Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is commonly used for cleaning electronics due to its effectiveness and availability. Let’s address your questions:
Is 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Safe for Electronics?
Lint free, non-abrasive, and pre-saturated with 99.7% IPA (isopropyl alcohol), the foam tips will thoroughly but gently clean delicate parts.
- Yes, 70% isopropyl alcohol is considered safe for cleaning electronics.
- However, if you’re working with circuit boards or other electrical components, it’s better to use a higher percentage (99.9%) to avoid leaving behind water residue and impurities.
- While 70% can work for cleaning adhesive off metal or plastic surfaces, be cautious not to spill it onto circuits or wires.
- However, using lower concentrations of isopropyl alcohol may corrode some sensitive electronic components and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, avoid using the 70% solution on any circuit boards or other sensitive electronic parts.
Why Use Isopropyl Alcohol for Cleaning Electronics?
- IPA has several advantages:
- Dissolves oils, adhesives, soldering flux, residues, fingerprints, and contaminants.
- Leaves no oils or traces, unlike many ethanol compounds.
- Evaporates quickly (above 60°F).
- Relatively non-toxic (in a well-ventilated area).
- Disinfects viruses and bacteria (at 60/70% concentrations).
- Mixes with water and evaporates, preventing corrosion damage from liquid spills on electronics.
- IPA has several advantages:
Remember, always handle IPA carefully, and avoid using acetone directly on electronics due to its strength and potential harm to components. Water and vinegar are suitable for external surfaces but should be applied with care. If you have specific cleaning needs, feel free to ask! 😊