Parts cleaning solutions?

[Charles Furman]

What cleaning liquid do you guys use to clean dirty, greasy parts? I have tried all kinds of stuff, but haven't found anything that is economical, safe, and practical for home shop use. Help!!!!!

[Merle Coggins]

Good choices. Diesel fuel actually works pretty well too, but the smell won't leave you for a long time

[Guest pizzafrank]

For year I have used muriatic acid and water. I use 5 gallons of water and one half cup of acid. Cleans grease and oil really good. Works slow but parts are ready for paint after rinsing and drying. Sounds harsh but is not because it is deluted. Pizzafrank

[Merle Coggins]

For year I have used muriatic acid and water. I use 5 gallons of water and one half cup of acid. Cleans grease and oil really good. Works slow but parts are ready for paint after rinsing and drying. Sounds harsh but is not because it is deluted. Pizzafrank

There's a local TV show on Saturday mornings called "Ask Gus" (Norm probably knows this one too). You can send him questions regarding home maintenance and he answers them on the show. Anyway, he is always recommending dilute Muruatic acid or a TSP (TriSodiumPhospate) solution for cleaning things around the house. I've never tried either of them, but now they've been suggested by more than one person.

Merle

[52B3B108]

I just go to the local parts store and buy a 5 gallon can of cleaning solvent. I keep a small amount in an empty plastice Folger's can for cleaning small parts.

[Guest Dave Claussen]

I got a 1 galloan can of VM&P Naptha at Ace Hardware to clean most of my stuff. I pour a little in a 6 oz. can and a small paint brush or a stiff acid brush to get the gunk off and then I follow up with some paint prep for anything that's getting painted next. I use the naptha very sparingly, I make a little go a long way.

[PatS....]

I just go to the local parts store and buy a 5 gallon can of cleaning solvent. I keep a small amount in an empty plastice Folger's can for cleaning small parts.

That's exactly what I use Varsol or paint thinner I think is the same thing. Works well lasts a long time and filters for reuse easily.

I have an old laundry sink in a wheeled cabinet with drawers and shelves. I have to keep it coveres because it does evaporate (slowly)

5 gallons will easily last a year.

[Gary Manes]

The cleaners that work fast, are pricey, etc. have a long list of warnings on the label. You do not want to read the fine print on any of them!

The least volatile, and least harmful of all the cleaners available on the market is kerosene, and it does a fair job. It is definitely not pricey which is always a concern.

[Guest jtw3749c]

Clean Kerosene will also heal wounds. Don't think the dirty stuff would be good.

[bach4660]

I with the kerosene, it works great, and I get it in the 1 gallon size in the camping section and it is cheaper than the parts dept.

[grey beard]

Hey Gents,

Check out this web site . . .

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=151531&highlight=fuel+nozzel

These fellows have lots of ideas. You might find one or two that work for you. One guy recommends cheap cola soda by the quart . . . . . . says local EMT's use it to remove blood stains at accidents, etc. He also said not to drink it afterwards. Go figger . . . . .