degreasers

Degreasers are chemical cleaners designed to remove grease, oil, and related soils from surfaces. They are used across manufacturing, automotive, food service, maintenance, and household settings and come in a variety of formulations intended for different materials and environments.

Common types include water-based alkaline degreasers, solvent-based degreasers, citrus-based (terpene) degreasers, and enzymatic degreasers. Alkaline degreasers use high pH and surfactants to saponify fats and emulsify oils. Solvent-based degreasers rely on organic solvents to dissolve oils. Citrus or terpene degreasers use terpenes derived from citrus to dissolve hydrocarbons. Enzymatic degreasers contain enzymes such as proteases or lipases to break down fats and proteins, often in food-service settings. Some products are non-ionic or amphoteric detergents with chelating agents to improve metal cleaning.

Mechanisms include emulsification, where oils are dispersed as fine droplets in water, and solvency or dissolution, where oils are dissolved into the liquid. Saponification converts fats into soap-like substances that disperse in water. Biodegradability and environmental impact vary by formulation; citrus-based products are often marketed as more eco-friendly, while solvent-based products may have higher VOC emissions and flammability.

Applications include cleaning metal parts in manufacturing and automotive settings, removing kitchen grease in food-service operations, and general surface cleaning in maintenance and facilities. Selection depends on surface compatibility, level of soil, corrosion risk, drying time, and regulatory considerations.

Safety and handling require appropriate PPE, ventilation, and adherence to label instructions. Many degreasers can irritate skin and eyes, and solvent-based products may be flammable or toxic. Disposal is typically as chemical waste in accordance with local regulations, with attention to VOC limits and wastewater characteristics.