I used to clean flux with isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush, now I use a ultrasonic cleaner

For years I was scrubbing boards by hand with a brush and 91% IPA. After I rebuilt a vintage receiver from 1978 and spent 4 hours cleaning the residue off a single board, I bought a cheap ultrasonic cleaner for $60 off Craigslist. Now I drop the board in with some distilled water and a drop of dish soap, run it for 10 minutes, and it comes out spotless. No more scrubbing or worrying about brushing off tiny SMD parts. Has anyone else switched and found the cleaner pays for itself in saved time?

3 comments

3 Comments

west.anna26d ago

Ultrasonic is the only way once you've tried it... nothing beats that clean.

kelly.nora26d ago

Wow yeah I used to be a total skeptic about ultrasonic cleaning. Thought it was overhyped for most stuff. Then I borrowed my buddy's machine for some old jewelry I was scared to ruin. Night and day difference. The gunk that came out of those settings was honestly gross. Now I'm fully converted.

phoenix2926d ago

Wait @kelly.nora are you telling me I NEED to try one of these things now?