How to clean off old thermal paste?

[Monkeyspaz5000]

Swapping out my mobo today so will need to clean off old paste etc.

If I was at work, I'd use something like solvent cleaner - but I'm at home.

What's the best thing I'm likely to find in the house that I can use?

Cheers

 

[panyan]

i usually just lick it off but my doctor has told me that might not be such a good idea so now i just use kitchen towel and gently wipe it off until it is clean

i have heard of people using cleaning alcohol, but if you had that i guess you wouldnt be asking

 

[Haze]

+ 1 for kitchen towel

 

[buchtis]

Nail varnish remover and bog roll.

 

[seanyc5]

I use a tiny bit of white spirit (turps) does the job for me, pretty much the same as cleaning alcohol anyway.

 

[Stoner81]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=27 <--- I use this with some cotton buds.

Stoner81.

 

[Monkeyspaz5000]

Nail varnish remover and bog roll.

Wife should have some of the somewhere! Spot on!

 

[Narj]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=27 <--- I use this with some cotton buds.

Stoner81.

He won't find it around the house but +1, this is awesome stuff, especially if you combine it with the surface purifier.

 

[Razargh]

I used Smirnoff Vodka to clean the paste off my cpu, worked perfectly.

 

[flinco]

I just use kitchen or toliet roll, does the job fine

 

[Monkeyspaz5000]

I've not even had the chance as my two year old son won't let me!! Lol

 

[:(Rhodri:)]

Methylated spirits and kitchen roll.

 

[pc_monkey]

you don't need to buy those fancy cleaner etc... acetone or alcohol will do the trick. I personally use isopropanol (which is stronger than normal household rubbing alcohol) bought off the auction site.

 

[Syphadeus]

i usually just lick it off but my doctor has told me that might not be such a good idea...

Your GP obviously intends to be the only silver-tongued devil in your area.

I used Akasa TIM clean, a lint free cloth and some cotton buds that would have otherwise been destined for my ear-holes. Worked a treat, although I did have to use a hair dryer to melt and loosen the stock cooler from the chip, as when I pulled the cooler up it took the CPU with it. Nearly messed my pants!

 

[The1nonly1]

will the cleaning cloths you get with iPhone screen protectors be fine to use, i have loads of them.

 

[andrewdodd13]

I used Smirnoff Vodka to clean the paste off my cpu, worked perfectly.

I do this but only in emergencies.

White Spirit is about £2/ltr... vodka... £20! Although it does give you an excuse to have one I guess.

 

[anything I don't mind]

I use cotton buds and that is all. Never manage to get it all off but better than nothing and im not going to buy something just for that. if you have a g/f use her nail polish remover.

 

[Gashman]

I use cotton buds and that is all. Never manage to get it all off but better than nothing and im not going to buy something just for that. if you have a g/f use her nail polish remover.

just use some kitchen towel, do a better job probably...

 

[Adam_101]

I used Smirnoff Vodka to clean the paste off my cpu, worked perfectly.

excellent!

 

[CaNsA]

Nail varnish remover and bog roll.

This +1

Works a treat, removes any greasy/oily residue too.