I've opened up my mixer and cleaned all the gain pots and faders with this stuff:
http://www.fullcompass.com/common/files/5337-ds-f5s-h6.pdf


The instructions on the can say to wait 2 minutes before powering on.

It's been quite a while and things still appear wet.

Am I missing something with these electronic cleaners?
Are they not conductive or something ?

Can I turn it on?

Yeah,  it's fine to switch on.

You're waiting a minute or so for the propelant (which will be highly flamable) to evaporate.  You're then left with a thin oil film which will clean and lubricate the switch/pot contacts.

It's perfectly safe...



















... unless there's still propelant and the mains switch gives off a huge spark...

I stopped using stuff like this many years ago.

There are many reasons.

1) Most new gear simply isn't made to be cleaned and lubed with this stuff... especially the cheap "sealed" pots.  It seems like you were lucky or smart enough to have selected a product that doesn't actually melt and ruin the parts... which is something that can easily happen with the newer plastic housed parts. I've done that... and once was enough. :-)

2) Many times introducing lube to older units, the ones that are designed to be serviced, simply initiates a scenario where the lube attracts even more dirt and grime than was there originally... and then the noise slowly gets worse than it was before cleaning. The situation is like a cat chaing it's tail.

3) I have found that vigorously moving the fader or pot for an extended period of time is the most effective way to reduce and minimize the instances where movement causes noise.


Having said that, and I regret having such a contrary attitude for the situation you find your self in, I'd say that the "wetness" you are observing is simply the oily slime mess left by the mineral spirits listed as the vehicle in that clean and lube product. I suspect, but can't guaranty, that you can power up safely after just a few minutes just as the instruction claim.

The oily slime left by the mineral spirits will attract dirt and dust and eventually, if not sooner, you can consider cleaning it, or not, again.


best regards,
mike

Thanks Karyn and Mike.

Yea Mike, I agree. Just that I have tried the 'turning the pots to clean them routine' (and did it for a long time). Still didn't do much. Same with my guitars. I don't know what to do about that now that I read your post. (they were next for the goop).

Sorry I didn't mention this but, what I'm concerned about is that the slime also got on the circuit boards.

Still OK to power?

Yeah .... I agree with Mike. 

If the cleaner does not evaporate totally and leave the surface dry, it will tend to attract more dirt and dust. If you think dust can not get into small sealed spaces, think again. 

I use a contact cleaner on the pots in my amps and guitars. It is the kind that evaporates rapidly. I spray the pot and gently work it back and forth a few times. It makes the pots easy to turn and also eliminates the static and scratchyness from the sound. 

I would consider cleaning those pots again with something that will remove the mineral oil left by the other cleaner.  That may be difficult to do but yeah... I would not want mineral oil on my pots collecting dust. 

The cleaners that will dry quickly and leave no residue are also the kind that will do damage to wood  finishes and plastic parts so be careful.  My guitar amps are pretty bullet proof in that regard. 

Hi Tim,
 I grew up just a little bit north of where you live.

 The salt in the air, near the Atlantic coast with the day after day stiff sea breeze blowing it into the mainland, is really hard on electronics.

 All you can do is try to keep the stuff alive the best you can.

all the best,
mike

Tim is (allegedly) looking for smart people to chime in here.

If I knew any I'd have them chime in.

****

That was an F word

Just a heads-up. I used "DeoxIT - D100" a few years ago on the knobs and faders of my acoustic 12 string. Since I prefer recording with a mic or two, I had nothing to lose. It's a good thing I didn't care too much about it, cause I deoxed it to death. Literally. I don't blame the product as it came highly recommended, but rather my generous application of the stuff.