Removing smelly spill from electronics

Maple syrup is another fun one.

I would expect a watch/compass to be fairly waterproof and the oil just being on the outside. If the battery has never been replaced, check the waterproofing level with the manufacturer. If it is waterproof, then a good bath in in mild detergent is probably fine.

If you need some chemical to clean with, I would use isopropyl alcohol. You want a high concentration, not rubbing alcohol that has too much water in the mix. If you just want to wipe down the outside, alcohol wipes from a first aid kit would be okay.

Denatured alcohol has adulterants that might damage the plastic components. Acetone would be really mean.

There are spray cleaners/degreasers made for electronics that can be plastic friendly. They would be found at a professional electronic supply store. Most large cities have a store with audio-visual or general electronic supplies and sell the cleaners as well.

Keep in mind, some mild food smell is inevitable on your breath and clothing, so being 100% odorproof might never be possible with or without a fishy watch.

A bear's sense of smell is many times more powerful than a dog's.

Acetone can be used to clean electronics. It will not harm circuit boards and the like if it happens to seep in. I've used it to clean LED drivers, etc. Isopropyl alcohol should also work fine.

Ryan

Isopropyl alcohol is the normal cleaner for this.

Cheers