[Boatanchors] Re: Cleaning mouse mess

[Barry L. Ornitz]

Carl Huether, KM1H, wrote:

> I'm looking at a few oldies that served as mouse condos for a 
> long time.
> 
> Any way to loosen up that mess without destroying things?
> A couple of Heathkits, Hammarlund, Johnson as well as 1920's 
> breadboards are involved.

I would like to second what Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, wrote.  
The problem with Hantavirus is real and it can be found in 
most parts of the country.  I wrote about this several years 
ago on Usenet after doing some research of my own in the 
area.  Another possibility is histoplasmosis.  [My brother-in-
law had this.  He coughed up bloody "rocks" (calcium deposits) 
for years after the initial infection.]

The absolute worst thing to do is to use compressed air to try 
to blow out the mess.  It is best to wet down the surface 
first to keep any dust from stirring.  However, I would avoid 
the chlorine bleach on electronic equipment.  This is just a 
little too corrosive for many parts and it does attack 
aluminum.  Instead I would use Dow's Foaming Bathroom Cleaner 
(which may now be called Scrubbing Bubbles).  This foam has a 
disinfectant, and it is not likely to stir up dust.  You will 
need to rinse the equipment thoroughly with water afterward 
followed by a final rinse in distilled water.  This cleaner 
contains glycol ethers that are good degreasers too.  Remember 
to lubricate bearings and such after a thorough drying.

And yes, I know the dangers of washing equipment with water 
(especially paper insulated parts such as transformers and 
coil forms).  But the risk of disease is, in my opinion, more 
important than the damages that may occur.

          73,  Barry L. Ornitz     WA4VZQ     ornitz@tricon.net