On Dec 15, 12:20, Matthew Sell wrote:
> I don't know enough about the effects of using certain chemicals on the
> various plastics and expoxies used in the manufacture of the boards, so I
> steer clear of using a detergent unless I know that it would be perfectly
fine.
No normal detergent will attack ordinary plastics or epoxies. Some
industrial detergent powders include caustic ingedients, and (mainly for
that reason, and because they can harm skin) are banned from domestic sale
in the UK, and also, I beieve, in the USA. In general, any home-use
detergent safe to use on your skin, clothes, etc, is safe on PCBs and
electronics.
I'd be wary of some organic solvents, including alcohols, however. Some
attack plastics such as Perspex (Lucite), polystyrene, ABS, etc; some will
attack some types of enamel insulation on wire; some affect PVC insulation,
making it swell or become brittle.
> My experience has been that with certain devices that spend entire lives
> inside, that usually a rinse with hot water makes them look new. I've
been
> satisfied with just using hot water, and everything looks nearly new when
> complete.
Unfortunately that doesn't apply to computers that have been in places
where they may accumulate sticky substances from the air (tobacco film,
brewing residue, oily film + dust, etc). In that case, warm water and a
moderate amount of detergent is the kindest thing you could use. Ever
tried to clean an old TV set with plain water?
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
University of York
Received on Sat Dec 15 2001 - 14:43:05 GMT