Cleaning boards/keyboards

From: Allison J Parent <allisonp_at_world.std.com>
Date: Mon Jun 9 15:01:53 1997

> Bill mentions sticking a keyboard in a dishwasher. Bill, I assume you've
> done this, and it's OK? I would think that with the heat of drying and
> all it would kill the components.

Over the years I've done this to de-crud boards, keyboards and equipment
dropped in salt water.

Water generally will not harm electronics save for stuff made of paper liek
speakers. The real problem is insuring it is completely dry after cleaning.
A warm, under 180F oven works for this. Removing keycaps and the like first
is a good thing. Also some keyboards by their contruction will trap water
if it gets in and baking it out is the only way short of sometimes
destructive disassembly. FYI, water gets coffee out the best if there ie a
small amout of soap to break surface tension. Try to use soaps that are not
chemically active and corrosion forming. Woolite is good in the sink for
this and most dishwasher soaps are ok.

Logic boards like DEC modules, motherboards and the like clean well in the
dishwasher.

I've done boards in the sink with a soft bristle brush and woolite and dried
them by blotting with several paper towels and oven dry. The sometimes look
better than new. Remember (not a joke!) Rinse well when doing this.

FYI: resist the temptation to vacuum as the moving air can cause static
charges that can do subtle and long term damage to ICs, even ttl.
Dishwasing is actually safer.

Allison
Received on Mon Jun 09 1997 - 15:01:53 BST