
Industrial sites require heavy-duty maintenance to operate efficiently, making cleaners and degreasers critical solutions.
The build-up of dirt, grime, grease, oils and other contaminants can impact the effective running of equipment and put personnel at risk.
Cleaning and degreasing machine parts stops moving mechanical parts from getting clogged and jammed, and products made becoming fouled. Applying these cleaning solutions to work areas and equipment also promotes a more hygienic and safer environment for staff to operate in.
Composition of cleaners and degreasers
When identifying the difference between cleaning solutions, many users study their contents, as they are curious about which chemical is used for cleaning and degreasing. Formulas for cleaners and degreasers vary according to the application they are designed for, but have many chemicals in common.
Degreasers typically contain surfactants like detergents, alkaline cleaners such as sodium hydroxide and solvents like or isopropyl alcohol and acetone for heavy-duty breakdown of grease, oil and other hard-to-remove contaminants.
General-purpose cleaners can also include surfactants and solvents, although they are usually lower strength than those used in degreasers. Cleaners also feature disinfectants and, in some cases, corrosion inhibitors to protect parts and surfaces.
What is the difference between cleaner and greaser?
While cleaners are detergent-based solutions designed for general purpose use improving cleanliness of parts and surfaces, degreasers have a more specific role to play. They are specially formulated to break down grease and oils, making it easier to remove.
In most cases, they are a more abrasive solution than standard all-purpose cleaners. When areas become heavily soiled and a general-purpose cleaner can’t remove build-up, a degreaser is the go-to solution.
There are certain applications, however, where a cleaner is a better solution than a degreaser. Some surfaces like glass, plastic, painted wood or metal can be better served by a multi-surface cleaner that has a neutral pH and is non-corrosive.
What is the process of degreasing?
There are many approaches regarding degreasing to suit specific applications; however, the process typically involves common steps.
Degreasing starts with the preparation stage. The part or surface areas due to be degreased is usually cleaned beforehand. This ensures that when the degreaser is applied, it can penetrate and then dissolve the present contaminants effectively.
Degreaser application is the next step, with the product applied to the part or surface. Applications vary from full immersion for smaller parts, to brushing and spraying on larger areas and fixed equipment. Once applied, the degreaser is left for a designated amount of time to allow it to dissolve properly and loosen any contaminants.
Stubborn contaminants don’t always shift easily. As a result, an agitation stage may be necessary. Parts or surfaces are scrubbed or agitated, which can help loosen contamination and enhance the degreaser’s effectiveness.
The rinsing phase follows. Once the degreaser has been given adequate time to break down contaminants, the area of application is usually rinsed thoroughly with water to entirely remove any dissolved contaminants and degreaser. Some modern degreasers are designed to let users bypass this step and require no rinsing.
For health and safety on site and to protect against water corrosion, parts and surfaces should be completely dried before they see use.
Applications for cleaners and degreasers
Cleaners see use in a full range of industrial applications. They are used to maintain concrete flooring in plants and factories, and to clean a wide array of equipment in food processing sites like oven hoods, stoves and air filtering apparatus.
Detergents are useful in industries such as aviation and marine, as well as for maintaining printing presses. They can be used to clean surface areas and parts before degreasers are applied to improve removal of contaminants.
Degreasers serve multiple applications, but typically see use in environments where there is a constant or heavy build-up of grime, grease and oil. The floors of garages and engineering shops require degreasing, as do the work surfaces and equipment in plants and factories.
Understandably, oil processing and production operations have a considerable demand for high-quality degreasers to maintain rigs and drilling equipment. Degreasers dissolve debris that is difficult to remove from equipment with a standard cleaner, ensuring they can operate efficiently. They are also used to prepare metal surfaces before they are coated or painted to ensure products adhere properly.
Before using any cleaner or degreaser on mechanical equipment and parts or work areas, always ensure that it meets the requirements outlined in your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guidelines to avoid damage or impaired operation.