Soap and elbow grease are often not enough to handle large messes and spills. When dealing with stubborn grease, grime, oil spills, fingerprints, and other contaminants, one must use more powerful cleaners like degreasers. These products eliminate the need to wipe and scrub as much as possible, making cleaning a breeze. Degreasers are widely available and sold under various names, like precision or maintenance cleaners, carb cleaners, and brake cleaners.

Uses of degreaser sprays
Letting grime accumulate over time can cause corrosion, slipping hazards, overheating, or even increased electrical resistance, which could lead to dangerous accidents. This is where degreasers can help.

At-home cleanup: Milder solutions are safe to use at home with adequate precautions. They are often used in the kitchen to cut through grease and burnt pans.

Industrial use:  Stronger solutions are developed and manufactured for industrial use only. Such degreaser sprays can clear oil, grease, and oxidation from various kinds of automotive, electronic, and industrial equipment.

• Metal and fiber optic cable splices
• Motors and transformers
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies
• Electronics and electrical equipment
• Meters and measurement devices
• Clutches, armatures, generators, and compressors
• Electrical motors and equipment
• Bearings, chains, cables, pulleys, and gear drives
• Brakes, springs, and flywheels

Additionally, for mechanized cleaning, one can also opt for ultrasonic or vapor degreasers, which are particularly useful for cleaning and maintaining aerospace and medical appliances.

Features to consider when choosing a degreaser
The choice of degreaser spray depends on the surface it needs to target, the contaminant, the type of oil dispersing agents, and the post-cleaning waste disposal system. For instance, those in the hospitality or food manufacturing industry may want food-safe cleaners, while others can use heavy industrial cleaners despite their emissions. Certain features have a massive impact on the cleaning prowess of a degreaser spray.

1. Flammability
Many types of degreaser sprays contain flammable materials. Although cheap and effective, they can be a major safety hazard when used in an enclosed space without proper ventilation or around an open fire or flame. On the other hand, sprays that contain non-flammable materials can be expensive as well as toxic, as they often contain chemicals like perchloroethylene (Perc), trichloroethylene (TCE), or n-propyl bromide (nPB). Before buying any degreaser spray, one should check where its intended use lies and follow the manufacturer’s directions closely to ensure a safe and effective cleaning experience.

2. Dielectric strength
Switching off electrical equipment before using a cleaning product is generally advisable. But, if it must remain on, or be powered on before the degreaser has had a chance to dry, it is worthwhile to choose a degreaser spray with a high dielectric strength. This is the maximum electric voltage that a material can take before its insulating properties begin breaking down. So, a degreaser with a lower dielectric strength may allow electricity to flow through it, increasing the risk of a short circuit. To choose the right product, one needs to be well aware of the amperage and voltage of the circuits being cleaned .

3. Plastic/rubber compatibility
Some degreaser sprays can be too abrasive, making them incompatible with plastic and/or rubber surfaces. Special attention should be paid when the cleaning surfaces have rubber gaskets or seals, as the degreaser may cause cracks, breakage, softening, or swelling in such materials, sometimes even dissolving them.

4. Toxicity
As some chemicals, like those used in non-flammable degreaser sprays, can be extremely toxic, it is important to know how to avoid dealing with the adverse effects of exposure to such toxins. There have already been court cases regarding the consequences of exposure to these chemicals, with many industrial workers experiencing headaches, dizziness, and loss of full body control. Other reported issues include reproductive problems and an increased risk of cancer. So, it is advisable to do due diligence and steer clear of these ingredients when choosing a degreaser solution.

5. Environmental friendliness
Certain aerosol cleaning sprays can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to global warming. To prevent this , several state and municipal authorities have created regulations regarding the ingredients that can be used in cleaning solutions. But, this may differ from industry to industry and state to state, so one should consult a professional to choose an environmentally safe product.

Precautions while using degreaser sprays
When using a degreaser spray, always use protective gear like gloves, face shields, goggles, or other devices mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Wrap any electrical components with plastic to reduce the risk of fires and short circuits.
• If someone comes in indirect contact with an industrial-grade degreaser, they should remove the contaminated clothing immediately. In case of direct contact, they should wash their skin and hair thoroughly and get checked by a doctor.
• If one experiences a burning sensation after coming in contact with a degreaser, they should seek medical help immediately.