@Plec @orbitalwalsh I’ve got some spirit so I will go gently and use that.
Use paper towel - and only apply small amounts.
Get most of the paste off first by wiping it off with paper towel and them dab small amounts of spirits on paper towel and wipe the CPU gently until clean. The meths should evaporate almost immediately if using properly. Buff chip when clean - then wipe the chip over with fresh paper towel - to get rid of any residue.