What's the Best Cleaner for 'No Clean' Solders and Pastes?

The No-Clean Flux Remover – VeriClean™ (#MCC-DC1) works great on “no clean” materials. However, a newer formulation from MicroCare — the VOC-Free Flux Remover – UltraClean™ (#MCC-VOC10A) — is an excellent choice and some users report the fast-drying, nonflammable General Purpose Flux Remover – Flux Remover C (#MCC-FRC) delivers good results as well.

The UltraClean™ products is a radically different cleaning formulation engineered exclusively by MicroCare. It is a highly effective circuit cleaner, offering superior results on “no-clean” fluxes and very good cleaning on rosin- and lead-free fluxes as well. This product also easily removes silicone conformal coatings and silicone glues. An excellent choice for defluxing circuit boards during rework and repair, this fast-drying fluid is the strongest cleaner on the market in its class (non-chlorinated, non-halogenated solvents).

VeriClean™ is another quick-drying cleaner with almost lower aroma than the UltraClean product; it’s widely used in areas where VOCs are a concern.

Lastly, the General Purpose Flux Remover C is an excellent choice. it is based on HFC solvents so it is nonflammable. It cleans great, is generally plastic safe, has a modest aroma, fast drying, and a very competitive price.

Special Note: If you are cleaning no-clean pastes from stencils or misprinted boards, the best choice is either the water-based Aqueous Stencil Cleaner (#MCC-BGA) or the solvent-based MultiTask™ Surface Cleaner Economy Wipes (#MCC-MLCW).