What solvent for parts washer?

-
How about that yellow degreaser stuff at .99 only stores? 1/2~1 Gallon is a buck, you could fill the tank for less than a keg of Meister Brau. WEAR GLOVES !
 
RRR wrote: "There are LOTS of SAFE cleaning agents out these days. You don't have to use something that'll dry your skin until it cracks and bleeds, or will ruin ground water in case of a spill."

Screw that water-based degreaser! Petoleum-based works one helluva lot better. I'm not going to be exposing my skin to it because I'm going to be wearing triple-layer rubber gloves, and I don't intend to spill it. Unlike water-based cleaners, you can use petroleum-based cleaner forever by simply decanting the liquid off the accumulated solids. Water based cleaners actually create more pollution because you have to dispose of them when they become ineffective.

But if you really believe that stuff, RRR, then our California Governor Jerry Brown has a position open in the state's Department of Environmental Protection, and I think you should apply for it.
 
I use kerosene. Stinks to high heaven for about a week then all is good.
 
The way to remove old petroleum by products such as caked grease, and oil/dirt is with a petroleum product. If you like to remove grease from a pan or skillet use a product that is bio-degradable.

The cheapest source is diesel fuel (not my first choice), kerosene works excellent (the fumes at first are strong) Coleman lantern fuel, (works the best, but at 15.00@gal)

I do not have a solvent tank, but use an over sized rubberized livestock tub and use it in the open. I don't like the idea of having gallons of open solvent stored in the shop area, if you go green, yea go for it.

I have never used a bio-degradable product that worked well quickly, and then required more effort with putty knife and wire brush. So work harder with the bio, or work with less effort with a solvent with all the hazards involved.
 
Last edited:
I use mineral spirits in mine, buy it in 2.5 gallon jugs at a local paint supply. But I'm not in the land of fruits and nuts either. lol
 
Bill, you should really get hold of someone who has some MODERN safe degreaser. They have come light years ahead of what they once were. No need to worry about them being flammable, or hurting your skin. Also, on every parts washer I have ever seen.......at least since the 1980s they clearly say not to use petroleum based cleaners as that will hurt the pump.

I am telling you, if you have not tried it, you need to hook up with someone who has and see what I am talking about. I was like you and only used mineral spirits. I will never again use it.

RRR wrote: "There are LOTS of SAFE cleaning agents out these days. You don't have to use something that'll dry your skin until it cracks and bleeds, or will ruin ground water in case of a spill."

Screw that water-based degreaser! Petoleum-based works one helluva lot better. I'm not going to be exposing my skin to it because I'm going to be wearing triple-layer rubber gloves, and I don't intend to spill it. Unlike water-based cleaners, you can use petroleum-based cleaner forever by simply decanting the liquid off the accumulated solids. Water based cleaners actually create more pollution because you have to dispose of them when they become ineffective.

But if you really believe that stuff, RRR, then our California Governor Jerry Brown has a position open in the state's Department of Environmental Protection, and I think you should apply for it.
 
Oh and it's not true that you have to dispose of them either. Don't know where you came up with that myth, but remember, petroleum floats on water. That means it does not mix. You can filter it right off with a fine mesh screen and leave the cleaner unaffected. I have had the same cleaner in my tank for about five years and it still cleans as good as when it was new.
 
I use mineral spirits in mine. Literally , the same stuff has been in the tank for over 20 years. Still cleans great. There is a inch or two of muck in the bottom of the tank, probably should clean it someday. Once the part is degreased I just give it one final spray with some brake clean. Then looks like new.
 
I got mine from NAPA in 5-gallon cans. My washer is the Harbor Freight large size, it took 10 gallons to fill it. I think it was about $60 per five gallon jug. It works very well, doesn't smell, and cuts crud nicely.
 
Rusty wrote: "Also, on every parts washer I have ever seen.......at least since the 1980s they clearly say not to use petroleum based cleaners as that will hurt the pump."

I wonder if they say that because naptha will hurt the pump, or for liability reasons? In any event, I've been putting naptha through my pump for awhile now and it still works. I hope I am not speaking too soon.
 
Tractor supply sells some pretty good solvent for parts washers on the cheap. I use it and it s good as ive ever used and I used to use varsol everyday.
 
First I use either a 30 or 55 gallon blue plastic drum with reusable top. Buy a commercial degreaser from Walmart, Sams Club etc. Water based degreasers are temp sensitive. Anything below 65* and it will take forever. Light greaser/oil will work with some scrubbing. Suspension parts take much longer. I get up to 75% of the dirt and grease off and I wipe it down or a quick rinse with water and put it into my solvent drum for the final cleaning. That has a mixture of solvents mineral spirits and BBQ charcoal starting fluid and whatever is left over from cleaning my spray equipment.. The starting fluid has a fair amount of alcohol and helps break down some of the thicker mess. I buy it at the end of summer from supermarkets. They don't like having it on the shelves after Labor Day. The staring fluid also has some light weight oils that get into tight spaces and leave a coating to prevent flash rusting. That's why I don't just use water based products only. Best of both worlds.
 
-
Back
Top