Is it safe to use ethanol instead of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning thermal paste?

I would only recommend using it if it's a high-proof product like Everclear. Otherwise, you might want to stick with something more reliable.

You can use ethanol, but keep in mind isopropyl alcohol is often preferred since it tends to leave no residue. Ethanol might have colorants or additives that could affect things. I usually buy a few bottles online so I always have some ready!

If you're using high-quality ethanol, it should be fine, but if it's low-quality, it might leave some junk behind. Isopropyl is easier to find and is often just alcohol and distilled water.

Be cautious! While ethanol can work, it might leave some residue behind after cleaning. I've had my own mishaps with solvents and plastic, so it's wise to be careful. If you find yourself needing to clean often, consider getting some alcohol wipes for a safer bet.

Actually, my wife works in a lab, and we've always used ethanol to clean off stubborn thermal paste. It does the job well unless the paste is really old and tough. Most of the time, just a sheet of kitchen roll does the trick!