How to clean a heatsink?

DerDuke · 16th July 2005, 05:07 PM

yesterday the heatsinks for my zen project arrived. they are used are really dirty!

between all the fins there is a really fatty and dusty layer

i already tried a toothbrush and some cotton sticks (ear cleaners

)
but this didn't really work out so far...

any other suggestions? what about a high pressure cleaning machine?

regards

sam9 · 16th July 2005, 05:28 PM

I've used isopropal alchohol and a brush, then gotten out the rest with hot soapy water and thorogh rinsing.

A dishwasher might do the job, but take them out before the hot-dry cycle. Just let them dry at room temperature.

ctardi · 17th July 2005, 02:47 AM

Did you try an air compressor?

Sch3mat1c · 17th July 2005, 05:13 AM

Dishwashers use basic cleaning solutions that eat aluminum. It'll etch and possibly discolor.

Get some acetone, soak a rag (inside, near an open flame if possible, that is if you haven't read the can's label and want to get a Darwin award!) and wipe it down. I'd suggest 1,1,1TCE instead, but good luck finding it anymore.

Tim

pinkmouse · 17th July 2005, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sch3mat1c
Dishwashers use basic cleaning solutions that eat aluminum. It'll etch and possibly discolor.

I don't know what solutions you use in dishwashers over there, but in the UK my mum has been washing aluminium pans, etc, in her dishwasher for years with no ill effects...

DerDuke · 17th July 2005, 11:20 AM

thanks for your fast replies!
i think an air compressor isnt the right tool to blow the layer of fat away... only for the dust.
im goin to try the acetone rag, and then rinse some hot water.

16th July 2005, 05:07 PM	#1
DerDuke diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mönchengladbach	How to clean a heatsink? yesterday the heatsinks for my zen project arrived. they are used are really dirty! between all the fins there is a really fatty and dusty layer i already tried a toothbrush and some cotton sticks (ear cleaners ) but this didn't really work out so far... any other suggestions? what about a high pressure cleaning machine? regards

17th July 2005, 05:13 AM	#4
Sch3mat1c diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI	Dishwashers use basic cleaning solutions that eat aluminum. It'll etch and possibly discolor. Get some acetone, soak a rag (inside, near an open flame if possible, that is if you haven't read the can's label and want to get a Darwin award!) and wipe it down. I'd suggest 1,1,1TCE instead, but good luck finding it anymore. Tim __________________ Seven Transistor Labs Projects and Resources

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16th July 2005, 05:28 PM	#2
sam9 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Left Coast	I've used isopropal alchohol and a brush, then gotten out the rest with hot soapy water and thorogh rinsing. A dishwasher might do the job, but take them out before the hot-dry cycle. Just let them dry at room temperature.

17th July 2005, 02:47 AM	#3
ctardi diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Maple Ridge	Did you try an air compressor?

17th July 2005, 11:20 AM	#6
DerDuke diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mönchengladbach	thanks for your fast replies! i think an air compressor isnt the right tool to blow the layer of fat away... only for the dust. im goin to try the acetone rag, and then rinse some hot water.