clean so well.

[ican7]

Hi Robert how many percent alcohol did you use?

[robertferanec]

60% and 90% alcohol

[ican7]

I tried the 96 percent and it left some sort of white stain on the connector pins of the motherboard. I will get the cleaner you have suggested thanks Robert.

[robertferanec]

But I have not found a perfect cleaner - even after you use the KONTAKT, you may spend some time to clean it properly.

[ican7]

I came across something called an ultrasonic cleaner for home use while searching on the net but not sure if it cleans dirt and spills. Also I saw some videos on youtube where people simply wash their pc motherboards with tap water and detergent. I wonder how it would not cause corrosion and damage though.

[robertferanec]

Ultrasonic should be good - they use it also in assembly houses. Tap water - in my opinion the biggest problem with standard water is, that it may take long time to dry it properly.