We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Degreasing Chemicals?

By Tess C. Taylor
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,920
Share

During many routine manufacturing and industrial processes, or when there are accidental spills, it’s very common for grease and oil to get on surfaces. When this occurs, degreasing chemicals can be used to remove oily substances. There are many different types of degreasing chemicals that can be used, such as degreasing sprays, powders, detergents, and foams, as well as vapor degreasing solvents and steam-delivered degreasers.

The most common degreasing chemicals for manufacturing and industrial use are detergent-based products that use a combination of chemical concentrates suspended in a liquid or powder base. Each type of degreasing product is designed to clean a specific type of grease, oil, or dirt. Degreasing chemicals of this type may be used for a one-time clean up job or for routine care of equipment and machinery in factories.

When a grease or oil spill becomes combustible or harmful to the environment, foam degreasing chemicals are often necessary. These are made by by oxygenizing the chemical through a system that combines the chemicals with air particles. The foam is easy to manipulate and quickly stifles the grease or oils that can catch fire and need to be quickly contained. Foams can also be disbursed on difficult surfaces such as waterways to contain oil and grease spills and keep them at the surface for skimming.

Another type of chemical degreasing compound is used specifically for cleaning up thick oils and greases, such as those found in manufacturing plants. These are the degreasing chemicals known as vapor solvents. These thin liquid chemicals are sprayed or poured onto surfaces and react with the grease to break it down and vaporize it. This requires oxygen to start the chemical process and ventilation to maintain safe air quality while in use.

A lesser version of the vapor degreasing chemicals widely available for industrial and personal use delivers the cleaning product in a steamed or heated fashion. These chemicals are usually suspended in a semi-oily substance and, when stream is added, dissolve grease and break it down so it can be wiped away. There are also steam grease-dissolving chemicals that are water-based or plant-oil based. These lift grease and oils off of surfaces.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-degreasing-chemicals.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.