Sticky console buttons?

[Eliganza]

Any have any ideas how to shift some sort of sticky residue out (previous owner...) from behind a couple of buttons on my climate control unit? Can't remove the buttons so need something to break it down without scrubbing etc. Also, don't want to knacker the electrics obviously...

​Cheers

 

[Yellow Dave]

Have you tried using a tooth pick to get in the gap? I wouldn't want to use any water around the buttons personally

 

[Eliganza]

Yeah, unfortunately I think a fair bit has gathered behind the buttons themselves. Just tried some gt85, has loosened them up but I don't know if it will work for very long...

 

[yellowbelly]

Might be worth a shot with the air canister things used for computer keyboard cleaning

 

[PP200t]

This reminds me of the csi top gear did on those 3 bmw's they bought. Lol

 

[Eliganza]

Might be worth a shot with the air canister things used for computer keyboard cleaning

I have a workshop compressor I could use, but the problem is getting it to fully dissolve before it will all run out.

 

[MG cup]

Some brake cleaner and blow out with an airline should do the job. I would remove the battery's while doing so as a precaution.

 

[Rob]

Man up and remove it. It can't be that hard.

 

[Paprika123]

Once these are removed the front cover pops off and you should be able to clean it properly.

Some brake cleaner and blow out with an airline should do the job. I would remove the battery's while doing so as a precaution.

That might cause the black covering to flake off.

 

[Eliganza]

It's not actually a Clio, I should have mentioned. Pretty sure if I try and remove any of the buttons they'll break off. I'll try the airline idea next I think.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Try one of the alcohol sprays you use on electric equipment.

(otherwise known as I.P.A)

 

[Badgerman85]

Try one of the alcohol sprays you use on electric equipment.

(otherwise known as I.P.A)

This, anything non-conductive / plastic safe should work fine, 99% pure isopropyl is great for jobs like this

 

[Eliganza]

I think I've managed to just about sort it, if it returns I have actually got some thermal surface cleanser I might try for PC components.

 

[Badgerman85]

Is it ArctiClean? I wouldn't trust it on plastic as it tends to eat through decals etc, its designed to purify surfaces completely to aid heat transfer, be safer using some form of isopropyl based cleaner imo

 

[Jacko90]

Just use simple 'contact cleaner'. Can use it on nearly all electrical items.