The Best Electrical Contact Cleaners & How to Use Them

PDF download Download Article
Clean dirt, grime, and corrosion to make contacts work properly again
PDF download Download Article

Electrical contacts can get dirty or corroded with normal use, which affects an item’s performance. Luckily, several commercial and DIY products are safe and effective at cleaning off dirt, dust, grime, oil, and corrosion. Whether you’re cleaning electrical contacts in a car, circuit board, or other device, we’ll explain the best products to use and how to safely use them with help from master electrician Daniel Stoescu. Read on to find out more!

What can I use to clean electrical contacts?

According to master electrician Daniel Stoescu, the best products to clean electrical contacts are commercial electrical contact cleaners, like ones by CRC and WD-40 . As a DIY alternative, use 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. For loose dust and dirt, clean the contact with compressed air.

Section 1 of 4:

The Best Cleaners for Electrical Contacts

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Commercial electrical contact cleaners According to Stoescu, many manufacturers make cleaners specifically for removing dust, dirt, and grime from electrical contacts. These cleaners typically contain solvents, like isopropyl alcohol, that are safe to use on a wide variety of electrical contacts, like car wiring and circuit boards.
    • Common brands include CRC QD Electronic Cleaner and WD-40 Contact Cleaner , says Stoescu.
    • Most cleaners are aerosol-based, so they’re quick and easy to spray.
    • Commercial cleaners are either solvent or water-based:
      • Solvent-based cleaners are better at removing tough debris, but are often flammable. So, do not use them near flames, sparks, or heat sources.
      • Water-based cleaners are usually gentler on grime and take longer to dry, but are less hazardous to use.
    • Note : Don’t use other commercial cleaners in place of contact cleaners, such as brake cleaner. These products can potentially damage the contact.
  2. 2
    Isopropyl alcohol (91% or 99%) Isopropyl alcohol is a great DIY cleaner for electrical contacts. This alcohol is tough enough to dissolve dirt, grime, oil, and corrosion but gentle enough on delicate electrical parts. Isopropyl alcohol also dries quickly, so there’s little risk of the liquid damaging the contacts. [1]
    • Make sure you use 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol , as these concentrations contain less water, which helps ensure less moisture damage to the contact.
    • What about rubbing alcohol? Avoid using rubbing alcohol, as it contains a higher percentage of water that can damage the contact.
    • Warning : Be careful about using isopropyl alcohol on contacts that contain rubber and plastic parts, as it can damage these materials. [2]
    • Warning: Isopropyl alcohol is flammable, so never use it near open flames, sources of ignition, or high heat. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Acetone nail polish remover Like isopropyl alcohol, acetone-based nail polish remover can cut through dirt and grime on electrical contacts. This solvent dries quickly, too. [4]
    • Warning : Acetone can also damage rubber and plastic. So, be careful using it if the contact you’re cleaning contains rubber or plastic parts.
    • Warning : Acetone is highly flammable. Do not use it near sparks, flames, or heat sources. [5]
  4. 4
    Compressed air Compressed air is a great, quick cleaner if you just need to remove loose debris from an electrical contact. The pressurized air blows away dirt, dust, and other debris that aren’t stuck on. [6]
    • Note : Compressed air isn’t very effective on tough, stuck-on debris or heavy grime, like oil.
  5. 5
    White vinegar White vinegar is great for breaking down tough corrosion on electrical contacts and alkaline battery terminals on small devices, like TV remotes. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the residue so it’s easy to wipe off. [7]
    • Warning : Be careful about using vinegar on contacts that contain rubber. Vinegar can corrode or eat away at rubber. [8]
  6. 6
    Baking soda When mixed with a bit of water, baking soda is also great at dissolving corrosion on electrical contacts, circuit boards, and car battery terminals . [9] It’s also a mild abrasive, so it can help scrub off tough debris without damaging delicate parts. [10]
    • To use baking soda to clean, mix it with equal parts warm water to create a paste.
  7. 7
    Fine-grit sand paper Physical abrasives, like fine-grit sandpaper, can help remove tough grime and corrosion from electrical contacts, too. With a bit of scrubbing action, the abrasive helps remove stuck-on debris. [11]
    • Warning : Use gentle pressure when using sandpaper or other physical abrasives. Even fine-grit sandpaper can potentially damage the delicate parts in electrical contacts.
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

General Steps for Cleaning Electrical Contacts

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Turn off the power to the electrical contact and put on safety gear. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, shut off power to the contact you’re cleaning and unplug it from the power source, if possible. Then, put on a pair of cleaning gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes from the cleaning solutions. [12]
    • If you’re cleaning a contact on your car’s electrical harness, turn off the engine and disconnect the battery . [13]
    • If you’re cleaning a contact connected to your home’s electrical system, turn off the power at your circuit breaker.
    • Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, too. This helps air out the cleaner as you’re using it so you don’t breathe it in.
  2. Take a look at the electrical contact to see what debris you need to clean off. A commercial contact cleaner is a good all-purpose option, while isopropyl alcohol is a great DIY alternative. If you’re dealing with corrosion, use vinegar or baking soda.
    • If the contact is just covered in loose dust or dirt, compressed air is likely all you need to get it clean.
  3. If you’re using a commercial contact cleaner, simply spray the contact in quick bursts until the dirt and grime are gone. [14] If you’re using isopropyl alcohol, vinegar, or baking soda, dip a micro-brush , lint-free cloth , or cotton swab into the cleaning solution. Then, gently dab and wipe the contact until all of the debris or corrosion is gone. [15]
    • Make sure the brush or cloth is not dripping with the solution. If it is, dab it off with a paper towel before cleaning the contact.
    • For items that are heavily corroded, leave the contact to soak in vinegar for 1 to 2 hours, or until all of the debris is gone. [16]
  4. After you finish cleaning the contact and you are satisfied that all of the debris is gone, place the item on a flat surface to dry. Allow it to dry for at least 1 hour, or until you are certain it is completely dry. Then, plug the contact back in. [17]
    • If you cleaned with vinegar or baking soda , rinse off the contact with contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. This removes the cleaning solution you used and helps the contact dry quicker.
    • Commercial cleaners, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone dry quickly, so the item should be dry in a matter of minutes.
    • It’s very important that you allow the electrical contact to dry before plugging it in again or turning it on. Excess moisture can lead to corrosion and damage.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Using a Contact Cleaner Kit

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you purchased a special kit, like DeoxIT , to clean your electrical contacts, read through all of the instructions that came with it. The kit may include multiple types of solutions, which may only be used on certain types of metal, such as gold, silver, or copper. [18]
    • The instructions should also provide information on how long to leave the product on before scrubbing or wiping it off.
    • When looking for kits, Stoescu advises always using a non-flammable substance from a known brand so you don't risk any injuries.
  2. It’s best to start by getting as much dirt and debris off the contacts as you can without using the solution. Choose a brush that will fit into the slot if the contact is not exposed, or select any brush to clean an exposed contact.
    • The kit’s instructions might also specify which brushes are meant for certain types of contacts.
  3. Make sure that the item is unplugged from its power source first. Then, use the applicator brush included with the kit to apply contact cleaning solution to the contact. Cover the entire surface of the contact with the cleaning solution. [19]
    • Once the contact is completely covered, check the time and leave the solution on for the amount of time indicated by the kit. This may range from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how dirty the contacts are.
    • For example, you might need to leave the solution on overnight if the contacts are extra dirty. [20]
  4. After the solution has been sitting for the required amount of time, wipe or brush it off. You can either use a brush to wipe away any remaining debris from the inside of a contact’s slot, or use a lint-free towel to wipe off an exposed contact.
    • If the contact still appears dirty, repeat the process.
    • Tip: If there is still a noticeable amount of debris on the item, you might also try rubbing the contact with an eraser. You can use a small pencil eraser or a large eraser, depending on the side of the contact. [21]
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Signs an Electrical Contact Needs to Be Cleaned

PDF download Download Article
  1. Decreased functionality and debris buildup are signs to clean the contacts. It’s important to regularly clean electrical contacts in your car, devices, appliances, and other machines so they work properly and keep you safe from electrical hazards. Keeping the contacts clean also helps extend their life. Some common signs that contacts are in need of a clean include: [22]
    • Decreased functionality : You might notice that your device or machine isn’t connecting properly or working as it should. For example, you might have problems with one of your car’s sensors or be unable to use your TV remote.
    • Dust and debris buildup : When you inspect a contact, you may see a lot of dirt, dust, grime, and other debris on the surface. Buildup can lead to loss of functionality.
    • Corrosion : Moisture and age can cause electrical contacts to develop corrosion, which looks like white, blue, or green buildup. Like dirt buildup, corrosion can cause items to stop working.
    • Oxidation : Metal tends to oxidize over time, which can cause rust or discoloration to form on the contact. Oxidation can also cause your item to not work properly.
    • Wear and tear : General signs of wear and tear, like scratches, dings, and fading, indicate the contact is aging, so it’s a good idea to clean it so it keeps working well.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Always wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals and solvents to clean. Gloves also help protect the contacts from the oils and dirt on your skin.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never submerge an electrical item in water or any other solution, as this can put you at risk of electrical shock.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Never clean an electrical contact while it is still plugged in. This can result in a dangerous electrical shock.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Locate, Remove & Clean a Dirty MAP Sensor
      How to
      Clean a Roborock Sensor
      How to
      Clean a Mousepad: Fabric, RGB, & Plastic
      The Best Ways to Clean Your Headphones and Earbuds
      3 Helpful Ways to Keep Dust Out of Your Computer
      How to
      Clean and Maintain an iPad Screen
      How to
      Clean a Typewriter
      How to
      Clean a Projector Screen
      How to
      Clean a PopSocket
      How to
      Clean a Fitbit
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/electric/how-to-clean-car-electrical-contacts/
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/what-not-to-clean-with-alcohol-8550213
      3. ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Isopropyl-Alcohol
      4. ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/electric/how-to-clean-car-electrical-contacts/
      5. ↑ https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/acetone.html
      6. ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/electric/how-to-clean-car-electrical-contacts/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/MSZjnwGG2Q0?si=sVhGIaJArln2BL4e&t=11
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
      9. ↑ https://www.mclpcb.com/blog/clean-printed-circuit-boards/
      1. ↑ https://oconto.extension.wisc.edu/files/2011/02/Baking-Soda.pdf
      2. ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/electric/how-to-clean-car-electrical-contacts/
      3. ↑ https://docs.rs-online.com/9385/A700000008542112.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E3JCALk6UsM?t=3&feature=share
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E3JCALk6UsM
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/z7ihHyBwyRU?si=9wrdn9gO5uAvkYkq&t=36
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/MSZjnwGG2Q0?si=jS79tI5tcVVszwPR&t=28
      8. ↑ https://docs.rs-online.com/9385/A700000008542112.pdf
      9. ↑ https://caig.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/CAIG-DeoxIT®-D-Series-Essentials-Guide.pdf
      10. ↑ https://caig.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/CAIG-DeoxIT®-D-Series-Essentials-Guide.pdf
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOt6ojo7Jfo&feature=youtu.be&t=120
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMSoghy-E7M&feature=youtu.be&t=40
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/2sQUJAcexro?si=yLlcx89su7HLGUwX&t=89

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,915 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement