Can I use nail polish remover to remove thermal paste from my CPU?

[Guest]

Today, I bought a Hyper 212 EVO and need to remove my thermal paste. I'm in the UK and can't find anywhere to buy isopropyl alcohol.

So I have been searching through this forum and some people have recommended using nail polish remover, but others have warned against it because of some ingredients. So, my question is, can I use this nail polish remover?

Here are the ingredients:
Ethyl Acetate,
Ethyl Lactate,
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract,
Aqua (Water),
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate,
CI 26100 (Red 17),
Parfum (Fragrance),
Citronellol,
Geraniol,
Linalool.

Thank you.

 

[COLGeek]

I would not recommend doing that, the acetone derivatives can be very harmful.

Rather, just use rubbing alcohol. Or better yet, just use dry paper towels to remove the old material. Most thermal compound can be removed without any liquid cleaners being applied. Just be sure to not leave any paper behind when you apply the new compound.

I have used this method on hundreds of systems and never had an issue (and no odd residues left behind).

 

[Guest]

I would not recommend doing that, the acetone derivatives can be very harmful.

Rather, just use rubbing alcohol. Or better yet, just use dry paper towels to remove the old material. Most thermal compound can be removed without any liquid cleaners being applied. Just be sure to not leave any paper behind when you apply the new compound.

I have used this method on hundreds of systems and never had an issue (and no odd residues left behind).

Thank you! I have been looking all day, I will do that now then, could I use kitchen or toilet roll?

 

[COLGeek]

Kitchen roll (less "dust"). It will also "buff" the surface a bit. Just wipe until shiny/clean. Be careful to not bend any pins.

 

[clutchc]

If you want a lint-free material to remove the old TIM, use coffee filters. I have been using them for that task for years. No lint.
If you can't buy Arctic Cleaner, use isopropyl alcohol found in any drug store.

 

[COLGeek]

Coffee filters are indeed great for this. Great suggestion!

 

[Marck Ignacio]

I would not recommend doing that, the acetone derivatives can be very harmful.

Rather, just use rubbing alcohol. Or better yet, just use dry paper towels to remove the old material. Most thermal compound can be removed without any liquid cleaners being applied. Just be sure to not leave any paper behind when you apply the new compound.

I have used this method on hundreds of systems and never had an issue (and no odd residues left behind).

i know its an old thread but what if the nail polisher remover is acetone free?

with an ingredient of isopropyl alcohol.

 

[COLGeek]

There are often other ingredients in nail polish remover (like oils) that should be avoided. I do not recommend this products for such uses.