Automotive degreaser can be used to perform a variety of tasks, though its primary use is removing grease and dirt from auto parts. Auto degreasers are commonly made from a water-based formula. There are a number of different things automotive degreaser can be used for other than its original purpose, however it is important to take certain precautions when using degreaser in order to avoid causing damage.
Spraying automotive degreaser on an engine before attempting to clean it is a good way to dislodge built up dirt and grease. However, you need to make sure to keep the degreaser off of the vehicle's paint and away from any electrical components. Scrubbing degreaser against paint can scratch it. You should never intentionally allow electrical components on your engine to get wet, as they can be damaged by the moisture created by the degreaser.
Automotive degreasers can be used to remove grease stains from cloth fabrics, such as clothing and vehicle interiors. Using degreaser on cloth can remove stains caused by spilled oil as well as actual grease.
If you are using automotive degreaser as part of a full vehicle detailing process, you should use the degreaser first and then shampoo and clean the car. Cleaning the car after degreasing will make sure both the grease and any residue left by the degreaser will be thoroughly washed away.
When cleaning engines or vehicles, degreaser is washed onto the ground and can kill grass, contaminate water sources and be harmful to animals. Some degreasers contain harsh chemicals, but not all of them do. Natural degreasers are made from non-chemical products and perform the same job that the harsher products do. In order to keep from harming the environment, especially if you work outside and use the degreaser outdoors, you should look for an environmentally friendly degreasing product to minimize your environmental impact.
