Originally Posted by HillRider
Grease is also a "petroleum distillate" and is fully compatible with any minor residue that kerosene or mineral spirits leave behind. There is no need or value to scrubbing the bearings with alcohol, acetone or anything else. The only residue you must avoid is water.
Electrical contacts have much different cleaning requirments than bicycle bearings so the comparison isn't valid.
I don't believe so. There are always warnings about mixing bearing greases for motor vehicles and trailers because though they are petroleum based, many are incompatible. As far as residues, I suspect even the non-petroleum greases/lubes would not be adversely affected because the quantity is so small. The synthetic greases are probably compatible with everything.
I think that another reason that electrical contacts require a very inert grease like silicon based is that the current causes the petroleum grease to oxidize more.
I believe MEK leaves the least residue of any cleaner. I know it's the best for preparing boat hulls for painting. Dangerous stuff to breath or get on your skin.
Al