lowlight
Kuroko's Training Dummy
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2006
- Posts
- 78
Hi all,
I'm relatively new to this hobby and have gotten well on my way with several purchases made here and elsewhere of various types of PCBs during the past month. However, since many of the PCBs I've recieved aren't too clean (moderatley dusty and a little grimy in some places), I decided to research the forums here to find out if there was one (or at least very few) tried-and-true methods of cleaning mulitple PCBs safely and effective to restore as much luster and functionality as possible. After searching, I came up with a lot of information concerning this issue and some helpful links as well (especially the one for MVS contact cleaning at HardMVS). Unfortunately, for every one encouraging idea that was presented in threads I found, there were at least two other negative criticisms of the idea that made me take pause. I've listed below a condensed version of all of the info I've gathered (There were a lot of variations of the same method, so I tried to tie them all together where applicable) concerning my question:
Now, I know that there were a few fringe methods mentioned, but I tried to keep to the ideas that seemed to come up the most often. So based on what's listed above, which of these methods, if any, would everyone here agree on being the most safest & effective methods for cleaning multiple PCBs of any kind at a time? If the water methods are the best (either one), is it okay to do if you live in an area with Hard Water; would calcium and other minerals effect boards over time? How long can PCBs be fully submerged within water? Regardless of how the board is cleaned/restored, is it advisable to use WD-40 (or something simmilar) on the entire board, or everything but the connectors (I read somewhere that such a chemical could be a detriment to a good connection)? Please feel free to give any insight/opinions on this question, as it will definitely help keep newbies like myself from ruining a good board. TIA!
I'm relatively new to this hobby and have gotten well on my way with several purchases made here and elsewhere of various types of PCBs during the past month. However, since many of the PCBs I've recieved aren't too clean (moderatley dusty and a little grimy in some places), I decided to research the forums here to find out if there was one (or at least very few) tried-and-true methods of cleaning mulitple PCBs safely and effective to restore as much luster and functionality as possible. After searching, I came up with a lot of information concerning this issue and some helpful links as well (especially the one for MVS contact cleaning at HardMVS). Unfortunately, for every one encouraging idea that was presented in threads I found, there were at least two other negative criticisms of the idea that made me take pause. I've listed below a condensed version of all of the info I've gathered (There were a lot of variations of the same method, so I tried to tie them all together where applicable) concerning my question:
- Using hot running water/distilled water/(filtered water - Perrier was mentioned) and a toothbrush/scour pad (Scotch Brite was mentioned, I believe), lightly scour the surface of the board (both sides), towel dry, and then thoroughly blow dry and/or dry in an oven set to 75 degrees (farenheight).
- Using a clean dishwasher (free of food debris and other foreign substances), run soiled boards on a very hot cycle (Pots-&-Pans setting I assume?) and also set it to dry-assist (as opposed to "drip-dry"). Repeat as necessary (up to five times?). Also remove any power storing components and capacitors from the board prior to washing.
- Using an electronics cleaner (possibly the one suggested at HardMVS), and a toothbrush/scour pad (Scotch Brite was mentioned, I believe), lightly scour the board (both sides) and blow away any loosened debris with canned air. Lightly apply WD-40 to protect and seal (I guess this can apply to all methods?).
Now, I know that there were a few fringe methods mentioned, but I tried to keep to the ideas that seemed to come up the most often. So based on what's listed above, which of these methods, if any, would everyone here agree on being the most safest & effective methods for cleaning multiple PCBs of any kind at a time? If the water methods are the best (either one), is it okay to do if you live in an area with Hard Water; would calcium and other minerals effect boards over time? How long can PCBs be fully submerged within water? Regardless of how the board is cleaned/restored, is it advisable to use WD-40 (or something simmilar) on the entire board, or everything but the connectors (I read somewhere that such a chemical could be a detriment to a good connection)? Please feel free to give any insight/opinions on this question, as it will definitely help keep newbies like myself from ruining a good board. TIA!