I have always used isopropyl to clean components as its safe to use on electronics, it evaporates off, and it cleans things really well.
As I dont want to dissassamble the card or the keyboard...rinse isopropyl all over it or "sinking" em in an isopropyl bath for some minutes is probably not enough / the best idea ? I dont have much time right now, Im still looking for the easy way ^^ so I could at least use a toothbrush on the lower side of the graphics card + isopropyl...or is "toothbrush-rubbing" already "too hard" for the PCB ?
Get as much of it off as possible with an air compressor and using a toothbrush + IPA should be fine, just do it like your brushing your teeth. If you are really paranoid, you could purchase an ESD safe brush. As for the keyboard, the key caps can easily be popped on and off for cleaning. Use a pen or something plastic so you don't scratch the keyboard. You'll be surprised where and how dust/tobacco get into; the best approach would be to dismantle everything completely and clean them seperately for best results.
Thanks for additional ideas. I took the card apart and toothbrushed the PCB with isopropyl. I placed the heatsink into an isopropyl bath for some hours and brushed it carefully, but with good will. (I know, it should have been days) Put the stuff into the air + sun. Result : While the PCB and the top plastic cover only has very little of "smell" left, the heatsink still has a ugly mix of dryer sheets + nicotine left. But ya, its better. I wasnt expecting dryer sheets to be THAT strong. ;O So I guess putting it into the fridge or oven after the isopropyl bath is a myth then ? Also my gf would probably not allow it and I would be scared of various chemicals beeing released through the "baking" process.
Three cleaners I have used for years that will take nicotine of completely: Simple Green Mean Green LA's Totally Awesome Any of those can be found at Dollar Tree, Dollar General or Family Dollar very cheap. They are very strong and non-toxic. They all come in a concentrated form or an anti-bacterial form that adds a lemon smell. There a Super Strength Mean Green that's very good, but not recommended for glass. It leaves a residue on glass that takes forever to remove. After cleaning with one of those, clean again with isopropyl alcohol and let dry.
Only on an old C64 tape drive case...without the electrics. Looked like new. Im somehow afraid of using bleach on electronics... PPPPPPPPPPPPP Also softcloth on a Graphics card pcb ? Bloody hands included ?
Okay. I am referring to the keyboard in particular though. As for the graphics card, any solvent solution like nail polish can remove good part of the smell.