Thermal paste cleaning

[SM Phoo]

First time watercooler (wish me luck)

I've taken apart the GPU and came to the part where I had to clean the thermal paste.

 

Firstly, I should have been more prepared, I assumed the EK waterblock would have come with a cleaning wipe.

Anyway, I've ordered some rubbing alcohol which will come tomorrow, but in the meantime, I have cleaned it with a dry lint free cloth, so the actual chip itself is clean. (Not sure if I should wait until tomorrow and give it a wipe over with the alcohol)

 

But the thermal paste down the sides. Am I supposed to clean that? I know ideally it should be removed, but as it's covering small pins and stuff, I really don't want to do damage to the card.

Should I leave it, or what do you recommend? 

 

Edit: Also, stupid question, am I supposed to clean the are where I am to put new thermal pads?

 

Thanks

[Biomecanoid]

You can use cotton buds or a small kids toothbrush gently