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Two weeks ago, I picked the wrong tub of flux from my toolbox and used it for making a 9VAC -> 5VDC adapter. I fluxed all the components and soldered it down before realising I was using PLUMBING flux!

The solder pads are all still intact and I've tested the conductivity of the leads of all my parts; they are all intact.

So to summarize,

How should I remove the flux after desoldering in such a way that I can reuse the PCB?

and

I may have used small amounts on other repairs in the past (all of them my own personal projects, none for others). Will I have to worry too much about these?

The flux is labeled as "alpha metals" brand "soldering paste flux".

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Plumbing flux does essentially the same thing as soldering flux. I don't see why this is an issue unless the flux itself is conductive. It should not harm any of the metals and since its plumbing flux I doubt its meant to be cleaned up. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kris Bahnsen
    Commented Dec 15, 2013 at 7:02
  • \$\begingroup\$ Plumbing flux will corrode the PCB over time. it's acidic. \$\endgroup\$
    – Wyatt Ward
    Commented Nov 28, 2014 at 21:49

1 Answer 1

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I clean my boards from flux with isopropyl alcohol and a paintbrush , I'm not sure what is different about plumbing flux that could prevent it from getting cleaned the same way.

If the flux is not mented all the way maybe a hot air gun will help get rid the majority of it (melted it can be wiped easily or drip away) and then just wipe the excess. Another idea is to try with water first in case the flux is water water-soluble and then use the isopropyl alcohol

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks a ton! I am not sure if this will work, but am assuming it to since I've seen this about rosin core flux anyway. Since I haven't tried yet, just upvoting for now. I will mark an answer after I have tested it. \$\endgroup\$
    – Wyatt Ward
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 23:21
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Wyatt8740 , I've made a couple of additions to the reply, maybe they help, in any case it would be beneficial to post your results when you try. \$\endgroup\$
    – alexan_e
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 23:32
  • \$\begingroup\$ Adding info about the type of flux in question to my question. Also posting here. It is "alpha metals" brand "soldering paste flux". \$\endgroup\$
    – Wyatt Ward
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 23:36
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Wyatt8740 any specific code number? \$\endgroup\$
    – alexan_e
    Commented Dec 14, 2013 at 23:49
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    \$\begingroup\$ @alexan_e it's back now :D Thanks for your help ^_^ \$\endgroup\$
    – Wyatt Ward
    Commented Jan 19, 2014 at 3:20

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