Cleaning audio components with 90% isopropyl alcohol

One of the audio greats, Jonas Miller, who ran the ultra high end Jonas Miller Stereo in Beverley Hills, told me to NEVER use denatured alcohol, because there are many ways to denature alcohol.

He pointed out that there is only one way to make high purity ethyl alcohol, or failing that, premium high proof vodka. Either of these costs almost nothing in the quantities used for cleaning.

More important is the problem of contamination. ALWAYS pour out a tiny quantity and throw away the excess. NEVER dip a cleaning tool into the bottle of alcohol.

Thanks for the information @terry9 , I didn’t realize that. I was told the opposite from one of my audio gurus years ago.

Guess I need to do some research.

Joe Nies

Acetone dries even faster but you should use it only if there are no plastic parts involved. 

No plastic parts, no epoxy, no finish, just for starters.

Acetone.    Stay away, like the plague.

No plastic parts, no epoxy, no finish, just for starters

Also, removes paint, dies, and decals.

Someone mentioned CRC. Great suggestion. Get the plastic-friendly type of contact cleaner, in the red and white can, if available.

Why not use a plain dry q-tip?