Electronic or printed circuit boards are an important part of any electronic gadget’s functioning. Over time, they get covered in dust, grime, and other substances, which leads to operational problems such as short circuits, overheating, poor performance, or malfunctioning. That is why regular cleaning and maintenance are required to maintain their optimal condition, safety, and performance. So, how to clean electronic circuit board? Is there any easiest method? Yes, of course there are different types of PCB cleaning methods.
The circuit board is fragile and sensitive in the sense of cleaning. However, with the appropriate cleaning methods and tools, you can simplify this delicate task. But how to clean electronic circuit board without harming or corroding it? Our guide is here to help you with this task. Here, you will find every aspect of cleaning a circuit board with step-by-step directions. So, without much ado, let us dive right into the important information.
How do Printed Circuit Boards Get Dirty?
PCB stands for printed circuit board. A printed circuit board can become dirty for several reasons, such as fabrication, transportation, usage, etc. Here are three common reasons behind their massive accumulation of dirt and debris you should know before knowing how to clean electronic circuit boards.
During Manufacturing and Storage
An electronic circuit board is moved around a lot during manufacturing, assembly, storage, and shipping. PCB manufacturers use no clean fluxes that contain chlorine, bromine, and halogens. They produce a lot of corrosion during the soldering process.
Also, inappropriate post-assembly cleaning and rinsing can cause a lot of corrosive residues in the PCB. What’s more? If they are stored and shipped in a dusty area, they accumulate much dirt and grime over time.
Because of the Working Environment
Environmental contaminants can still dirty your circuit board even if you clean the residue after manufacturing. If you work in a humid, dusty, and chemical-laden environment, dirt particles can easily get trapped in the parts. Additionally, the heated and poorly ventilated working environment can accelerate the grime buildup in the PCB.
Negligent or Improper Use
Negligence while using your gadgets can contaminate your PCB. For example, Spills or mechanical shock exposure attract an unbelievable amount of dirt and corrosion. Also, if you do not use a proper cooling system, the heat may cause corrosion and rust. This will further lead to any kind of malfunction or device failure.
Why Clean Your Electronic Circuit Board?
If you want to get better output, accurate efficiency, and smooth operation, you must clean your electronic printed circuit board or IoT. There are also more reasons so, let’s see them at a glance.
- To increase the optimal performance of the circuit boards.
- To avoid corrosion of PCB components.
- Ensure proficient power distribution among soldered components like resistors and capacitors.
- To ensure continuous communications between the integrated circuits.
- To avoid dendritic growth from ionic residues.
- PCB cleaning systems increase the overall safety of your gadgets.
- To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the PCB.
- To extend the lifespan of your electronic circuit board
Methods of How to Clean Electronic Circuit Board
There are several ways to clean an electronic circuit board. The right type of method for you will depend on the kind of dirt or rust they have on it. Let’s learn about some of the most effective ways to clean a circuit board or methods of how to clean a circuit board.
1. Using an Anti-static Brush
If your PCB has loose, visible dust and dirt in clumps, you can use different-sized brushes. They will help you clean every part and corner in detail, ensuring thorough cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust from PCB without any harm.
2. Using Compressed Air/ Electronic Component Vacuum
Compressed air is an unobtrusive way of cleaning a lightly dusted PCB. You can just use a short burst of air to blow away the dust completely. In the same way, the suction of an electronic component vacuum pulls out dirt, grime, and microparticles from your circuit board.
3. Ultrasonic PCB Cleaning
Ultrasonic PCB cleaners combine cavitation with high-frequency sound waves. Thus, it can reach even the smallest crevices and gaps to remove visible and invisible grime without any damage. This method effectively cleans persistent dirt, dust, solder paste, and flux from the circuit board. Note that it is not suitable for all types of PCBs.
4. Using Baking Soda
You can use baking soda or sodium bicarbonate to break down the build-up of grime and corrosion. Their mild abrasive qualities can remove them altogether. They dissolve the dirty portion and neutralize the acidic residues. Also, they have a very minimal risk of damaging the board.
5. Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol is an inexpensive option for cleaning sticky dirt, fingerprints, and grime. Choose 90% or higher Alcohol content. It cleans and evaporates quickly for instant drying of the PCB. However, it can have dangerous effects if it comes in contact with our bodies. So, use latex gloves and clean carefully.
6. Using Distilled Water
Pure distilled water is unmatched when mixed with DIY or other cleaning solutions. It is a very poor conductor, so it does not harm any part of the circuit board. However, make sure the water is free from any kind of contamination before cleaning the circuit board.
7. Gas-Phase Cleaners
Gas-phase cleaning starts by boiling a chemical solvent to produce steam. Then, it dissolves impurities on PCBs. You can choose the solvent based on the type of contaminants. It is also more eco-friendly, as you can recycle the solvents.
8. Using Household Cleaner
If you don’t find any previous methods helpful, use household cleaner as a PCB cleaning spray. However, it should be completely phosphate-free, as phosphate can damage the circuit board rapidly.
How Do You Clean Electronic Circuit Boards?
Cleaning circuit boards requires unparalleled attention and carefulness. You must combine proper cleaning agents with appropriate tools. Here is how to clean PCB boards in five simple steps.
Materials and Tools for Cleaning Printed Circuit Boards
- Anti-static brushes
- Compressed air
- Cotton swabs and lint-free cloths
- Tweezers and picks
- Cleaning Agents
- Distilled Water
- Oven, Blow Dryer, or Desk Lamp
Step 1: Turn Off the Power Source and Dismantle the Circuit Board
Remove the circuit board from the electrical power source. Then, remove any socketed parts and set them aside to clean separately and meticulously.
Step 2: Inspect the Circuit Board
Next, check every part of the PCB to identify the level and kind of accumulated dirt. Any sign of damage or corrosion should also be spotted. This will provide you with a clear idea for cleaning with precision and care.
Step 3: Cleaning with Compressed Air and Static Brush
Hold the compressed air at a safe distance. Focus it on the clumps of dirt and blow them away. After this, use a dry, soft, anti-static brush to swipe away the leftover dust and debris. Pay extra attention to the closely spaced components or the solder joints.
Step 4: Apply the Cleaning Agents
Dip the lint-free towel or soft brush into the cleaning solution. The solution can be a thick paste of distilled water and baking soda/ isopropyl alcohol/ household cleaner. Scrub or wipe down the stubborn dirt with them. If required, clean the tight spaces with cotton swabs or tweezers, but do not over-scour to avoid further damaging or corroding the board.
Step 5: Rinse, Dry, and Reassemble the Circuit Board
If necessary, rinse your circuit board using distilled water. Dry with a dry, lint-free cloth and place in a well-ventilated area to evaporate the remaining moisture. When the circuit board is fully dry, start assembling it like before.
Appropriate methods of Drying and Reassembling Circuit Boards
Drying and reassembling the circuit board after cleaning is a very sensitive step, and any fault in this process can damage the board and make it useless. Here is how you can dry and reassemble your circuit board perfectly after cleaning.
Use Air, Desk Lamp, or Low Oven Temperature for Drying Your PCB
You can keep the board in a well-ventilated area to make it fully dry. Or, you can use the lower heat of a dryer, desk lamp, or oven to dry the board. However, excessive temperature can melt and damage the components of the circuit board. So, be cautious about it. Finally, use a cotton swab to remove the remaining moisture and inspect the moisture properly.
Reassembling and Reconnecting the Board
Start by reattaching the parts. First, align the connectors. Recheck the screws and fasteners to avoid loose fitting and rattling. Lastly, reconnect the power to test the operation or functionality of the device.
How to Remove Wet Contaminants From a PCB?
Wet contaminants accumulate on the electronic printed circuit board due to essential factors such as humidity, environmental impact, accidental spills, lack of sufficient storage, etc. However, if contaminants accumulate on the PCB, what steps should we take to remove them? Let’s see some of the easiest steps at a glance.
- Wear dry clothes, nonconductive shoes, and gloves to save you from short circuits.
- Disconnect the wet device from the power immediately.
- Shake the device to drain the excessive fluid.
- Disassemble the parts and soak the adjacent water with a lint-free cloth. Do not use any paper products or rub the board to prevent the parts from dislodging.
- Fill a container with 90% or higher Isopropyl Alcohol and submerge your circuit board into it for some time. If this alcohol is unavailable, use deionized or distilled water or ultrasonic cleaner.
- You can also use mild PCB wet contaminator cleaners or vapor degreasers combined with a water separator.
- Remove the board from the container. Slowly brush away the leftover liquid with a dry brush.
- Dry and reassemble the board the the ways mentioned in the previous part.
What Precautions should be Taken While Cleaning the Electronic Circuit Board?
If any contaminants accumulate on the electronic PCB then it need to remove or clean the printed circuit board. Because, such contaminants can reduce its efficiency, and interrupt on its operation. In that case, cautions must be necessary. So, what precautions you should adopt to clean electronic circuit board let’s see them.
- Do not forget to disconnect and turn off the device.
- Wear dry clothes and avoid cleaning beside any water source.
- Take a photo of the circuit board before dismantling it to make the reassembling process easier and swifter.
- Keep track of the screws and other smaller parts and give equal cleaning importance as to PCB.
- Use anti-static cleaning equipment to avoid any type of corrosion while cleaning.
- To prevent damage, patch-test your strong cleaning agents with an old board before using.
- Take safety precautions like wearing masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
How to Maintain Circuit Board After Cleaning?
There are different types of circuit board cleaning processes. Circuit board maintenance is most important. Let’s see how to maintain a PCB after cleaning.
1. Perform Regular Inspection
Regular inspection of the circuit board is a must to prevent dirt and corrosion before they become a serious problem. Periodically check them thoroughly using a magnifying glass or microscope. Thus, you can detect small or dense signs of dust, dirt, or corrosion and take immediate action.
2. Store and Protect the Board
You must store your PCB in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated place. Also, keep the boards away from heated places where the temperature fluctuates rapidly to prevent condensation and corrosion.
3. Ensure Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is a must when maintaining the PCB. The frequency will depend on your working environment. If you work in a clean environment, clean it every few years. However, if you use it in a dusty environment, you must clean it every few months.
4. Use Dust Cover
Remember to cover your PCB with any plastic or nonconductive cover when not in use. You should also ensure that your cover can fully cover your gadget.
5. Use Anti Static Equipment
Static electricity often attracts dust particles toward the circuit board and increases the buildup on it. To limit them, use anti-static mats, wrist straps, and other equipment.
6. Ensure Meticulous Using
The liquid and contaminants like oil and grease on your hand can dirty the device. So, always use the device with a dry and clean hand. You can also use soft gloves if necessary.
Can I Use PCB Board Cleaning Machine?
Of course you can use machine for cleaning PCB board. PCB get dirt due to some reasons. In that case, its working capacity and efficiency becomes reduces. That’s why cleaning is most necessary. However, what type of machine is used to clean printed circuit board? In most cases, ultrasonic cleaning machine, in line cleaning, Batch cleaning machines, and stepper motor is used to clean PCB board.
How Does Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine Clean A PCB?
Have you ever seen how to clean a circuit board using ultrasonic cleaning system? Indeed, ultrasonic cleaning machine clean a PCB by creating liquid babbles. This babble creates by high frequency sound waves. This babble spread out over the board break up the flux, remove rust, dart, and other contaminants as well. This PCB cleaning solution is called cavitation.
How Often should We Clean PCB?
Depending on the situation PCB is clean 2 to 3 times in a year. Indeed, there is no specific cleaning date. This because PCB cleaning system depends on which environment you have installed your printed circuit board. If you see that dirt and debris is more then you may follow the frequent PCB cleaning system. An average once in a month, or once in every few months.
Final Thought
Our guide has provided all the necessary information regarding how to clean electronic Circuit boards. Cleaning a printed circuit board can be a complex and exquisite task, but you can safely clean it by combining the right cleaning process with patience and vigilance.
Follow our step-by-step guide with safety precautions to get the best cleaning experience. Do not forget to clean the smaller parts of the board. Finally, follow after-cleaning maintenance to ensure. Thus, you can contribute to improved health, power supply, and functionality of your device.
How do I Remove a Solder Flux from My PCB?
IPA or Isopropyl Alcohol can be used to clean the solder flux. Complete the removal process by spraying an IPA solution onto the residue, letting it sit for some time, scrubbing and removing it manually with a brush, and finally wiping it down with lint-free clothes. You can also use ultrasonic PCB cleaners.
How do You Clean PCB Connectors?
Switch the PCB off and unplug it from the power source. Mix Baking soda into a thick paste with distilled deionized water. Then, spread the paste on corroded connectors and scrape them off lightly. Finally, wash the connectors with distilled water.
How do You Clean a Burnt PCB Board?
You can clean a burnt PCB board by soaking it in 99% pure isopropyl alcohol. For a burnt specific area, you can wipe it with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs. The alcohol should not contaminated. Also, uncleaned swabs should not be dipped again into the same solution.
What should I do if I Accidentally Damage my Circuit Board During Cleaning?
Take expert advice about replacing or repairing the damaged circuit board. Do not try to fix the circuit board you have damaged while cleaning.