MarcD Posted May 28, 2018 Share Posted May 28, 2018 I have recently changed my brand of solder flux and I'm having problems getting rid of the residue. I normally boil the soldered parts in soda flakes this has partially worked but I have still got a black greasy residue. The flux I'm now using is LA-CO. Can anyone give me some tips? Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doilum Posted May 28, 2018 Share Posted May 28, 2018 CIF bathroom spray with a drop of Fairy liquid and an old tooth brush after every session. Mr Muscle works well too. Might be worth exploring the greasy residue. How does it respond to acetone (nail varnish remover), cellulose thinners, engine degreaser. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffP Posted May 28, 2018 Share Posted May 28, 2018 Are you sure you need such a strong flux for modelling? It seems to be designed for plumbing. Why not try some of the safety flux designed for modelling, sold bu "O" Gauge Online? http://www.7mmlocomotives.co.uk//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=1&category_id=1&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=52&vmcchk=1&Itemid=52 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcD Posted May 29, 2018 Author Share Posted May 29, 2018 I have ordered some. Just got to get rid of the residue of the last lot now. Thanks for the tip. Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 57xx Posted May 29, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 29, 2018 LA-CO is water soluble. Just water and a toothbrush is all that's needed, I use the same stuff and never had a problem with it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcD Posted June 7, 2018 Author Share Posted June 7, 2018 Flux arrived this morning so I'm hoping to put it to the test this afternoon. Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ROSSPOP Posted June 7, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 7, 2018 My best favoured cleaners of all time are Bar Keepers Friend and Viakal. if you clean with Viakal after every soldering session you will have no problems. Cheers johnny 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharris Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 My best favoured cleaners of all time are Bar Keepers Friend and Viakal. if you clean with Viakal after every soldering session you will have no problems. Cheers johnny Interesting - I thought as well as removing as much residue as possible the idea was to neutralise anything left behind (e.g. with an alkaline cleaner such as the sodium carbonate containing Cif). All the datasheets I've seen for Viakal indicate that it is acidic - which would be expected from its lime-scale removing function. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarryscapes Posted June 7, 2018 Share Posted June 7, 2018 I use a water miscible solvent from Mega electronics on a cotton bud after each soldering session to remove excess baked on flux, does the job nicely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CKPR Posted July 2, 2018 Share Posted July 2, 2018 I use Barkeepers Friend or Astonish powder , which seems to be much the same thing only cheaper, then a good clean up with Cillit Bang or Shiny Sinks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
meil Posted July 2, 2018 Share Posted July 2, 2018 (edited) ISO-Propyl alcohol works just fine. Edited July 2, 2018 by meil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcD Posted July 2, 2018 Author Share Posted July 2, 2018 The new flux work a treat. Cleans up well and no fuss with a bit of hot water. I wouldn't go back to the old stuff no I have found this. Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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