Is it safe to use contact cleaner on audio electronics?

[ShiZo]

Is it safe to use contact cleaner on audio electronics? I have a mechanical switch that I used contact cleaner on the inside of an old audio device. I let it dry for 12 hours. How safe is this stuff? How long does it take to evaporate off the device in your experience?

 

[majingotan]

I use the Deoxit products off of my DACs, preamps and even MMCX connectors for my CA Andromeda IEM and never had issues with it. Get the quick dry version (usually has the Honeywell Solstice PF in the ingredient label) so you can use it after 2 minutes of application.

 

[ShiZo]

I used the CRC QD contact cleaning a mechanical switch button that was stuck and not smoothly actuating. I did get it on some of the PCB though.

 

[Shadrach]

Is it safe to use contact cleaner on audio electronics? I have a mechanical switch that I used contact cleaner on the inside of an old audio device. I let it dry for 12 hours. How safe is this stuff? How long does it take to evaporate off the device in your experience?

Unless you've applied so much that it shorts the component out it shouldn't matter if it's wet or dry. Current will still flow.

 

[Doodski]

Is it safe to use contact cleaner on audio electronics? I have a mechanical switch that I used contact cleaner on the inside of an old audio device. I let it dry for 12 hours. How safe is this stuff? How long does it take to evaporate off the device in your experience?

Yes it's safe but it can make a mess if you use too much especially when it forms a slurry when mixed with the dust. I would avoid NuTrol because it does not leave a long lasting lubricant and the potentiometer or switch will become stiff after a year or two.

 

[ShiZo]

I did apply some lubricant to the switch after that. Some stuff that's supposed to be plastic and electrically safe.

 

[RayDunzl]

This brand was approved/specified/used at work for various situations, where some folks could get real picky about what you just did to their expensive machine:

https://www.chemtronics.com/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chemtronics

 

[vavan]

somewhat off-topic but I wonder how detrimental white dust produced by ultrasonic humidifiers (when using non demineralized water) is for electronics with its contacts, speakers and their drivers

 

[Gabbycrew]

I've had some experience with the red QD CRC in my business. It's used in the field as a 'cleaner' to clean wire harness connectors and linkage and some moving parts that get all gunked up with coin dust. One particular tech uses the spray on sealed bearings (I don't approve but, what do I know and, no one would listen anyway). It does a good job on certain applications as it dries fast and leaves no residue. I wouldn't use it for pots and switches on audio gear because I believe it would suck the lube from them. But it is cheap, at around $6.00 a can, so I'm told.

 

[gfx_1]

somewhat off-topic but I wonder how detrimental white dust produced by ultrasonic humidifiers (when using non demineralized water) is for electronics with its contacts, speakers and their drivers

White dust is all the stuff / residue in the water that could be filtered out by reversed osmosis or demineralised (more old fashioned).
Mainly calcium and some traces of salts.

 

[BillG]

How long does it take to evaporate off the device in your experience?

I use plain old rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for such purposes, and have for many years now. It's inexpensive, an effective solvent, and evaporates within minutes.

 

[Sal1950]

Wurth Contact OL has been my favorite for many years. I've used it for all contact cleaning and protection on everything from electronic pots and switches to in the shop for auto and motorcycle needs. It's done an excellent job of cleaning these items while never doing anything negative to components in the short or long term. It's all I keep next to my toolbox and workbench.
https://www.wurthusa.com/Chemical-P...e/Electronics/Contact-Cleaner-OL/p/0890101101

https://www.ebay.com/i/293540573792...MIl_bms6ng6QIVSrLICh2h9AS9EAQYAyABEgLWS_D_BwE