How can I clean the dirt out of RC car electronics?

[pserve]

I took the case off my ESC to change a wire and found that a fair amount of fine dirt had gotten into it. I dumped it out, and sprayed it with canned air, but there's still a film of dirt on everything. It works fine and I don't want to damage it with the wrong stuff. I've got motor spray to do this for my motors, and found this stuff which looks good for the purpose.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102649
Does anyone have further thoughts or recommendations on doing this sort of thing? Thanks!

[Rodney]

I have often cleaned electronics by swishing it thru a bowl of denatured alcohol the air drying it before reapplying any power. If needed a gentle brushing with a soft bristled brush to clean stubborn areas. You can buy denatured alcohol at most department or paint stores. That available in most drug stores is not denatured and contains up to 50% water and is not recommended.

[betson]

"CRC CO COntact Cleaner", looks similar to the link you posted. Leves no residue. Just give it a good squirt, use the pressure to sort of clean the board. Make sure to air it for atleast 10-20 minutes before powering up.

[leu1]

Enven a toothbrush. It work well for SMD devices.

[Zlatko]

Hi,

The stuff thats used in most PCB cleaners is isopropanol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcohol

I use it with an old toothbrush, removes flux residue as well.
Just make sure its 100% and don't use near a fire / flame.

Let the PCB / component air dry before connecting power.

Rodney said denatured alcohol, thats ethylalcohol / ethanol. Works great too. But, yes, make sure you get the 95%+ variety ... and don't try to drink it ... the denaturant doesn't taste good and may even make you go blind ;) .
Methylated spirits is denatured alcohol with 95% ethanol and 5% methanol, don't use it, methanol can attack the plastic and rubber on the capacitors and other components.

All the other products mentioned work well too, but you will be paying extra for having it in a spray can ....

Cheers

[pserve]

OK, thanks to all for the input. I don't expect the need to do this very often, so if the RS or CRC sprays will work without eating anything, one of those should be good enough for me.

[gusichka]

You know what works really great and takes only 5 minutes to do....WD-40!!!
I have been using it for years, and yes it is safe on electronics. Spray wd all over the components you want clean, let it sit for a minute or two and hose it off with air. (like cans they sell to clean your keyboard.) This works very well!

ZT, Take care

[heli_ebook]

WD-40 DOES work and matter of fact will shine up an old car you're trying to sell quickly... but oil attracts MORE dirt. Oil tends to be a dirt magnet.

Dawn dish washing liquid mixed with warm water and the toothbrush. Rinse well after and dry on LOW in a toaster oven. Yes... REALLY! Water is only detrimental to a LIVE circuit with power applied. ;)

[degreen60]

At work I cleaned a lot of electronic boards with water to get off things that had been spilled into the machines. Just make sure everything is dry before applying power again.

[AleG]

In my case I use generic contact cleaner and then, if there's still some muck clinging to the board I put some alcohol in an old toothbrush and give it a good scrub. That usually leaves it very clean.

[heli_ebook]

There ya go, sir! Cheap, effective, readily available items!

Thanks, degreen... sounds like you spent years in the electronics field too!

GUSICHKA: DO NOT use OIL on electronics! I have worked in mil-spec electronics, trust me on this one. NO!!!

[degreen60]

Thanks, degreen... sounds like you spent years in the electronics field too!
!!!

Yes, 4 years Navy, 30 years repairing computers(seen about everything spilled into one), still playing with electronics.