degrease

Degrease is the process of removing grease, oil, or oily residues from surfaces, equipment, or skin to improve cleanliness, adhesion, or safety. The procedure may involve chemical, mechanical, or thermal steps and is used across industry and daily life.

Common methods include mechanical scrubbing, solvent-based cleaning, alkaline aqueous cleaners, and ultrasonic agitation. Solvent degreasers dissolve hydrocarbons and are effective on metal, rubber, and plastics, but can be flammable and emit volatile organic compounds. Alkaline degreasers use detergents and emulsifiers to lift oil into water; ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound to loosen deposits and improve contact with the cleaning solution.

Applications range from manufacturing and automotive repair, where degreasing prepares parts for welding, painting, or bonding, to metal finishing and electronics, where surfaces must be free of oils prior to coatings or soldering. In food service, degreasers help sanitize and remove fat from equipment and surfaces, while in general cleaning they remove kitchen grease and grime.

Types of degreasers include solvent-based degreasers, water-based alkaline degreasers, citrus-based degreasers containing limonene, and enzymatic degreasers for organic soils. Selection depends on material compatibility, environmental impact, and safety requirements.

Safety and environmental considerations are important. Many degreasers are flammable or irritants, requiring proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and adherence to disposal regulations. Biodegradable and low-VOC formulations are increasingly common, reflecting regulatory and sustainability concerns in industrial and household use. See also degreaser and degreasing agents for related terminology.