Degreasers

Cromwell stock a large range of degreasers as part of our range of lubricants and chemicals. With big name brands such as Ambersil, LPS®, Mykal and Loctite® you'll be sure to find the right degreaser for your application. Some degreasers may have hazard pictograms on the packaging. Visit our UK REACH page for more information and expertise

What are degreasers?

Degreasers are designed to remove grease, grime, oil and other hard to remove contaminants from surfaces. They are either water based or contain solvents, which are stronger and more potent. Degreasers are commonly used in industrial environments but there are plenty of common domestic products that incorporate them.

Why degreasers?

Oil and contaminants left behind after working or through spillage can cause potential hazards in the working environment. Degreasers are specially formulated for the task of breaking down oils and grime, leaving the surface grease free.

Types of degreasers

Solvent based - Typically aerosol in form, solvent based degreasers are highly potent and designed for heavy industrial cleaning in workplaces like factories and garages.

• Water based - Used mostly in domestic and food preparation applications where potentially harmful solvents would not be appropriate. They are not as strong as solvent based but offer a milder cleaning alternative .

• Biodegradable - These degreasers don't contain any harmful environmentally toxic chemicals yet still offer a decent amount of cleaning power.

• Aerosol - Fast acting and penetrating, aerosol degreasers are easy to apply and are great for getting even coverage and reaching into tight spaces on machinery.

• Multi-purpose - Whilst being highly versatile and suitable for a range of applications, multi-purpose degreasers have the drawback of being lacking in strength of some solvent based degreasers.

• Fast-drying - Rapid drying formulas allow for quick application and less down time for machinery.

Considerations when choosing contact cleaner

• Effectiveness and compatibility - ensure that the degreaser you choose is suitable for the task and won't have adverse effects on rubber seals and plastic housings. Some degreasers are not compatible with certain rubbers and can cause them to perish so check on the packaging or the material datasheet (MSDS). It's also good practice to check an inconspicuous area first before spraying the degreaser onto expensive equipment.

• Safety and environmental impact - ensure you follow all safety precautions and are wearing protective clothing as stated on the product packaging. Degreasers can be flammable so should be kept away from flames, sparks, and other ignition sources, whilst pressurised degreaser aerosols can explode if stored in the wrong conditions. Another hazard to look out for is flammability in oil-based degreasers. Try to avoid degreasers that contain VOCs (volatile Organic Compounds), which can remain in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

• Application method and ease of use - degresers are supplied in various formats so you should consider and follow the instructions for use on the packaging to ensure there's no damage to your equipment.

• Residue and rinsing requirements - you should consider residue and rinsing requirements of the degreaser as some may need to be removed from the work surface once used. This information will be on the packaging so should be taken into account.

• Regulatory Compliance - ensure the products you are using are compliant with COSHH and UK Reach. You may need to conduct a risk assessment as part of COSHH to ensure safe handling and storage.

FAQs

Are degreasers flammable?

Oil-based degreasers are usually toxic and flammable.

How can I tell an oil-based degreaser?

If the ingredients include petroleum or mineral spirits, it typically an oil-based degreaser.