A water soluble degreaser would require rinsing, otherwise you'd have a degreaser and lube mix inside the chain. You also need to remove the water with something.
The dirtier your engine, the longer you should leave the spray on. However, it should not be left on for about 30 seconds before being scrubbed off using a bristled brush. This is how to use degreaser on car engine parts. Use a hose or any other water spraying device to wash off all the degreaser in the engine bay.
Spray on your choice of engine degreaser above and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
I agree with SWETM, you must rinse off that degreaser product. Read the manufacturer's recommendations, most recommend to flush the product off. You did not say what year is your car but most modern engine compartments can take a light spray of water and keep on running strong.
Also, if allowed to dry on painted surfaces, some degreasers will dull your car's finish. If you use a degreaser to spot-clean your car or strip the wax, choose an overcast day and be sure to rinse the surface clean before any degreaser product dries.
One final rinse with clean water is the best way to end, again to make certain all the degreaser is flushed away – bear in mind if there is degreaser still left behind, it will start to act upon any new chain lube you apply and immediately turn it to a messy black goo (a mistake many often make).
Don't use pressure while rinsing, just a mild spray. Pressure can get water into places it shouldn't be going in. I often do engine bay detailing in 2 steps. I'll spray with water and then engine degreaser, let it sit for 5 minutes and rinse.
Despite the pros, engine degreasers can damage your car paint if used on concentrated levels. Also, the damage can increase if the solution is on for a longer time. Some degreasers also leave stain residues that give dulling marks on your vehicle.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid breathing mist/vapours/spray. -Storage temperature Keep in a cool, well ventilated place. Store at temperatures not exceeding 50 °C / 122 °F.
Degreaser should not be used on plants or animals and kept out of children's reach.
Wrap the container in newspaper or another absorbent material and place it in a cardboard box for transport to a household hazardous waste collection center or wait for a local household hazardous waste collection day.
Whatever you choose, scrub the entire length of the chain. You can just hold a rag or sponge in place and backpedal. Make sure to get the whole drivetrain as well. Let the degreaser sit for about five minutes, then use a rag, brush, or sponge to scrub the drivetrain.
Yes, it is a good idea to use gloves when degreasing. The solvents used in degreasers do a great job at breaking down greases and oils, which also happen to exist in health skin. If your hands are exposed to a degreasing solvent for enough time, oils will be drawn from your skin leading to “defattening”.
Once you've properly covered all the largest areas of your face, you can finish off with a good rinse. Using warm water, splash the water up into your face while exhaling through your nose. Gently wash the cleanser from your face, before drying it off with a dry, clean cloth.
There are no degreasers that should be taken internally, but some ingredients are more harmful than others.
WD-40 is not particularly good as a general engine cleaner, but does loosen hardened grease buildup, if you have not cleaned in years.
All that is necessary is to rinse the engine off with a very small amount of water. The work is completed after degreasing the engine. While the engine is still running, it's time to dry the engine compartment. I use a blowgun along with compressed air to thoroughly dry the area.
Skin: Prolonged contact may cause irritation of the skin. Inhalation: Inhalation of mist or spray may irritate the respiratory tract. Ingestion: Swallowing may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea .
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Harmful or fatal if swallowed. If swallowed, may be aspirated and cause lung damage. May cause eye irritation. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
After the degreaser has had time to work, the surface or part is typically rinsed with water to remove the dissolved contaminants and any remaining degreaser.
Water-based degreasers are safe and versatile for use on a wide range of metals, while solvent-based degreasers may be effective for certain applications.
In short: yes, cleaning products can expire.
Apply Degreaser
Let It sit: Allow the degreaser to sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the grime.
Many solvent-based degreasers contain toxic chemicals that are bad for the environment and human health. Long-term exposure can lead to kidney, liver, or nervous system damage, and cancer. The waste from these products often requires careful management and expensive disposal under hazardous waste regulations.
Using a higher concentration than needed can cause safety problems and may also impact how well the cleaner works. Diluting also allows you to "get more bang for your buck." Instead of using the full concentrated amount, you're able to make more spray bottles or solution so your cleaner lasts longer.