Solder resin clean up?

[toddvirgil]

Ok, I've been using Kester "44" rosin-core solder for a long time. But at times when I'm building a project with a white pcb or some other color, I'm not too pleased at the yellow resin that is left behind.

Do any of you use anything to clean it up? i've tried rubbing alcohol, but it seems to just spread around making the whole board sticky.

Is there a better solder to be used? I'd like my joints to be cleaner overall.

Thanks!

[alanp]

I don't bother, and in Lord knows how many builds, it hasn't been a problem and isn't likely to be one, unless I start using clear plastic enclosures, and even then no one is going to care.

That said, if you use plumber's solder, that is acidic, and you in for more problems than just washing it off.

IIRC, people have posted about high frequency boards needing washing, but for the normal stompbox thang it ain't no thang.

[copachino]

I don't bother, and in Lord knows how many builds, it hasn't been a problem and isn't likely to be one, unless I start using clear plastic enclosures, and even then no one is going to care.

That said, if you use plumber's solder, that is acidic, and you in for more problems than just washing it off.

IIRC, people have posted about high frequency boards needing washing, but for the normal stompbox thang it ain't no thang.

i do bother and i use some isopropil to clean the pads, also some electronics cleaner can can do the jobs, just spray it and use a a toothbrush to clean

[m-Kresol]

I've used isopropanol.. you have to use rather a lot of it. Otherwise it will spread and make the whole thing sticky, as you said.

[davent]

I let it set up and then use a dental pick to pop it off, use a bristle shortened, stiff, small paint brush to brush off the leftover dust.
dave

[pickdropper]

I use a combination of things if I clean boards (which isn't always).

1.) flux remover - does a better job than isopropanol, but is more expensive

2.) high purity isopropanol - as you've noticed, it leaves the board sticky, but it will eventually get it clean with enough washes.

3.) Davent's approach - this works well, too.  I've used my fingernail, a wood stick, some dull tweezers, you name it.  I usually follow it up wish alcohol.

When washing a board, be very careful if there are sockets on there as you can wash the gunk into the sockets.  Same with non-sealed trim pots.  I usually use compressed air to get any residue out from under ICs as well.

[wgc]

I either don't clean it or do #3, knock off most of it, brush, then old toothbrush and isopropyl.

Also helps if you soak up/blot the isopropyl & flux mixture with a paper towel rather than let it evaporate and leave the flux behind.

[toddvirgil]

Thanks all! Was wondering if there was a magic bullet, but sounds like copius amounts of isoproponal is the key

[pickdropper]

Thanks all! Was wondering if there was a magic bullet, but sounds like copius amounts of isoproponal is the key

Well, I would get a can of flux remover and try it.  You may or may not feel it is worth the cost, but it cleans the board much more easily than Isopropanol.

In an effort to be cheap, I often hit it first with flux remover and second with Isopropanol.

If you have a Fry's near you, they have some very reasonably priced flux remover there.

[dont-tase-me-bro]

I have a can of flux remover, and use the cheapest toothbrushes at rite aid.  They seem to work better than good toothbrushes for this application

[dont-tase-me-bro]

This is what I use.  Is it good?  I don't know.  Does it work?  Pretty much

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/solder/flux-removers/flux-remover-for-pc-boards-4140/

[Leevibe]

I figured out something that works great. I get a toothbrush soaked in isopropyl, then I add a little dab of liquid soap to it and scrub away. The tiny bit of soap is enough to keep it from getting all gummy. It really works! After I've thoroughly scrubbed it, I rinse the toothbrush and scrub it a couple times just with the water in the toothbrush. Then I run water over it and dry it. This leaves no gummy residue. If there are any bits of flux left, I either pop it off with a dental pick or do the scrub thing again.

[Justus]

Anyone tried the CRC quick-dry Electronics Cleaner?

Also, a guy on YouTube says most flux remover is simply 50/50 Alcohol and Acetone.  Really cheap if you want to make some yourself apparently...

[copachino]

Anyone tried the CRC quick-dry Electronics Cleaner?

Also, a guy on YouTube says most flux remover is simply 50/50 Alcohol and Acetone.  Really cheap if you want to make some yourself apparently...

i use electronic cleaner, really good, and leave no sticky

[RobA]

Anyone tried the CRC quick-dry Electronics Cleaner?

Also, a guy on YouTube says most flux remover is simply 50/50 Alcohol and Acetone.  Really cheap if you want to make some yourself apparently...

Acetone will likely strip off the printing on the PCB. It's not really all that great for your skin either.

If I bother to clean anything, I use vodka and Kimwipes. Seriously. I hate isopropyl, but it's probably a good choice in place of the vodka. On the other hand, you really can't drink it if you decide not to bother with cleaning off the flux.

I do you use no clean flux in the solder and flux pens I use. I picked up the Kimwipes idea from the youtube videos of the guy that does the incredible SMD soldering tutorials. He puts the wipe on top of the part and then sprays/brushes the isopropyl onto the wipe and just lifts it off after a second. I think a key is to do it while soldering and don't let the flux it there for too long.