Choosing Degreaser

Not all degreasers are the same. Walk into any chemical supplier and you'll find shelves of products that all claim to be heavy duty, fast acting and suitable for everything. In reality, picking the wrong one can damage surfaces, create safety issues or just not work.

Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right one.

Solvent based vs water based

Solvent based degreasers like brake cleaners and parts washers use chemical solvents to dissolve grease, oil and carbon. They evaporate fast and leave no residue. Best for automotive, mechanical and heavy industrial applications where you need aggressive cleaning power and quick drying. The tradeoff is flammability, ventilation requirements and stronger fumes.

Water based degreasers use surfactants and alkaline chemistry to lift and emulsify grease. They're safer to handle, less flammable and better for enclosed spaces. Best for general maintenance, kitchens, workshops and situations where you can rinse with water. They may need more contact time on heavy deposits.

What are you cleaning?

The surface matters. A degreaser that's brilliant on concrete might destroy a painted panel. Before choosing a product, think about what you're actually cleaning and what it's made of.

Metal parts and engines: Solvent based or strong alkaline degreaser. Our Heavy Duty Multipurpose Degreaser handles this well.

Floors and general surfaces: Water based concentrate diluted to the right ratio. Our Multipurpose Cleaner or Floor Cleaner Concentrated work here.

Vehicles and painted surfaces: Purpose built auto products. Our Blue Punch or Blue Power truck wash formulas are designed for painted surfaces without stripping wax or clear coat.

Kitchens and food areas: Food safe, non toxic options. Our Oven and Grill Cleaner is formulated for commercial kitchens.

Concentrated vs ready to use

Concentrated products give you more control and better value. You dilute to suit the job. Light grease might need a 1:20 ratio. Heavy carbon buildup might need it neat. Ready to use products are convenient but you're paying for water and you can't adjust the strength.

Most of our range is concentrated for exactly this reason. Commercial users prefer the flexibility and the cost savings.

The bottom line

Match the chemistry to the soil type and the surface. Don't use a sledgehammer when a tap will do, and don't use a gentle all purpose cleaner when you need something aggressive. If you're not sure which product fits your application, ask us. That's what we're here for.