Cleaning pcb?

SamyBoy13 · 10 Oct 2015 at 18:18

Hi there guys is it safe to clean mobo and gpu pcb as fine particles of dust have set over them and pcb looks grey-ish. I tried compressed air but dust is still there that looks grey. Any ideas?

stulid · 10 Oct 2015 at 18:21

Clean brush or even hairy brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner is all i use.

Shouldn't be any risk of static electricity as many vacuum cleaners are all plastic these days.

RJC · 10 Oct 2015 at 18:21

Could try a pain brush to loosen stubborn dust.

SamyBoy13 · 10 Oct 2015 at 18:25

I just found some isopropyl alcohol wipes. Would they be safe to use as it doesn't say how much isopropyl alcohol is there eg 97% etc in them. Should I assume it's 100%? They make my hands really dry even if I touch them for few seconds.

setter · 11 Oct 2015 at 08:44

Isopropyl alcohol should be ok. But as others have suggested, try a paint brush. Its what I've used for cleaning all sorts of pc components.

darael · 11 Oct 2015 at 11:15

I think you're making work for yourself using wipes. I'd just use a paintbrush.

SamyBoy13 · 11 Oct 2015 at 18:08

Okay thank you all guys will try brush first

Can it be any brush or does it have to be antistatic free eg natural ?

setter · 11 Oct 2015 at 18:11

I've used both natural bristle and synthetic ones without issue. Strangely enough, as a painter and decorator its harder to get good natural bristle brushes now.

SamyBoy13 · 11 Oct 2015 at 18:12

are there any small ones that you would recommend from natural ones to clean pcb?

wazza300 · 11 Oct 2015 at 18:14

toothbrush has nylon bristles though? static?

ive used cotton balls dipped in methylated spirits,then let it evaporate

setter · 11 Oct 2015 at 18:15

Tbh I just use whatevers in my tool bag. Everything from 99p throwaways' from b&q to £20.00 models.