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.

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 a degreaser

There are several factors that can have a big impact on performance and safety in choosing the proper degreaser for a given application in an environment:

• Flammability - Ensure that exposure to sources of ignition are kept well away from degreasers containing solvents or marked as flammable, both when storing and in use.

• Plastic / rubber compatibility - Some degreasers are incompatible with certain rubbers and plastics; in the case of rubber seals these can be perished. If unsure test a small area first before using expansively.

• Toxicity - Some degreasers contain chemicals which are highly toxic, inhaling these can cause serious short term and longterm health problems.

• Environmental issues - If the environment you're working in comes with risk of chemicals entering the environment through soil and drainage. Consider a degreaser that features biodegradable properties.

FAQ

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.