The DeoxIT in spray cans is basically 5% D100 and 95% Isopropanol Alcohol, plus

aerosol; this used to be called DeoxIT D5.

I don't buy that anymore, instead I get the glass bottles of D100 (which is 100
% DeoxIT) with the brush applicator (like a fingernail polish bottle) and make m
y own D5. Here's how:
I use 20ml glass bottles with the droppers built into the cap. I add 1ml D100 an
d 19ml of 91% Iso Alcohol. Shake throughly! This ends up being a 5:95 mix, just
like the spray cans.
I also make up bottles of DeoxIT Gold and Shield the same way.
I use a 1ml syringe to inject the D/Iso mix into ganged push button switches fro
m behind (inject some, operate switch, repeat) using about 0.2ml per switch. Aft
er this, let it dry for about an hour, then operate the switches for a few minut
es each; this will break up any remaining oxidation. Flush with 91% Iso, blow th
e switches out from behind with canned air and finally, give each switch a 0.1ml
shot of the D5 mix; operate each switch once or twice after injection to make s
ure both sides of both contacts are coated (if it's >=DPDT switch). Now, let it
dry. The alcohol will evaporate and leave some DeoxIT as a coating.
For rotary switches, I use the D5 mix with the eye dropper. Basically you just c
oat each wafer with it and keep turning the switch. After about 10 minutes, spra
y it off with 91% Iso, turn the switch some more, spray again and let it dry. Th
en apply D100 to a foam swab applicator (Swab-It brand works well for me; *do no
t* use cotton applicators like Q-tips, they'll leave lint everywhere) and use it
to gently scrub the metal discs on each wafer. The applicator will turn brown a
s it removes oxidation. Then apply a tiny drop of D100 to *each* contact on the
wafer (the contacts are U shaped; the edge of the metal disc slides between them
as it rotates) and work the switch for a few minutes. Wipe off excess with a cl
ean foam swab.
You should also lubricate the ball bearings of the rotary switch. White Lithium
Grease works well, but if you use it, do *not* use the canned aerosol type. It g
ets *everywhere* and you don't want it on the switch contacts or discs! The same
applies for Silicone based spray lubricants. If you use White Lithium Grease, g
et a tub of it and apply it sparingly with a toothpick.
What I use is Hoppe's Number 9 with a Precision Needle-Tip Applicator. It's a mi
neral based lubricant that doesn't gum up or dry out. If it's good enough to kee
p the slide of my H&K USP working perfectly after putting 200 rounds down range,
it's good enough for the bearings of a rotary switch! (It's seriously good lube
. I use it everywhere; locks, hinges, reels, etc.)