What is the best solvent for old grease?

Author: Ms. Kara Bins I  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

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What is the best solvent to dissolve hardened grease?

WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser

Contains a proprietary industrial-strength solvent that quickly breaks down grease, yet unlike other harsh degreaser solvents is safe on most surfaces including metals, plastics, rubber, glass, aluminum and more (if unsure test on a small area first).

How do you dissolve old grease?

Wipe stuck on splatters with a warm, wet dishcloth to start softening them. Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap or other degreaser. Saturate a sponge in the bucket and wring it out. Press the sponge into the grease spot and then rub in a circular pattern to remove softened grease.

What solvents dissolve grease?

Grease can be dissolved using a nonpolar solvent, such as hexane or mineral spirits. These solvents are effective at dissolving grease because they can interact with the nonpolar molecules found in grease, allowing them to break down and dissolve the substance.

What is the best liquid to dissolve grease?

Mineral Spirits: This is a petroleum-based solvent that effectively removes grease and oil. It evaporates quickly and is often used in automotive cleaning.

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What breaks down grease the best?

Alcohol works as a solvent to cut through the grease. Make an alcohol solution: Mix equal parts hot water and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a sink or container.

What is the ideal solvent for grease?

If you want to completely remove grease (hydrocarbon based) use a hydrocarbon based solvent - white spirit, petrol or kerosene will do it without leaving much deposit. WD40 will leave a film of light oil (it's a solution of oil in a solvent).

What is the most powerful degreaser?

The highest strength industrial degreaser available, Solvalene was created for the toughest degreasing applications. This alkaline fortified, water based degreaser is extremely versatile and can handle most heavy duty cleaning assignments.

Does isopropyl alcohol dissolve grease?

Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful degreasing agent, making it valuable in industries where machinery and equipment are exposed to grease and oil build-up. Whether it's in automotive, manufacturing, or food processing, isopropyl alcohol can effectively remove stubborn grease and ensure smooth machine operation.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve grease?

Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Tackle Tough Grime and Grease

Try mixing two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide and one part dish soap. The soap and hydrogen peroxide is more effective at dealing with grease compared to just baking soda and water.

What breaks down grease in pipes?

One of the simplest yet effective methods to dissolve grease in pipes is a hot water flush: boiling water is great at softening and dislodging grease buildup, allowing it to flow more freely through your pipes without being too harsh on the pipes themselves.

How do you dissolve caked on grease?

The combination of baking soda and vinegar is effective at removing burnt-on grease from pans. All you need to do is sprinkle the baking soda on the grease, then pour vinegar on it. Then, use a sponge to scrub the burnt-on grime off. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly, ensuring that there's no grease left.

Will mineral spirits dissolve grease?

They play a crucial role in removing tough grease and grime, which are common challenges in automotive maintenance. In the industrial realm, mineral spirits find prominence in cleaning machinery, parts, and surfaces, effectively dissolving and eliminating stubborn grease and oil.

Does WD-40 dissolve grease?

WD-40 is a lubricant dissolved in a solvent. While it can break down grease and oil to a certain degree, it also adds back some. This might be desirable if you are cleaning a hinge, conveyor, or corrosive-prone part, but not if you need it truly clean.

What is the best solvent for heavy grease?

Chlorinated Solvent Degreasers

Chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), have been used in industrial cleaning for many years. These solvents are effective at dissolving oils and other contaminants, making them a popular choice for cleaning parts and machinery.

What is super degreaser?

Pleasant fragrance. Meguiar's® D108 Detailer Super Degreaser exceeds expectations by quickly breaking down even the toughest grease. Its fast acting, free rinsing formula prevents unsightly white residue stains while its herbal fragrance creates a pleasant work environment.

How do you clean large amounts of grease?

Start by dusting/sweeping the surface. Blot the grease away using a dry wipe. If needed, you can use warm water to soften splatters and stains so that wiping will become easier. Using a ready-to-use product or degreasing wipe, rub in circular motion, working in sections.

How do you remove old hardened grease?

Rapinchuk says a simple mix of baking soda, kosher salt and dish soap will do the trick on cooked-on food stains and grease. Use a kitchen scrub brush to work into the little nooks.

What is the best degreaser for caked on grease?

Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser was our favorite product for cleaning burned-on food off of pans. With just one spritz of this easy-to-use spray (plus a Scotch-Brite sponge and a normal amount of elbow grease), we were able to clean the dirtiest pans in about 40 seconds.

Which of the following is an ideal solvent for grease?

Toluene is quite a good solvent for removing this grease.

What dissolves grease the best?

1: Vinegar

For tough, caked-on grease stains, especially those stuck to the stove and the inside of the oven, you can spray white vinegar directly on the stain and let it soak in for about five minutes.

What solvent dissolves grease?

Formulated with alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, alkaline degreasers are highly effective at breaking down grease and oil.

Will acetone dissolve grease?

POWERFUL: Acetone is a strong cleaning solvent; one which cuts through grease, waxes, resins and other residuals that can clog machinery or molds. Acetone breaks down these residuals, making clean-up of machinery and molds quick and simple. EVAPORATION: In general, Acetone will evaporate from surfaces quickly.

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