Grease is one of the toughest kinds of dirt there is. It clings, spreads and attracts even more dirt. Whether you run a mechanical workshop, a factory or a busy kitchen, a good degreaser is essential. But the wrong one can damage surfaces, so let's break it down.
Types of degreaser
Water-based (alkaline) degreasers
The workhorses for kitchens, floors and general industrial cleaning. They break down fats and oils and rinse away with water.
Solvent-based degreasers
Used for heavy oil, tar and engine grime, typically in workshops. Powerful, but they need good ventilation and careful handling.
Vehicle and engine degreasers
Formulated specifically for engine bays, chassis and truck parts.
How to degrease like a pro
- Scrape off thick deposits first.
- Apply the degreaser at the recommended dilution.
- Give it dwell time. Let the chemistry do the work for a few minutes.
- Agitate with a brush.
- Rinse or wipe clean with industrial wipes or a garage roll.
Safety checklist
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
- Check that the product is suitable for the surface (some degreasers can mark aluminium or painted surfaces).
- Read the safety data sheet (SDS) and keep it on site.
- Never let degreaser run into stormwater drains.
Browse degreasers, vehicle degreasers and industrial cleaners at our sister company Max Products, along with garage rolls, spunlace wipes and gloves to finish the job.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Visit maxproducts.co.za →
Jumbo Garage Roll White
45gsm Spunlace Roll
Salvatex Household Gloves
