Degreasers

Degreasers are powerful cleaning agents designed to dissolve, lift, and remove oils, greases, waxes, and carbon deposits from surfaces and components across a wide range of industries. Modern degreasing technology has evolved well beyond harsh phosphate-based formulations, offering high-performance solutions that are safer for both the user and the environment without compromising cleaning power. Available in formats ranging from sprays and pump sprays to wipes and aerosol options, there is a degreaser for every application and working environment. RS Australia stocks a comprehensive range of degreasers from trusted brands to meet the needs of automotive professionals, industrial maintenance teams, and general workshop users alike.

How Degreasers Work

A degreaser cleaner works primarily through emulsification, a chemical process in which the active molecules in the degreaser surround and encapsulate oil and grease particles, breaking the bond between the contamination and the surface.

Once surrounded, the particles can be lifted away and rinsed off with water, leaving a clean surface without the need for abrasive scrubbing. This is a critical distinction from mechanical cleaning methods, as emulsification removes contamination without scratching or abrading sensitive parts, making degreasers suitable for use on precision components, soft metals, and coated surfaces. Solvent-based formulations work through a similar principle but dissolve grease rather than emulsifying it, offering faster action on heavy deposits in industrial and engineering environments.

How to Choose Degreasers

Selecting the right degreaser depends on the following factors:

• Contamination Type: Match the formulation to the type of deposit being removed. Light oil and dust suit a general-purpose degreaser spray, while baked-on carbon, heavy grease, and industrial soils require a heavy-duty industrial degreaser with stronger active ingredients.
• Surface Compatibility: Ensure the degreaser is safe for the material being cleaned. Some solvent-based products can damage rubber, plastics, or coated surfaces, so check compatibility before use on sensitive components or assemblies.
• Application Format: Choose the format that suits the job. An aerosol degreaser offers precision application in confined spaces and tight tolerances, while pump sprays and wipes suit general surface cleaning, and bulk liquids are more economical for high-volume or immersion cleaning.
• Environmental and Safety Profile: For environments where biodegradability, low VOC content, or skin safety is important, opt for phosphate-free and environmentally certified formulations. Citrus-based degreasers using citric acid derived from lemon or orange are a popular, safer alternative for general use.
• Rinsability: Consider whether the degreaser needs to be rinsed off after application or whether a residue-free, evaporating formula is required. Rinse-free options suit electrical components and precision parts where water ingress or residue would cause issues.

Applications of Degreasers

It is possible to use degreasers for a variety of industry and commercial purposes, such as:

• CNC Machining and Precision Engineering: Aerosol degreasers are ideal for precision cleaning in CNC workshops where reaching tight tolerances and confined cavities is necessary. Regular degreasing of machine beds, tooling, and components helps maintain dimensional accuracy and prevents contamination-related wear.
• Automotive and Motor Vehicle Maintenance: A degreaser must be powerful enough to cut through baked-on carbon and oil deposits while remaining safe for rubber hoses, plastic sensors, and electrical connectors. An engine degreaser is a core product in any automotive workshop, used for pre-inspection cleaning, engine bay maintenance, and preparation ahead of painting or sealing work.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Industrial degreasers are used in manufacturing plants for cleaning washers, dip tanks, and surface preparation of parts ahead of coating, welding, or assembly. Heavy soils, cutting fluids, and press oils are common targets in this environment.
• Construction and Infrastructure: Degreasers are used on construction sites to clean plant equipment, hydraulic components, and metal surfaces in preparation for coatings, adhesives, or structural treatments where contamination would compromise bonding performance.
• Warehouse and Logistics: Conveyor systems, loading bay equipment, and material handling machinery benefit from regular degreasing to maintain operational performance and reduce the risk of slip hazards from oil and grease accumulation on floors and equipment surfaces.
• Food Processing and Commercial Kitchens: Food-safe degreasers are used in commercial kitchens and food processing facilities to remove cooking oils, fats, and carbon from equipment surfaces. Personal protection, including gloves and eye protection, is recommended when handling concentrated degreasers in food and industrial environments to prevent skin and eye contact with active chemical ingredients.

Buy Degreasers Online from RS Australia

RS Australia is your reliable supplier for high-quality degreasers. We stock an extensive range from industry leaders like CRC, Ambersil, and RS PRO. Our selection spans various formats, including aerosols and sprays, at competitive prices, ensuring you find the perfect degreaser cleaner for your application.

We also carry other essential facilities cleaning and maintenance products, such as adhesive removers and pressure washers, for all your workshop and site cleaning requirements. Buy degreasers and other products online with next working day delivery. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.