Best way to clean a PCB...
- Thread starter GobzzzMp3
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I always use a soft 1/2" paintbrush and a thin modelling type paintbrush for getting in those hard to reach areas.
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I use isoproponol and q-tips.
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+1 for compressed air
My father decided to dust down one of his motherboards with a paintbrush and I just about had a heart attack, screamed Nooooooo! In fact, I don't know if that would cause static damage, I just always assumed it would, unless the brush were carbon fiber tethered to an earthing lead terminated at a earthing point? More obviously an entirely non static brush would be best but I have no idea what that would be made of. Good question!
I use compressed air, though make sure the computer is unplugged at the mains/ hold the can upright to avoid icy cold fluid discharge. An advantage of compress air is it lets you you angle the nozzle's tube in behind the motherboard. Use a face mask; unless you're a regular cleaner the amount of dust that accumulates around the fans is unreal. I then use a vacuum cleaner nozzle on the base of the case. I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts on older machines, again with the computer unplugged at the mains. Though unlikely you'd have a spark, this stuff is dangerous. On a fully discharged computer hot water with a little detergent will work better than the alcohol on some things but the advantage with the alcohol is that it dries within seconds.
I use compressed air, though make sure the computer is unplugged at the mains/ hold the can upright to avoid icy cold fluid discharge. An advantage of compress air is it lets you you angle the nozzle's tube in behind the motherboard. Use a face mask; unless you're a regular cleaner the amount of dust that accumulates around the fans is unreal. I then use a vacuum cleaner nozzle on the base of the case. I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts on older machines, again with the computer unplugged at the mains. Though unlikely you'd have a spark, this stuff is dangerous. On a fully discharged computer hot water with a little detergent will work better than the alcohol on some things but the advantage with the alcohol is that it dries within seconds.
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