There are two problems here. One is lime deposits and that is easy to 
handle with any weak acid (do NOT use HCl in stainless steel, though). I 
recommend dilute formic acid, but it requires careful handling (see 
MSDS). The other is deposits from the solder paste/flux/wash chemistry 
and they can be very difficult to remove, depending what chemicals are 
involved. Possibly the worst product is hydrolysed rosin which forms a 
white crud that sticks to anything and is insoluble in most ordinary 
products likely to be found in an electronics workshop. I think the only 
thing to do with it is to scrub it with an IPA saturated cloth, with 
plenty of elbow grease and patience. Do NOT use abrasives, such as 
Scotchbrite pads or pumice, as they will roughen the surface of the 
stainless steel, providing a nice key for thicker future deposits.

Maybe we need Teflon/Silverstone coated machines!!!

Brian

Richard Kraszewski wrote:
> To ~continue along this forum's recent cleaning track...
> 
> What are you using for de-scaling water wash systems?
> 
> Any recommendations would be appreciated. 
> 
> Rich K / GTS
>   
> 
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