Heavy equipment is vital for construction and other industrial operations. This means heavy-duty cleaning solutions are required to handle the grease and oil that accumulate during use. Experienced operators understand that degreasing is essential for preventing breakdowns and repairs in the long term.
Ordinary cleaners and degreasers may be less effective at breaking down the grime on equipment. For the most effective results, these are the best industrial degreasers for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
1. JBS Industries Mako Terge
JBS Industries is a reputable provider of car wash and professional cleaning detergents. It has been formulating products since 1979 to provide superior cleaning results. It also incorporates environmentally responsible components in its products while ensuring top-tier cleaning performance.
What makes JBS Industries stand out is how it develops formulations tailored for specific business types and their cleaning needs. The Mako Terge is one of the ideal industrial degreasers for heavy-duty cleaning tasks, as it is a foaming detergent that effectively breaks down almost all kinds of dirt.
2. Zep Industrial Purple Cleaner and Degreaser
Zep has researched, developed and produced professional-quality cleaning products for over 85 years. It has curated about 4,000 proprietary formulations and solutions through its 13 manufacturing facilities globally so customers can find just about any cleaner for any application.
The Zep Industrial Purple Cleaner and Degreaser is a reliable product for heavy-duty cleaning. Its concentrated formula effectively removes grease from heavy machinery, especially when made of fiberglass, concrete, metal, masonry or asphalt. Others also utilize it for engine parts, garages, construction equipment and shop floors.
3. Spray Nine Heavy-Duty Cleaner
Spray Nine pioneered cleaning solution packaging when it put its formulation in a spray bottle in 1956. Customers enjoyed this convenience, which increased the demand for Spray Nine solutions in residential, commercial and industrial markets.
The first Spray Nine products were used on automobiles, but more specific versions are ideal for heavy-duty equipment. Manufacturers enjoy the Heavy-Duty Cleaner’s dual degreasing and disinfecting action, which breaks down dirt and cleans surfaces without bleach or corrosive chemicals.
4. Enviro Bio Cleaner Multipurpose Cleaner & Degreaser
Enviro Bio Cleaner — also known as EBC — is a global manufacturer and marketer of industrial and commercial cleaning products. While its products are American-made, it has more than 350 distributor locations across 13 different countries worldwide.
It is best known for its environmentally friendly cleaner and degreaser, the Enviro Bio Cleaner Multipurpose Cleaner & Degreaser. The liquid concentrate is water-based and has industrial-strength degreasing properties. It is also biodegradable, non-flammable and non-toxic.
5. Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser
Oil Eater curates products that can handle even the toughest household or industrial cleaning tasks. Different concentrated formulas work for light, medium or heavy cleaning. All products are also safe and biodegradable to maintain environmental responsibility and are supported by an unconditional money-back guarantee.
The Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser contains no harsh solvents and is non-corrosive, providing safe yet effective cleaning. Some utilize it at food service facilities, where oil and dirt thrive, but the Ultra-Concentrated solution is ideal for floors, walls, exhausts, grills and more.
6. Schaeffer Citrol 266 Citrus Cleaner and Industrial Degreaser
Schaeffer is best known for its lubricants for construction and manufacturing equipment, supplying the market since 1839. Its experience in that department has helped it make one of the best industrial degreasers for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
The Schaeffer Citrol 266 Citrus Cleaner and Industrial Degreaser is a spray-on organic formula that helps dissolve grime and residue on almost any surface. It leaves a subtle citrus scent that can help mask the smell of grease.
7. Purple Power Industrial Strength Cleaner and Degreaser
Purple Power provides effective cleaning, thanks to its non-abrasive, non-flammable and phosphate-free formulation. It is one of the top cleaners and degreasers on the market. It can be used in the auto or farming industry, marine space, and other industrial applications.
The Purple Power Industrial Strength Cleaner and Degreaser is typically a water-based spray-on formula. However, customers can get this cleaning solution by the gallon for thorough cleaning. Like many other cleaners, it can be diluted with water and run through a power washer.
8. Super Clean Cleaner-Degreaser
Super Clean has created many innovative products, from floor absorbents to all-wheel cleaners that can remove spills, dust, grime and more. The Cleaner-Degreaser is a premium cleaning agent ideal for extreme cleaning needs.
The product is verified to cut through grease, grime and oil. It also helps fight back wax, dirt, tar, stains and more while maintaining the finish and quality of surface materials. While it boasts industrial strength grease removal, it is still biodegradable and phosphate-free.
9. Formula 88 All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser
Formula 88 has been owned by Petruj Chemical Corporation since 1979. It is best known as a trademark multipurpose cleaner and degreaser ideal for automotive, engine, boat, marine, restaurant and janitorial applications.
The Formula 88 All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser is ideal for steel, aluminum and other metal surfaces, but many have also found success using it on plastic, cloth, vinyl and carpet. While it is unscented, it can eliminate grease smells or traces.
10. POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser
POR-15 was known as Wood Finishing Products Co. in 1923 before rebranding in the 1990s. It created specialty paints to protect and restore rusted metal surfaces and prevent corrosion before shifting to clear coats, primers and cleaners for heavy industrial equipment.
The POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser is a potent water-based and non-solvent cleaner that removes grime without residue or noxious fumes. It ensures that painted material surfaces hold up while removing layers of oil and musty odors.
Choosing Degreasers for Heavy-Duty Cleaning Tasks
Picking the best degreasers for heavy-duty cleaning tasks can require some thought to ensure they work correctly. People should consider these different factors before purchasing products.
1. Grease Formulation
Heavy-duty equipment can produce all kinds of grease, depending on the reason for the buildup. Unmaintained or unlubricated machines may have thicker and oilier grease, which calls for a stronger cleaning solution. For lighter grease and dirt or machines with little to no wear and tear, water-based products can likely handle the job.
2. Surface Material
Most industrial heavy-duty equipment may be made of metal or rubber components, which are more sensitive to corrosive chemicals. To preserve the effectiveness of the equipment, it is important to utilize a degreasing agent that can remove oil and dirt without damaging the material underneath.
3. Safety and Ease of Use
Certain degreasers may have flammable or toxic formulas that can be unsafe when they get on the skin, eyes and other sensitive areas.
Manufacturing companies offer a Safety Data Sheet outlining the hazards and what to do in product-related emergencies. The sheet should also include advice on safe handling and storage procedures, especially for chemical-based products.
4. Environmental Impact
The construction and manufacturing industry is constantly improving in reducing its environmental impact. One way to be responsible is to use biodegradable and sustainable industrial degreasers for their heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
It is also best if the provider follows green waste management and disposal regulations. Consumers should be wary of vague claims and opt for companies that are transparent about the environmentalism of their products and processes.
How to Successfully Use Degreasers
These steps ensure consumers get the most out of their cleaning agents when handling heavy-duty equipment.
1. Prep the Cleaning Area
Certain industrial degreasers may release fumes, so cleaning heavy-duty equipment in a well-ventilated area is best. Concrete ground is ideal, especially for more potent formulations that may deteriorate paint or carpeting.
Protective equipment like safety glasses, protective suits and gloves can also be helpful. Some people recommend using a face mask to avoid direct inhalation and a face shield to guard against splashes.
2. Wipe Off the Excess
Heavy-duty equipment with too much grease can cause splashing and use up more industrial degreaser than necessary. To minimize the damage and conserve resources, users should consider using a spare rag to remove the excess grease. They can just wipe off what is on the surface to properly dispose of this residue.
3. Apply and Marinate the Degreaser
The next step is to apply the degreaser. Depending on the material and the thickness of the grime, the solution may require dilution with water. Users should refer to the provider’s instructions for the recommended ratio of cleaning solution to water.
A degreaser will take some time to soak and dissolve the grease. Most providers will have a recommended time in the instructions, but about five to 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb to follow. Any longer may start to chip the surface material.
4. Rinse Equipment Well
Users should thoroughly wash off the degreaser from the heavy-duty equipment to stop the cleaning process. Some find that a standard pressure washer is best for removing both the solution and loosened grease from the machinery. Hot water can help thoroughly clean everything out, but others also find success with cold water.
Use the Top Industrial Degreasers for Intensive Cleaning
All machinery requires maintenance, and it can harbor stubborn grease and dirt. Choose the best industrial degreasers for heavy-duty cleaning tasks and easily cut through the grime, saving time and energy.
