How do you typically Clean flux from PCB

[Silver Blues]

Historically I never bothered cleaning boards but recently I started doing so with DIY-ed IPA/heptane cleaner - really works (the heptane helps to better dissolve the more nonpolar flux relative to straight IPA).

 

[swelchy]

old soft toothbrush and 99.9% IPA in a spray gun wash down bottle... that way I can flood the area down after scrubbing.... then I fling it around to try to dry and chant please work please work...

 

[ck514]

I use "MicroCare No Clean Flux Remover VeriClean" aerosol + a toothbrush scrub.
It uses a Methyl Siloxane solution, and works well to remove no-clean flux residue.

 

[darwin999]

I use 99% IPA and an inexpensive low-power ultrasonic cleaner, works in 10 seconds, super clean. No brushing, no marks, no damage.
I put ~1/8" IPA in a small plastic container just larger than the PCB, to minimize the amount of IPA required - just enough to coat both sides of the PCB without immersing the components. The ultrasonic has a water bath, and the plastic container just floats on top. And I can reuse the IPA a few times before disposal - I just seal the container w/ an air tight top and store it for the next use.

 

[wintercept]

I use 99% IPA and an inexpensive low-power ultrasonic cleaner, works in 10 seconds, super clean. No brushing, no marks, no damage.
I put ~1/8" IPA in a small plastic container just larger than the PCB, to minimize the amount of IPA required - just enough to coat both sides of the PCB without immersing the components. The ultrasonic has a water bath, and the plastic container just floats on top. And I can reuse the IPA a few times before disposal - I just seal the container w/ an air tight top and store it for the next use.

Got a link to the ultrasonic cleaner you have? I am curious about this approach for new builds.

I usually use 99% IPA and a toothbrush over a normal paper towel. Soaks it right up.

 

[darwin999]

Got a link to the ultrasonic cleaner you have?

Unfortunately my ultrasonic is a discontinued model (BE1163) from Grizzly Tools, I bought 2 of them ~6 years ago for $12/ea on a final clearance sale. It's small and low powered (in pic below, that's a red 125B in front of it) - so while not usable for carburetor cleaning, it's great for small jobs like this. It's also great for cleaning small parts, tools, jewelry, etc.



If you do get an ultrasonic, fill the water bath fairly full (so the "wave action" isn't too aggressive) and then float the small container with the PCB and IPA on top, then turn the unit on for 5-10 seconds at a time and then inspect.