Author Topic: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?  (Read 6069 times)

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Offline BravoVTopic starter

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Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« on: December 28, 2020, 06:49:07 am »
I am aware that methanol is toxic when ingested or inhaled in big amount, a friend offers me a 5 liters of 99% methanol and he said maybe its useful for cleaning electronics stuffs.

All this time I've been using IPA.
« Last Edit: December 28, 2020, 06:50:53 am by BravoV »
 

Online Psi

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2020, 06:51:50 am »
I don't know for sure, but personally I would be worried using methanol on electronics .
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Offline BravoVTopic starter

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2020, 07:00:23 am »
So far I've not yet run into problems with methanol denatured ethanol solvents. As for pure methanol, YMMV.

Ok, what did you use it for ? Cleaning electronics stuffs ?

My friend used it for degreasing plastic stuffs as acetone even though is much stronger, but its not plastic friendly, he has plenty and offers me for free as we had a discussion on electronics stuffs.

Online wraper

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2020, 07:30:35 am »
Methanol is also toxic when vapors are inhaled.
 

Offline IanB

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2020, 07:44:34 am »
Methanol is apparently used in optics for cleaning lenses and similar surfaces. I think because it evaporates quickly without leaving smears behind.

You can use it as a cleaning solvent, but don't get it all over your hands as it can be absorbed through the skin.
 

Offline retiredfeline

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2020, 07:49:38 am »
5 liters of 99% methanol

What's the 1%?
 

Offline TheAmmoniacal

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2020, 08:58:24 am »
Methanol works fine for cleaning. Small amounts of consumed methanol is well-tolerated by the body (< a few mL) so the vapor shouldn't be a problem, just don't overdo it.
 

Offline BravoVTopic starter

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2020, 09:17:21 am »
Methanol is apparently used in optics for cleaning lenses and similar surfaces. I think because it evaporates quickly without leaving smears behind.

You can use it as a cleaning solvent, but don't get it all over your hands as it can be absorbed through the skin.

Yep, he said that he used it for cleaning acrylic, as it leaves no residue nor hazy film, just clean & clear surface, and compared to IPA, hence the offer after he heard I used IPA for cleaning electronics PCB.

Noted, on the toxicity at the skin, thanks.

Regarding it's vapor, inhaling just a bit like when opening the lid at "well ventilated" is safe, he used it for decades. And also one or two drops of it touching skin is also fine.

Offline BravoVTopic starter

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2020, 09:18:39 am »
5 liters of 99% methanol

What's the 1%?

Mostly water, as its quite hygroscopic.

Online Psi

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2020, 11:18:48 am »
5 liters of 99% methanol

What's the 1%?

Mostly water, as its quite hygroscopic.

As long is its not hypergolic.  :-DD
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Offline BravoVTopic starter

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2020, 11:31:27 am »
If that is the case, I will ask more.  >:D

Offline JohnnyMalaria

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2020, 03:43:54 pm »
As well as the significant toxicity, it also has a low flash point (12 - 14 degC).

It is good at cleaning - that's why most windscreen/shield washer fluids are primarily methanol.
 

Offline BravoVTopic starter

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2020, 03:51:22 pm »
As well as the significant toxicity, it also has a low flash point (12 - 14 degC).

It is good at cleaning - that's why most windscreen/shield washer fluids are primarily methanol.

Yep, aware of the high volatility and also the almost invisible flame when burning.  ???

When it comes to cleaning, the methanol especially at high concentration is significantly stronger than IPA.

I guess its safe for electronics components as IPA does.

Offline Mazo

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Re: Is methanol safe for cleaning PCB/electronics ?
« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2020, 06:33:17 pm »
Handled loads of RC nitro fuel(think 60-80% methanol content) as a teen,ofcourse using zero safety measures spilling it all over my hands face and whatnot.
Just use common sense,don't drink it and maybe wear some eye protection and you will be fine.I have spilled some on quite a lot of plastics and rubbers,but can hardly remember the exact materials.What I remember though is that you need to be carefull with the tubing and seals and it needs to be methanol-proof otherwise they get swollen.I used Coca-cola bottles for containers and they held the stuff easily(formed some nasty white film on the inside not sure if methanol related or from the other stuff in the fuel).Highly hygroscopic,I suggest you distribute it to smaller containers to avoid repetitive opening of the big one.

TL;DR Based on my noob empirical expirience PCBs should be fine,handling is easy just don't do stupid stuff,avoid hot stuff,open flames,methanol drinks water.
YMMV
 


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