Designed to remove grease, oils, and other heavy contaminants from various surfaces, degreasers are cleaning agents that are widely used in industrial settings. But what specific types are there and how do you choose the right one? In this blog, we break it down.

What types of degreasers are there? 

There are two types of degreasers – solvent-based degreasers and water-based degreasers. 

Solvent-based degreasers

Solvent-based degreasers contain organic solvents such as mineral spirits, hydrocarbons and alcohols, which are effective for heavy-duty cleaning in industrial environments. What’s great about solvent-based degreasers is their cleaning ability. They’re strong and quick drying, but can be flammable and emit strong fumes, which means they often require ventilation when being used. If you’re purchasing a low-cost solvent, it can potentially pose a significant hazard to health, such as toluene or xylene. In addition, some materials like acetone are extremely flammable, so it is important to take note of the safety data. 

However, AGMA’s Solcon 80R is a heavy-duty hybrid degreaser with an extra margin of safety. It’s non-flammable, caustic-free, and can be used straight on heavy soiling. It can even perform just as powerfully when diluted 50/50 with water. It can be used to remove many unrelated compounds including heavy fuel, diesel oils, carbon stains, preservative coatings, packing grease, as well as tar, resins and body grease on equipment such as machine tools, vehicle engines, oily garage/engineering shop floors, mining equipment and agricultural plant and machinery. 

Another popular option is AGMA’s Agmasol PS40. A highly refined hydrocarbon solvent which has a quick evaporation rate and excellent solvency.

Water-based degreasers

Water-based degreasers use water as a primary component, combined with surfactants, emulsifiers, and other agents to break down contamination such as oil and grease. Water-based degreasers are suitable for lighter cleaning tasks and safe to use on multiple surfaces, in most environments. The positives of water-based degreasers are they’re non-flammable, often have fewer health and safety risks, and can be a more environmentally friendly option. However, they may not be as powerful as solvent-based degreasers for heavy-duty tasks.

If you’re looking for a water-based degreaser, AGMA’s Solcon 740 is a fast-acting water-based degreaser. It’s particularly effective on oil and grease-bond dirt, leaving surfaces bright, streak and sud-free, and with a pleasant citronella aroma. Solcon 740 can be used to clean boat hulls, bilges, car engines and other vehicle components, metal plates, and surfaces being prepared for painting. It can also help remove grease and ink from printing presses, as well as rubber rollers and plates within the printing industry.

Choosing the right degreaser

There are several factors to take into account when choosing the right degreasers. At AGMA, we suggest four key things you should consider. By selecting the appropriate degreaser, you can effectively remove grease and maintain clean, efficient operations in various settings. 

  • Surface compatibility: Do you know the types of surfaces you’ll be using the degreaser on? It’s important to know to ensure the degreaser is suitable for the material you intend to clean.
  • The type of soiling: It’s also important for you to consider the type and amount of grease or oil. This will help you determine the type of degreaser your business needs.
  • Application method: Depending on your regulations and cleaning routine, based on the application area and ease of use, the application can include a wipe, brush, or cloth or pressure spray for large structures and equipment. 
  • Environmental impact: Are you looking to move your business in a more sustainable direction? If so, water-based degreasers can be a more environmentally friendly option, helping you align with your sustainability goals, as they have less impact on the environment. 

At AGMA, we offer a variety of solvent-based and water-based degreasers. If you want to learn more about degreasers, read our previous blog, ‘4 ways industrial degreasers can benefit business’. You can also download our industrial brochure to find out more information and which product will suit your business best. If you have any questions or need advice, you can speak to one of our experts.