Contents
Formula 88 Cleaner and degreaser
Introduction:
Degreasing agents include greases, oils, cutting fluids, corrosion inhibitors, stains, fingerprints,
and others found during assembly, stamping, and other metal manufacturing in
refineries, auto repair shops, aircraft hangers, factories, etc. A cleaner designed to remove
contaminants. Solvent degreasers have several specific names for car repair, such
as precision cleaners, maintenance cleaners, as well as carburetor cleaners, and brake cleaners.
Objectives of degreaser:
The purpose of the degreasing agent is to quickly remove problematic stains and avoid as much
wiping and scrubbing as possible. Solvent degreasing solvents are usually packaged
as aerosols for convenience. Aerosols have the added benefit of providing a powerful spray
that causes excitement and penetrates small gaps.
Water-based degreaser:
Water-based degreasers are common in trigger sprays, or gallons or drum containers
for soaking or batch system cleaning. Special equipment such as ultrasonic or vapor degreasing
agents is available for more automated cleaning. These processes are repeatable, making
them suitable for more important cleaning applications such
as aerospace and medical device maintenance. Tech spray offers a wide range of degreasing
agents and maintenance cleaners under the G3, E-LINE ™, PWR-4 ™, and Precision-V brands,
from economical cleaners for heavy industry to precision solvents for sensitive components.
Why do I need a degreaser?
Contamination by dust, dirt, grease, and oxidation can cause
corrosion, slippage, overheating, increased electrical resistance in the contact area, and many
other problems. Degreasing may be required in preparation for downstream processes such
as painting and plating. Cleaner degreasing agents can remove oils, greases, oxides, and
handling contaminants from equipment and assemblies including:
• Metal and fiber optic cable splices.
• Motors and transformers.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies.
• Electronics and electrical equipment.
• Meters/measurement devices.
These applications require industrial-grade degreasing agents to remove grease, tar,
asphalt, oils, and dirt.
• Clutches, armatures, generators, and compressors.
• Electrical motors and equipment.
• Bearings, chains, cables, pulleys, and gear drives.
• Brakes, springs, and flywheels.
What is the difference between a degreaser and a contact cleaner?
Degreasers are designed to remove oils, greases, oxides, and contaminants from devices and
assemblies, but contact cleaners do the same, especially for electrical contacts.
Contact Cleaners (Electrical Cleaners, Switch Cleaners, Electrical Contact Cleaners, and Battery
Post Cleaners (especially for automotive repairs) remove contaminants from electrical contacts,
conductive surfaces of connectors, switches, and other electrical and electronic components.
The contact of the moving surface.
What do I look for when selecting a degreaser?
There are several factors that can have a significant impact on performance and
safety when choosing the right degreasing agent for a particular application in the
environment.
• Flammability:
Solvent degreasers often contain flammable alcohols and hydrocarbon solvents.
They are cheap and effective but can be dangerous in the absence of proper
ventilation, in open flames, sparks (such as welding), or around hot surfaces. Noncombustible degreasers avoid these safety issues but are generally more expensive. In
addition, some non-flammable cleaners are extremely toxic and may contain
dangerous solvents such as perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and n-propyl bromide.
High flash point (often referred to as “high flash point”) solvents contain vapors that
are unlikely to burn at normal ambient temperatures (for example, below 60 ° C / 140 °
F).
• Dielectric Strength:
If you are working with powered equipment, or if you need to turn on the power before
the solvent evaporates, consider a degreasing agent with high dielectric strength. Before
spraying anything on your circuit, check the amperage and voltage of the circuit you
are cleaning and evaluate the cleaner’s suitability for your application. Dielectric
strength is the maximum electric field that a material can withstand before
its insulation properties collapse. The lower the dielectric strength, the more likely it is
that it will collapse and current will flow, resulting in a short circuit.
• Plastic/Rubber compatibility:
Care should be taken when cleaning plastics, components, rubber seals, and gaskets. If
the degreasing agent is not compatible with the plastic, the material may crack
(small cracks), or become brittle or soft. Rubber seals can expand, contract, or collapse.
New degreasers should always be tested before widespread use.
• Toxicity:
N-Propyl Bromide (nPB), trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (Perc) are highly
toxic chemicals commonly used in degreasers to provide cleaning performance in
non-flammable formulations. Proceedings have been documented that workers
suffered serious health effects when exposed to high levels of these chemicals. Workers
reported headaches, dizziness, and even loss of physical control. Reproductive problems
and links to cancer are also possible. All of this has led maintenance facilities to
reconsider solvent choices, especially for manual cleaning when exposure tends to
be high.
• Environmental Issues:
Regulators focused on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smog-causing solvents, or
solvents with a high global warming potential (GWP). Regulations in some states
(CARB, California Air Review Board, etc.), regions and even industries limit the use of
high VOC or high GWP materials.
What are the cleaning processes to consider for degreasing?
Manual degreasing Methods:
Grease and oil are typically removed from laboratory benches, workstations, or field
components and usually require manual cleaning procedures. Manual cleaning methods are
labor-intensive and less reproducible, so results vary from operator to operator.
• Aerosol:
Aerosol packaging is a sealing system that provides a fresh solvent. The spray pressure
and application pattern add movements like scrubbing. Straw attachments are
usually included for spraying in tight spaces or for targeted applications.
• Trigger Spray:
Spray bottles are common for water-based cleaners and isopropyl alcohol (IPA), but not
for harsh solvent cleaners.
• Liquid Immersion:
You can immerse the part in a bowl or bucket of solvent cleaner and
then wipe off stubborn stains with a wipe, swab, or brush. Heating the
solvent improves cleaning performance, but for safety, it should only be done with a
non-combustible degreasing agent.
• Presaturated wipes and swabs:
Cloths pre-saturated with a mild solvent such as isopropyl alcohol can be used for added
convenience.
Automated or Semi-Automated Degreasing Methods:
For higher-volume manufacturing or if minimal variability is required, like in critical applications
like aerospace and medical, more automated cleaning methods are available.
• Ultrasonic:
Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to break down grease and lift it from
parts. Ultrasonic devices usually have the option of heating the
cleaning agent to improve cleaning performance. Change the solvent regularly as cross-contamination can be a problem. Also, keep in mind that ultrasonic cleaning can be too
rough for delicate parts and materials.
• Vapor degreaser:
Steam degreasing is the best cleaning method for important cleanings such as aerospace
and medical applications. Soak the part in a boiling solvent sump or ultrasonic rinse
sump and rinse with solvent vapor. Special azeotropic or near azeotropic solvents are
required to avoid problems with boiling and reconstitution of the solvent.
• Batch Washer:
Parts are either stationary in a rack or run on a conveyor and the degreasing agent
(often water-based and highly caustic) is sprayed over the parts.
Do I need to turn off the power before cleaning the electrical
equipment?
Before starting the spray, turn off the power to avoid possible sparks, short circuits or
discharges, and other safety issues. If you don’t have the option to turn off the power, look
for a degreasing agent with a dielectric strength of more than 30 kV (30,000 volts). Choosing a
nonflammable cleaner also adds a layer of safety in the event of an unexpected spark.
Do I have to worry about plastic packaging and parts and rubber seals
when degreasing?
Hard plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate (trade name Lexan), and acrylics such as plexiglass are
extremely sensitive to harsh solvents such as toluene, xylene, and
acetone. Alcohol and hydrocarbon-based solvents tend to be suitable for sensitive
plastics. Gaskets made of rubber, silicone, or other gaskets, or elastomeric (soft) materials,
tend to expand or contract when exposed to harsh solvents. After the solvent flashes off, it can
bounce back to its original size or change permanently, affecting the effectiveness of the
seal. Polyester or Teflon-based gasket materials are less susceptible to this type of damage
from harsh solvents. New degreasers should always be tested before use in
suspicious applications or in working (and expensive) equipment. For cleaning highly delicate
materials, Tech spray offers E-LINE Maintenance Cleaners and PrecisionV Maintenance Cleaners & Flux Removers that are compatible with a
variety of delicate materials.
Are there any degreasing agents that are more toxic than others?
N-Propyl Bromide (nPB), trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (Perc) are highly toxic
chemicals commonly used in degreasers to provide cleaning performance in
non-flammable formulations. However, the proceedings have
documented that workers experienced serious health effects when exposed to high levels
of these chemicals. Workers reported headaches, dizziness, and even loss
of physical control. Reproductive problems and links to cancer are also possible. As a
result, many are rethinking solvent choices. This is especially true for manual cleaning when
exposure tends to be high. Federal agencies take time to regulate nPB, but CA OSHSB lists
PB as outbreak / reproductive toxicity under Proposal 65 with a PEL of 5 ppm. Pennsylvania
has included it on the Dangerous Goods List. ACGIH states that the TLV of nPB is 10ppm, but
there is a proposal to reduce it to 0.1ppm. nPB is comparable to the toxicity of TCE, PCE, and
Mel is classified by NTP as “reasonably carcinogenic to humans.” (Source: NTP, “Report on
Carcinogens, 13th Edition: 1-Bromopropane” These risks tend to expose employers and
industry leaders, especially over more automated cleaning processes. There is now a rethinking
of solvent choices in manual cleaning. It is so convenient in nature that it can be difficult to
accurately control exposure to chemicals. Wearing a respiratory system
How many electric
engineers, are you doing? The best option is to avoid the most toxic solvents, even if they are
legal and readily available.
Are there any environmental issues when using a degreasing agent?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smog-causing solvents, or solvents with a high global
warming potential (GWP) have been the focus of many regulators. Regulations in some states
(CARB, California Air Review Board, etc.), regions and even industries limit the use of high VOC
or high GWP materials. To make matters worse, VOCs are defined and measured differently
by different authorities. Solvent degreasers may be considered low VOCs by the EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) standard definition, but may have high VOCs by CARB. If low
VOC is the goal.
Why Use a Degreaser?
Cleaning work is not always a strange job. Well, unless you’re dirt or a worshiper of
dirt, they’re no fun at all. To undertake such a job, you need a trusted person or group of
people. Therefore, you need good cleaning supplies to get the job done. Solvent degreasing
agents are the first cleaning supplies you need.
Why should you use a degreaser?
Solvent degreasing agents are powerful cleaning agents used to remove grease, oils, dirt, and
other contaminants. Solvent degreasers can be used for many cleaning operations. Some
are shown below.
1. Cars:
Solvent degreasers can be used to clean rims or hubcaps. It is also used to
clean car door clogging. It can also be used to clean some tensions. The
advantage of this is that it does not require a lot of work. A degreasing agent will do the
cleaning for you. If you run out of carpet cleaners, use them with soap to get carpet
cleaning products. It can also be used to clean the engine.
2. Kitchen:
Solvent degreasers can also be used to clean kitchen floors. It is also an excellent cleaner
for tableware and utensils. You can also use a degreasing agent to clean and restore
some of your kitchen appliances. Solvent degreasers can also be used to clean descaling
faucets. It cuts through calcium and your faucet works like new.
3. Driveways and parking lots:
Coupled with a high-pressure water system, degreasing agents are an ideal way to
clean driveways. Lifts the oil from the surface, making cleaning much easier. Depending
on the type of parking lot (cement in this case), it can be quickly cleaned with a
degreasing agent. Again, with a high-pressure water system, the job is easy. Otherwise,
grab a very abrasive brush and prepare your elbows.
FORMULA 88–Formula 88 Degreaser, Quart:
Formula 88 packs a large amount of degreasing power into a biodegradable formula. Formula
88 is ideal for use on many marine surfaces such as engines,
vinyl sheets, marine carpets, and kitchen surfaces. It is non-corrosive and removes grease, food
stains, fish blood, and more. Use it like any other general-purpose cleaner, spray it on a
cloth or smear it with a cloth and wipe it to remove grease, dirt, and dirt. Get a bottle of
Formula 88 for you, your boat, and a powerful eco-friendly degreaser.
Key Features:
• Powerful degreaser to tackle a variety of marine and household jobs.
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• Non-corrosive.
• Safe for use on fiberglass, painted surfaces, metals, plastics, rubber, fabrics, and
concrete.
• Great for degreasing engines and engine room surfaces.
• Easy to use no dilution required.
• 32 oz.
Advice:
For over 20 years, West Advisor articles have answered boater questions and provided
solutions to boating problems. West Marine has put together one of the most comprehensive
collections of technical boat information articles on the web.
FORMULA 88–Formula 88 Degreaser, Gallon:
Formula 88 packs a large amount of degreasing power into a biodegradable formula. Formula
88 is ideal for use on many marine surfaces such as engines,
vinyl sheets, marine carpets, and kitchen surfaces. It is non-corrosive and removes grease, food
stains, fish blood, and more. Use it like any other general-purpose cleaner, spray it on a
cloth or smear it with a cloth and wipe it to remove grease, dirt, and dirt. Get a bottle of
Formula 88 for you, your boat, and a powerful eco-friendly degreaser.
Key Features:
• Powerful degreaser to tackle a variety of marine and household jobs.
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• Non-corrosive.
• Safe for use on fiberglass, painted surfaces, metals, plastics, rubber, fabrics, and
concrete.
• Great for degreasing engines and engine room surfaces.
• Easy to use no dilution required.
• 1 Gallon.
Advice:
The West Advisor articles have answered boaters’ questions and provided solutions to boating
problems for more than 20 years. West Marine has compiled one of the Web’s most
comprehensive collections of technical boating information articles.
Is Degreaser Safe for Car Paint?
A degreaser is a solvent that is mainly used on metal to remove grease, fingerprints, oil,
corrosion inhibitors, and other contaminants. For vehicles, a degreaser’s purpose is to clean oil
spills, engine bays, and other automotive parts. Ever wondered if you can use a degreaser to
clean your car’s paint? We have consulted automotive experts about the effect of degreaser on
the vehicle’s paint job; here is what we got from them.
A degreaser is somewhat safe to use on the vehicle’s paint. Using a degreaser on your vehicle’s
paint won’t directly ruin or destroy it, but it will remove the wax from its finish. Without the
wax, your car’s paint will be exposed to the elements, and that might cause your paint to fade
or get destroyed in the long run. If you plan to strip all your vehicle’s old wax to put a new layer,
you can use a degreaser. But if you want to remove grease or stains in a specific part of your
vehicle, it’s best to rewax that part afterward. Keep reading below for more information about
degreasers, paints, and waxes.
Can You Use Degreaser on Car Interior?
Yes, you can use degreasers on your vehicle interior, but dilute it before applying to your
interior. When you dilute the degreaser with water, that will help lessen its potency. Having a
strong mixture or using a pure degreaser may remove some of the printed markings of your
vehicle, such as symbols on the buttons. It is best to use degreasers on the plastic parts of the
interior, such as the dash, sidings, and door panels. You can use a brush to help incorporate the
degreaser onto the plastic parts. When cleaning, try to avoid getting degreaser onto the glass
and electronics of your vehicle. There are specific solutions that you can use to clean these
components.
Will Rubbing Alcohol Remove Car Wax?
Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol can remove wax from the vehicle if the concentration of
the solution is high enough. At least 90% concentration of
isopropyl can reliably remove car wax and can also damage car paint. If you use alcohol to clean
your car, first dilute it before using it. This reduces the alcohol concentration and reduces its
effectiveness against vehicle waxes and paints. You can also use 70% isopropyl. This is a very
suitable concentration for cleaning. When diluting, be sure to add only water. Do not add
bleach or chlorinating substances as they are highly toxic substances. If you really want to get
rid of grease and dirt from your car, it’s best to use a degreaser or APC (Universal Cleaner).
These cleaning solutions are ideal for wax removal and general cleaning. Also, don’t forget
to use alcohol to clean the fresh paint.
What Liquids Damage Car Paint?
The paint on your car is the first thing you and others see when you see your car. Therefore, it
is best to be careful to make the car look pure white and fresh. Liquids are one of the most
common substances that can damage the paint on vehicles. Here are some common liquids to
keep you out of the paint on your vehicle.
1. Brake Fluid:
Make sure that the brake fluid does not adhere to the paint on the car. Brake fluid will
ruin the paint on the car and finish it. The most common way to apply brake fluid to
the paint is when servicing. If the paint has a brake cleaner, wipe it off immediately.
Brake fluid can ruin the paint in about 5 minutes. Rinse with soap and aqueous solution
and wipe with a towel.
2. Tar:
Tar is a coating used on roofs and paths. If tar accidentally adheres to the vehicle, do
not force it away from the vehicle. It is very difficult to remove tar without chipping or
scratching the paint. It’s best to take your car to a body shop equipped
with a dedicated cleaner that can remove tar to prevent paint damage.
3. Gasoline:
When topping up gas, you may spill a bit of gas onto your car; when this happens, you
must not let it dry on its own. Letting gas sit on your paint can leave stains that are
unremovable. You may also damage your paint’s coat by exposing it to the elements. If this
happens, quickly wipe the spot down with a microfiber or towel.
4. Birds dropping and tree sap:
You will inevitably find bird droppings or tree sap on your vehicle, especially if your
vehicle is parked outside near trees. Leaving both tree sap and bird droppings on your
car for days or weeks will result in a stain. Bird droppings will not stain your vehicle as
much as tree sap, but you’ll be able to see where it was before. While tree sap will leave
a yellowish mark if left long enough. Bird droppings and tree sap have acid on them, and
leaving them to bake under the sun will cause it to ruin the paint of your vehicle. If you
spot any tree sap or bird droppings, it’s best to clean them right away to avoid staining
your car’s paint. You can use water to wash down bird droppings, while for tree sap, you
have to use diluted alcohol to break down. If you park your car, you can buy a vehicle
cover to protect your vehicle