Washing Circuit Boards

[Bloodhound]

Wondering if it's safe to wash down circuit boards? Using a vacuum and paint brush is tedious and time consuming. Is there a safe method to just spray the whole board, scrub lightly with a soft bristle paint brush and rinse?

Thanks!

 

[caution]

You're just asking for trouble getting electronics wet. Moisture can wreak havoc with PCBs, and especially components, if it gets trapped inside one. Washing with a solvent like alcohol is even worse because it would dissolve the grease inside pots and switches, potentially redepositing as a thin film elsewhere. I've used alcohol and a toothbrush to remove flux on the bottom side at times, but for the business side of a board I'll use a brush.

Take your time, you're on the right track wish bristles and a breeze

 

[toshik]

There is special flux remover spray but it's used on the solder side after soldering only. Just use a compressed air cans for everything else

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Soft hair brush and air with medium pressure is safe! In some cases brush also misaligned trim pots if one is not careful. Stay away from the tuner board with brushes unless you know what you are doing.

Cleaning can kill VU meter hair springs if they are not well covered.