Cleaning Phenolic Boards

[Decko]

Hi All,

What is the best way to to clean flux or oils from phenoilc boards? Rubbing alcohol? Acetone?

Can a chemical cleaner leave residue on the boards causing voltage leakage?

Thanks in advance,
Decko

[Phil_S]

It depends on how much flux. I use 90% isopropyl (not 70% "rubbing alcohol" -- too much water) with a Q-tip on tough spots. On occasion I've put it in a spray bottle and used a lint free rag (old T-shirt). I like it because it evaporates very quickly.

I believe there are also other solvents that work. Let's see what other say.

[Structo]

+1 on the alcohol but I use the denatured alcohol which is pure alcohol.

[Decko]

Any word on Acetone? Does any hardware store carry 90% or denatured alcohol?

Decko

[Structo]

Acetone can do nasty things.
It can remove paint and other stuff you may want to keep.

Yes the denatured alcohol can be found at most hardware stores by the pain thinner and naphtha.

[jelle]

Acetone can do nasty things.
It can remove paint and other stuff you may want to keep.

Yes, like your brain cells!

[Phil_S]

You can buy the 90% at most pharmacies and grocery stores.

[Decko]

Thanks for your response.

I will try alcohol!

Regards,
Decko

[drz400]

The correct cleaner is MG Chemicals anhydrous alcohol 99.95%
http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/Produc ... =824-500ML
Stay away from Flux off, it contaminates and causes problems.
Better is to leave the flux there or use the anhydrous.

Denatured alcohol sold in hardware stores is designed for uses such as dissolving shellac. It is not manufactured to the same purity as the
material used in cleaning electronics, and may contain contaminants that are detrimental to electronic circuits. The rubbing alcohol sold in drugstores not only contains water, but often has fragrances added to it
Denatured can damage plastic parts.
for more info
http://www.logwell.com/tech/servtips/cleaning.html