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How to remove PCB residue from fittings

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2026 11:52 am
by Beta 5
Does anyone know how to remove the remaining smell of PCB's oil from fittings where the capacitor has ruptured?
I have just been cleaning the remains of a capacitor from a grey sided pop pack, I have done the usual removing and bagging the capacitor, wiping off the worst of the oil and then cleaning the surfaces down with paraffin/white spirit and rag but the smell still lingers in the fitting and on the ballast etc.

I am guessing it has seeped into the paint, while the fitting will be getting a respray the ballast won't as it is pristine, so I guess there is not much to do other than let the smell gradually fade, unless anyone has any suggestions?

The fitting will also be fully rewired as it seemed to make the insulation of the cables go a bit funny and stretchy (plus decontaminating the cables would probably destroy them anyway).

Re: How to remove PCB residue from fittings

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2026 1:11 pm
by Slyspark
Baby wipes always seem to work. But, failing that, some of those trade wipes you get for hand cleaning

Re: How to remove PCB residue from fittings

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2026 1:16 pm
by Beta 5
Ok, I have both of those so I'll give it a go!
I don't suppose it is too dangerous that such low concentrations, I just don't like the smell of it clinging onto everything!