Best cleaning supplies for labs according to redditors

Ugly mobile link but this is safest

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIQA3WS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_9R6wCb65B7PNR

Adding this can help too, just be careful near the pins of you f one up it’s done

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGNCNR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_pU6wCb8Z7NCZR

It's pretty easy to clean this.


ESD circuit board brushes: http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Handle-Circuit-Static-Brushes/dp/B00BM38YPW


99.95% Alcohol: http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Isopropyl-Alcohol-Cleaner/dp/B005DNQX3C/

Distilled Water can be used as well, just give it a few days to dry out.

Dip the brushes in the alcohol, don't just add the alcohol to the board, you'll end up using too much.

Make sure to wait an hour or so to guarantee that its all evaporated.

Anti static brushes.

Not OP but, remove punger. Some have a cap for the end. You can put soap and water and the use a small lab brushes. Something like this set:

https://www.amazon.com/BasicForm-Cleaning-Bottle-Containers-Brushes/dp/B074MB1HS9/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1542365164&sr=8-5&keywords=lab+brushes

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Lab spatula's are nice and long too

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https://www.amazon.com/Spatula-Opret-Capsule-Powders-Stainless/dp/B07DCLJ1YT/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542365194&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=lab+spatula&psc=1

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Just get one of those multipacks Amazon

Not the exact same but here's what Amazon has for cheapest and most reliable looking
https://www.amazon.com/0-5cm-Black-Plastic-Handle-Static/dp/B078MB9C5H/ref=mp_s_a_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1549996708&sr=8-22-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=antistatic+brushes&psc=1

uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/eBoot-Plastic-Brushes-Cleaning-Keyboard/dp/B01BD8NFKY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498756049&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=anti+static+brushes&psc=1

us
https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Plastic-Brushes-Cleaning-Keyboard/dp/B01BD8NFKY/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1498756114&sr=8-8&keywords=anti+static+brushes

I'd hold off on and carving, I'd hate for you to damage a family piece like that. You can always come back to it when you feel more confident. Another option is having a nice plaque made for it. As for dowel holes I would use a round wire brush like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017GQNWZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_intIzb0W29F9D in the hand drill.

Technically you shouldn't be using makeup brushes to clean PCBs and electrical components. Although i admit that it is extremely unlikely to do any damage to it.

The correct tool for the job is one of these. It only costs $4.

https://www.amazon.com/Static-Cleaning-Brush-Motherboards-Keyboards/dp/B00KHV1T6Q

You need to brush gently of course, and use canned air as well if needed.
Try to avoid use air compressors, as they can compress the moisture in the air, which can sometimes cause a very small amount of water to squirt out.

I agree that mild detergent should be fine, unless the metal hasn't been painted or galvanized, then i would avoid water altogether. Then i'd use isopropyl alcohol instead.

Vacuum cleaners are supposed to be pretty bad for some reasons, but my mom used one when I was a kid and we never had any problems on that front. These days though, I use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500P-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001U899HQ

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They are a little pricy, but they do a good job and you won't have to deal with replacing canned air.

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I'd also recommend a small brush for getting the fans.

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EDIT: https://www.amazon.com/Brushes-Portable-Cleaning-Keyboard-Interior/dp/B07CQH78NS

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Something like the toothbrush looking one will do good for cleaning fans off. Alternatively you can just use a cheap toothbrush.

You can get soft brushes that are ESD-proof.

Linky

For # 5 you're on the right path, but get some of these.

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Plastic-Handle-Circuit-Static/dp/B00CQIA22U

and this

https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-Specialist-Electrical-Contact-Cleaner/dp/B00CMT9TFY/

Something like this is best.

Pro tip buy a professional -85 degree freezer and cut your purge time down to days. Ive also seen some tech using thisto get bigger crystals

Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol 90% or higher with no weird additives. Kimwipes and ESD brush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N472ISW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0K9ozb4AZ2861

Don't get the alcohol in the body of the pots or encoders. There may be some lubricant in there that the alcohol would break down.

Part of the electronic repair game is patience. You probably should have not powered it back on before cleaning it, but it might still be fixable. But be patient and wait till you have the right tools before you take the next step.

These are what I bought:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTXYXW

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00880BAJE

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00880B9TA

The first one is really a must-have for cleaning heatsinks, since the bristles are long.

Get some canned air! Also i'd hold your lap top with the keys facing towards the floor when you spray it down, let gravity help you out too.

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edit: you can also get a soft bristled brush like this

It’s some Chinese brand I found on Amazon. Not a bad price and it does get the job done. It’s worth it if you like to strip your guns down to the metal every once in a while.


Ultrasonic Cleaner 3L with Heater... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQF5LGP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It may be a ring holder for an ultrasonic cleaner. I have something similar. They come with a bunch of different little accessories, although old people usually use them just for cleaning dentures.


Edit - It IS this. See photo
https://www.amazon.com/Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Kit-Cleaning-Concentrate/dp/B07CNTNTDX

NP, I order it all the time so I just had to go to my order history to get the link for you :) I also bought these

I use this silicone brush

Holikme Silicone Bottle Brush Bottle Cleaner for your Bottles Vase and Glassware Best Water Bottle Cleaning Brush for Washing Containers Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYYH38J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_cQIUDbVBHKJKS

https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Portable-Brushes-Cleaning-Keyboard/dp/B074LZ649V/ref=pd_bxgy_229_img_2/142-3099589-4431513?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B074LZ649V&pd_rd_r=e203eba7-89cb-4730-9e09-f8a50556cc0f&pd_rd_w=jWKL0&pd_rd_wg=FPDyE&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=P4GTJWKT2S2N66RP442D&psc=1&refRID=P4GTJWKT2S2N66RP442D

LOL at the length of this link. Still tho, this is an A+ buy to keeping your rig clean.

https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Portable-Brushes-Cleaning-Keyboard/dp/B074LZ649V/

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Anti-Static-Brush/IF145-271?o=2

> I live in a high humidity environment suggestions to protect from extreme moisture are also welcome

Run a dehumidifier in the room where your PC resides.

ok, as you want

but at least use anti static brush

its cheap

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here is from amazon, you can find from other sites also:

https://www.amazon.com/Home-Mart-Plastic-Handle-Circuit/dp/B074BSPT9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549576538&sr=8-1&keywords=Home+Mart+Waved+Plastic+Handle+PCB+Circuit+Board+Anti+Static+Brush+Black

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https://www.amazon.com/Antistatic-Lab-Brushes/b?ie=UTF8&node=317973011

Test tube brush. https://www.amazon.com/BIPEE-Washing-Brush-Diameter-Nylon/dp/B06XSZSHYN/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=test+tube+brush+14mm&qid=1573649744&sr=8-4

I use a tube brush. You can get a set from Amazon and the like for cheap and they're handy for a variety of things.

(Something like this would do the trick)

Will this do? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Static-Cleaning-Brush-Motherboards-Keyboards/dp/B00KHV1T6Q/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1415717696&sr=8-7&keywords=PCB+brush

You can try soaking it in isopropyl alcohol and removing the oxidation with an anti static brush then dry with a heat gun, it's worth a try but I think you lost your card.

I am one of those that absolutely hate using compressed air on computers. I have always been taught to use a vacuum, as compressed air can cause more problems than it solves.

The R2 isn't too hard to get into. Use the service manual on the Dell support site to tear into it, get to the dust and remove it. If you come across something too stubborn to vac out, use an electronics grade plastic brush. Something like these here

If you turn the PC off 1st you should be fine (turned off via the power switch on the back of the Power Supply NOT just turning the pc off by shutting down).. Or you can get one of those fancy computer blowers / vacs if you are overly worried about it..


if you use that plastic tip and avoid that brush attachment you should be fine.. I would not jam it into electronic components, but the case or heat sinks / fans ect.. should be fine..
just be gentle and careful. Watch for any small jumpers on the motherboard ect.. It would also be a good idea that you can retrieve anything you accidentally sucked up that you did not mean too lol..


One way to really get the dust ect... out (if you are not using compressed air..) Is to get the static free brushes and use them to clean off the more sensitive things like this from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Portable-Brushes-Cleaning-Keyboard/dp/B074LZ649V


Then use the vacuum to suck up the resulting dust.