To make a strong, heavy-duty engine degreaser at home, mix 1 cup of liquid laundry detergent or Dawn dish soap with 1 cup of kerosene or mineral spirits and 2 cups of warm water. For a gentler, eco-friendly option, mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 3 cups of water, 1 cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of dish soap.
Homemade Degreaser 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda Mix
A powerful, heavy-duty homemade degreaser can be made by combining 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap (like Dawn) in a spray bottle. For maximum strength, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water, 1 cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup dish soap.
The strongest over-the-counter degreasers rely on highly alkaline formulas or potent citrus solvents to break down thick, baked-on buildup. Top heavy-duty options include Super Clean, Zep Industrial Purple, and Ecolab Professional Strength, all of which require dilution for safe use.
The composition can involve 20% to 80% kerosine, fuel oil and/or heavy naphtha, 20% to 85% water (balance), 2% to 15% surfactant, 5% to 15% of 1, 1, 1 trichloroethane, 5% to 15% butyl cellosolve and about 10% aromatic solvent.
Dawn is a highly effective, versatile degreaser, but it is not "just" a degreaser. It is technically a dish detergent formulated with a blend of surfactants. Because of its mild pH (around 9) and skin-safe composition, it safely breaks down fats and oils without the harsh chemicals found in heavy-duty industrial degreasers.
You can make a homemade degreaser with supplies stocked in your kitchen. Use a mixture of hot water, a squirt of dish detergent, a small pour of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of baking soda. Double up on the ingredients you add to your water for really tough grease.
Water-based degreasers are common in a trigger sprayer, or in gallon or drum containers for immersion or batch system cleaning. Specialized equipment like ultrasonic or vapor degreasers are available for more automated cleaning.
Without a dedicated parts cleaner bath this is my usual go to as well. Rinse the dawn off well with hot (not warm, hot) water and then spray it down with brake clean to help any remaining water evaporate. If you're unsure bake it at 200F/100C for a while. Nice and clean with out dangerous fumes or expensive chemicals.
To degrease your car engine, use an automotive-specific degreaser (like Gunk Foamy Engine Cleaner or Meguiar's Super Degreaser) or a concentrated all-purpose cleaner (like Simple Green). For best results, let the engine cool slightly, cover sensitive electronics, spray the cleaner, scrub heavily soiled areas, and rinse.
Here are some of the best chemicals used for degreasing metal parts, tools, and other machinery in industrial settings:
The 3-IN-ONE Professional Heavy Duty Cleaner Degreaser features a deep penetrating citrus foaming action, which quickly removes grease, oil, dirt and grime from engines, tools and equipment.
A powerful, heavy-duty homemade degreaser can be made by combining 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap (like Dawn) in a spray bottle. For maximum strength, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water, 1 cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup dish soap.
Acetone is a great degreaser. Not only does it effectively remove large amounts of grease, but it evaporates quickly without leaving behind extra residue. However, this solvent is not suitable for use on some plastic and rubber surfaces, and is extremely flammable.
A natural degreaser effectively breaks down stuck-on kitchen grease using safe, eco-friendly ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citrus. It is highly effective for cleaning stovetops, ovens, and countertops without relying on harsh chemicals or toxic fumes.
For a highly effective, safe, and budget-friendly homemade engine degreaser, mix 1 cup of distilled water, 1 cup of white vinegar, 12one-half𝟏𝟐 cup of heavy-duty dish soap (like Dawn), and a splash of lemon juice in a spray bottle. This solution cuts through surface grease without damaging your engine’s rubber or plastic components.
The strongest degreasers depend on your surface, but generally, heavy-duty industrial degreasers utilizing sodium hydroxide (lye) or powerful citrus solvents are the most potent. These attack stubborn, gummy grease and oil through high alkalinity (pH levels of 12-14) or strong emulsification.
Just spray the solution around the engine and engine bay, being careful around electrical connectors and distributor – also don't go crazy around the spark plugs. Make sure you allow the degreaser to soak for a few minutes.
Make a powerful DIY degreaser in seconds by combining 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1-2 drops of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake gently to dissolve the baking soda, spray directly on the greasy surface, and wipe away.
When cleaning your engine, it's important to use a non-corrosive cleaner that doesn't harm or degrade any metal, plastic or rubber components. You should avoid using vinegar, because the acetic acid makes metal susceptible to rust.
Yes, Dawn is a powerful degreaser. Its highly concentrated surfactant formula is designed to break down and lift oily, greasy build-up.
A safer option to harsh chemicals, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is non-corrosive and safe for cleaning chrome, aluminum, stainless steel and other metals. The engine-safe formula breaks down tough grease, oil, road grime and other automotive fluids, making it ideal for cleaning your engine.
The best everyday homemade degreaser combines 1 cup warm water, 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 tbsp baking soda, and a generous squirt (about 1/2 tsp) of natural liquid dish soap. Mix in a spray bottle, shake well, spray the greasy surface, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and wipe clean.
While white vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner, its acidity means it can damage certain surfaces, strip finishes, or cause rust. You should generally avoid using it on: