Engine degreasers are a varied group of cleaning agents. They each work by dissolving grease and grime, making it easier to rinse or wipe away.
However, they do not all contain the same active ingredients, and they do not all work equally. The best engine degreaser is the one that cleans the whole engine compartment without damaging its surfaces.
The Best Engine Degreasers
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Chemical Guys – Signature Series Orange Degreaser
The Signature Series Orange Degreaser is Chemical Brothers’ answer to the overuse of harsh chemicals. It is infused with citrus extracts, which do a fine job of cutting grease on their own.
The addition of surfactants helps to break the surface tension of whatever grime it contacts, breaking its hold on engine surfaces.
Orange Degreaser’s other advantage is in its versatility. When used full strength, it is the mildest degreaser that can still tackle a greasy engine bay.
However, it can be diluted up to 20:1 ratio. This is one of the best engine degreaser products for just about any oily mess on or around a vehicle. It will clean leaky suspension parts, steering components, wheels, tires and even floors.
Pros:
- Can be used full strength or diluted 20:1
- Works well for many jobs, not just engines
- Tough on grease yet gentle on most surfaces
- Pleasant citrus aroma
- Available in different sizes
Cons:
- Even at full strength, it isn’t as strong as many chemical degreasers
- Some users report discolored aluminum parts
Chemical Guys makes detailing products that professionals trust. The Signature Series is a common item in mechanics’ home garages because of its versatility. As an engine degreaser, it is a bit underwhelming. But it frees up space in the chemical cabinet.
- PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH - Signature Series Orange Degreaser is a professional-strength citrus degreaser designed to safely remove the toughest dirt, grime, and grease that comes concentrated for flexible cleaning power.
- VERSATILE IN ANY SITUATION - Orange Degreaser is blended with powerful citrus extracts and hyper surfactants to easily cut through and separate grease and oil from any surface.
- SUPER CONCENTRATED - Orange Degreaser ships at full strength. Without added water to dilute the product, users are free to tailor their own cleaning solution to take on whatever messes they are dealing with.
- REMOVE YEARS OF GRIME - The specialty formula easily cleans motor oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, or diesel fuel from engines. Remove caked-on mud, grease, and road grime from wheels, suspension components, and undercarriage parts. The uses are endless!
- THE GO TO BRAND IN CAR CARE - Beginners and professionals alike choose Chemical Guys, not only for the finest car care products, but the world class customer support and vast detailing knowledge Chemical Guys is more than a brand it's a lifestyle with a worldwide following
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Meguiar’s – Super Degreaser
Despite the lack of thought that Meguiar’s put into the name, Super Degreaser is a an effective product.
It is concentrated, and it will do a good job of emulsifying light oil deposits around engines, but it struggles with baked on grime.
Diluted, Super Degreaser also makes a fine detailing solution for non-painted surfaces. Super Degreaser fits neatly into the product category for customers who don’t want to use overly harsh chemicals to clean their engines.
Stronger chemicals are more inclined to damage parts or paint. Then again, they also require less elbow grease.
Super Degreaser requires either more work or more applications to accomplish what harsher chemicals can do by themselves. But then you have to live with them.
Pros:
- A milder chemical degreaser than many competitors
- Can be diluted to work on more surfaces
- Gently cleans oil stains on concrete
- Clean, non-offensive scent
- Can even clean leather interior
Cons:
- Not the strongest available degreaser
- Requires more work on the part of the user than many others
Meguiar’s makes more car detailing products than anyone could memorize, but it has a few gems on its hands.
For the detailer who is petrified of causing damage to engine surfaces, it is one of the mildest possible options. It won’t self-clean like a foaming degreaser might, but it leaves no trace of having been used. Multiple uses is a fringe benefit.
- Strong and fast acting for the toughest jobs
- Residue-free performance prevents unsightly white residue stains
- Pleasant herbal fragrance
- Quickly breaks down even the toughest grease
- Easy to use, spray on and wipe off
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Shaeffer’s – Citrol
Citrol is a non-toxic degreaser that is suitable for use even in food plants. It also happens to be extremely effective at emulsifying the grease and oil that accumulates under the hood of a vehicle.
This citrus-based product is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a favorite among home mechanics.
The organic citrus ingredient in Citrol is mixed with a non-petroleum surfactant-emulsifier solution. It works well for cleaning engine bays as well as suspension and steering components.
It is also safe enough to use on any household surface, though not those that come into direct contact with food.
Pros:
- Contains no harsh chemicals
- Relies on the cutting power of citrus
- Spray can for convenience and storage
- Aroma is bright and lingers after use
- Useful on any greasy surface, not just for cars
Cons:
- A bit more costly than some concentrated formulas
- Cannot be diluted
Schaeffer’s products are not known for being cheap, but they outlast their competition, so the savings is in longevity. Citron makes short work of cooked-on grease and oil under the hood, and works well around the house. It is one of the safest degreasers to use around kids or pets.
- Citrol Is Specially Formulated From A Combination Of Organic Citrus Based Solvents And A Multi-Component Surfactant-Emulsifier System.
- Citrol’S Formulation Does Not Contain Any Unacceptable Petroleum Distillate, Petroleum Hydrocarbon, Chlorinated Or Chlorofluorocarbon Type Solvents
- Citrol, When Used In A Concentrated Form Or At Various Dilution Rates, Will Rapidly Penetrate And Lift Various Petroleum, Animal, And Vegetable Based Oils, Fats And Greases
- Item Package Dimension: 2.0" L X 2.0" W X 9.0" H
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. S100 – Total Cycle Cleaner
Don’t let the name fool you, this product isn’t just for bikes.
Total Cycle Cleaner is the best engine degreaser aluminum component owners can use. The crew at S100 designed Total Cycle Cleaner as a spray-on, rinse-off motorcycle cleaner.
It emulsifies all types of road grime, oil, chain wax and grease on contact. Simply dilute it in a spray bottle like in this YouTube video and spray it into all those hard-to-reach places.
The PH-balanced formula is biodegradable, yet it contains anti-corrosive agents for long lasting protection.
It has been cleaning bikes since 1985, with a proven track record of being safe for polished aluminum, chrome, paint and powder coating.
If your car is your baby, Total Cycle Cleaner can keep it looking like it did in the showroom.
Pros:
- PH-balanced with no harsh chemicals
- Biodegradable for guilt-free use
- Requires no scrubbing
- Four decades of proven performance
- Safe on aluminum, paint, chrome and other easily marked surfaces
Cons:
- Not the cheapest degreaser available
- Container difficult to pour from without spilling
S100 makes quality car care products, but they don’t come cheap. That said, they are not overpriced either. Total Cycle Cleaner does its job and does it fast. How much is the time it will save you worth, not to mention the peace of mind knowing you will not harm delicate surfaces?
- The first spray-on, rinse-off cleaner developed especially for motorcycles, S100 Total Cycle Cleaner creeps in to every nook and cranny of your bike to thoroughly clean it without scrubbing
- Cleans the entire motorcycle, not just the motor. You can have a sparkling motorcycle in as little as 5 minutes, spend more time riding and less time cleaning
- Represents the best in cycle care and is safe for all cycle surfaces - paint, chrome, alloy, plastic, rubber, bearings, O-rings and more
- Non-acid, pH controlled, contains corrosion inhibitors, and is biodegradable
- Excellent for cleaning marine, lawn and garden equipment, snowmobiles, car and truck engines and more
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. 3D – Grand Slam Heavy Duty Degreaser
When most people think of a chemical degreaser, a product like Grand Slam is what comes to mind.
This product from detailing company 3D contains caustic sodium hydroxide, alkaline sodium metasilicate, and the nonionic surfactant alcohol ethoxylate.
Another ingredient (EDTA) helps the mixture bind to oil and grime so it can be dissolved.
The chemical nature of Grand Slam means extra precautions must be taken with its use. It will likely discolor any paint it contacts, and it may do the same to polished surfaces under the hood.
The stuff works the old fashioned way: eating away the accumulated grime. It may be the best heavy duty engine degreaser in its price range, though it is definitely not the most eco-friendly one.
Pros:
- Works better than any eco-friendly competitor
- Able to be diluted for a broader range of uses
- Safe on metal, plastic and rubber components
- A proven track record of effectiveness
- Serious product for heavily caked-on grime
Cons:
- Caustic – must be washed off if contacts skin
- Will stain polished and some painted surfaces – test first
The 3D brand is recognized for its effective product line. Grand Slam is no joke. It is a modern version of your grandfather’s engine degreaser – the type of product that would put hair on your chest, if it were safe to have it there. Honestly, nothing is more effective, but many contain less chemicals. Best for use on neglected engines.
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE ... 3D Grand Blast is a commercial grade degreaser that is great for removing the toughest dirt, grease, and grime with ease!
- USE 3D GRAND BLAST WITH CONFIDENCE ... Our biodegradable formula is safe for commercial or home use and can be used to clean engines, machinery, tools, floors, and more!
- SAY GOODBYE TO ELBOW GREASE ... Spend less time scrubbing and cleaning with our premium biodegradable easy rinse fomrula to quickly wash away all the dirt, grease, and grime build up!
- LIKE NEW RESULTS ... Our fast acting formula not only loosens and cleans dirt, grease, and grime from the surface… it gives it an extra clean 'like new' look and shine!
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA ... We've been researching and creating exterior and interior car care products for over 25 years now. A quarter of a century of giving our customers uncompromising quality. Go ahead, experience a heavy duty degreaser that's tried and trusted.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Does it Work?
When applied to a non-water-soluble substance like grease or oil, degreasers weaken the surface tension of the substance. The two substances then mix, and the grease takes on more of the degreaser’s consistency.
When they are loosened in this way, grease and oil no longer cling to the surfaces in the engine bay and can be washed away.
Types of Degreaser
There are a couple distinct categories of engine degreaser on the market.
The heavy duty type usually contains petroleum distillates or some other hydrocarbon solvent. These are harsh chemicals that necessitate protective gear – chemical gloves and goggles at a minimum.
They also can create a disposal issue, as they mix with grease and migrate to the floor beneath the vehicle.
Some degreasers are created for lighter-duty applications, such as the home garage. They may use milder detergents or natural ingredients like citrus to emulsify grease and oil.
These degreasers seldom work as effectively as the heavy duty ones, but they are far safer for the user and for the surfaces in the engine bay. These products are usually more akin to all-purpose cleaners than heavy duty degreasers.
For a quick rundown on how easy it is to degrease your car’s engine, check out this YouTube video of someone tackling job.
He does things a bit differently than our step-by-step guide below, but there are always multiple ways to accomplish cleaning chores. The guiding principle (taking steps to do no harm to the engine) remains the same.
How to Use Engine Degreaser
Step 1 – Debris Removal
This step is the pre-cleaning cleaning. Before you do anything else, look around the engine compartment and remove any loose debris you find.
Look for leaves, acorns, twigs, insects, etc. Look closely around the firewall and the scuttle drains (the gutters beneath the windshield).
You will need water to flow during the rinsing process when you clean the engine, so leave no debris behind.
Step 2 – Protect Electrical Components
Regardless of how old or new your car is, you will need to take some time to protect its vital components.
First remove the battery to prevent electrical shorts. This also keeps you from having to protect the battery during the cleaning process.
Older vehicles will have a distributor that needs covering. Newer cars may have coils atop each cylinder. These need protecting as well.
Look for any other electrical connectors and cover them, but don’t bother with coated wires. Don’t forget the alternator.
I like to wrap plastic storage bags or grocery bags around components, taped tightly to the wiring. Aluminum foil works well too. Take your time with this step and be thorough.
Step 3 – Warm the Engine
Make sure you are parked in a well ventilated area. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm up. Most engine degreasers work better on a warm engine.
This process heats any built-up grease, liquifying it to some extent and making it easier to remove.
Be careful not to apply cold water to a hot engine, however, as that can (rarely) lead to serious problems like cracking metal components.
Step 4 – Apply the Degreaser
Most engine degreasers require a smooth, even spraying over all surfaces of the engine.
Read the directions carefully to ensure that the product you selected is suited for your engine.
When in doubt, test a small amount of the product on the surface in question in a nonvisible location. If it doesn’t stain it or react, you should be good to go.
Step 5 – Let the Product Work
If the engine wasn’t very dirty, allowing the product to sit for five minutes before rinsing should suffice. A particularly dirty engine may require scrubbing with a nylon-bristled brush. Whatever you do, don’t let the product dry on the surface. Most engine degreaser damage is caused this way.
Step 6 – Rinse
Use a garden hose and clean, fresh water to lightly rinse the degreaser off the engine. Use dish detergent and water to remove any stubborn degreaser.
Allow the engine to air dry with the hood up before removing the bags you placed over the components, then drive the vehicle to complete the drying process.
Conclusion
The best engine degreaser is the one that does its job without asking too much of the user. Some products work too well, taking removing paint and shine along with grime. Others ask you to scrub with a brush, so your sweat supplements their lack of effectiveness. But S100’s Total Cycle Care is different. It emulsifies oil and grease effectively without coaxing, and it is safe on any surface. It is also non-toxic and environmentally friendly, so you can use it and still sleep at night.
- PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH - Signature Series Orange Degreaser is a professional-strength citrus degreaser designed to safely remove the toughest dirt, grime, and grease that comes concentrated for flexible cleaning power.
- VERSATILE IN ANY SITUATION - Orange Degreaser is blended with powerful citrus extracts and hyper surfactants to easily cut through and separate grease and oil from any surface.
- SUPER CONCENTRATED - Orange Degreaser ships at full strength. Without added water to dilute the product, users are free to tailor their own cleaning solution to take on whatever messes they are dealing with.
- REMOVE YEARS OF GRIME - The specialty formula easily cleans motor oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, or diesel fuel from engines. Remove caked-on mud, grease, and road grime from wheels, suspension components, and undercarriage parts. The uses are endless!
- THE GO TO BRAND IN CAR CARE - Beginners and professionals alike choose Chemical Guys, not only for the finest car care products, but the world class customer support and vast detailing knowledge Chemical Guys is more than a brand it's a lifestyle with a worldwide following
- Comes in a 5-gallon container that makes up to 128 gallons of cleaner
- Loaded with powerful solvents in a low-foaming, easy-to-rinse formula
- Wipes out industrial levels of grease on machinery and surfaces
- Quickly and efficiently cleans unfinished concrete and metal, so it’s perfect for use on heavy machinery, engine parts and tools
- Helps you remove grease from shop floors, work surfaces and other industrial settings
- HEAVY-DUTY FOAMING DEGREASER: Contains a blend of solvents and emulsifiers to cut through heavy grease, while its stable foam clings to vertical surfaces, extending contact time with soils and grease
- CLEANS MANY DIFFERENT PARTS: Cleans small engine machinery and car and truck engines
- GREAT FOR: Perfect for automotive parts stores, industrial machinery suppliers, vehicle rental agencies, automotive repair shops, motorcycle dealers, car dealers and equipment leasing companies
- SCENTED: Contains no methylene chloride, perchloroethylene or trichloroethylene (TCE), while its pleasant light citrus fragrance eliminates solvent odors often associated with degreasers
- It also removes grease and oil spots from concrete floors and brake dust and grease from wheel covers and wire wheels.
- Spray on Engine Cleaner and agitate the area with a detail brush to remove grease, oil, dirt, and grime.
- Loosens and breaks up grease, grime, and engine gunk
- Easy spray-on, agitate, and wipe clean application
- Cleans engine parts and readies your power plant for dressing
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API