How do I clean a power supply?

[jimbo1763]

I have come into possession of a power supply that smells of cigarette smoke, etc. from the previous owner. I have cleaned it out with compressed air and I have wiped off what residue I could get to. That helped, but not enough. Anything more radical that you might suggest?

[jankerson]

Other than opening it up or soaking it in hot water not really.

If you do soak it make sure you let it dry for a few days.

Neither is recommended though.

[DanceMan]

I've done exactly that, washed them with soap and water and a scrub brush (dishwashing, angled head, long bristles), rinsed thoroughly under the tap. As suggested, dry thoroughly for a few days.
Done with the cover off, of course.

[jimbo1763]

I knew you had done that with PCI cards and keyboards. Didn't know about PSU's.

Certainly have nothing to lose. The odor is pretty bad. I have been in the case-a lot of the things in there are pluggable-both fans, a couple of circuit boards. I ought to be able to remove some of that sort of stuff and concentrate on what I can't move.

[DanceMan]

I never unplugged anything, just washed them as is. I've often removed the fan, but left it connected, to wash it with a toothbrush.

[Ratt]

A liberal spray of residue free contact cleaner with a brush ought to do the trick.