The engine is an integral part of the car and you need to ensure that it is always performing optimally. The degreaser is one of the best ways to keep your engine free from dirt.
You can use the best engine degreasers to clean engine and also detailing the vehicle and as such, it comes with tons of benefits.
The engine is quite fragile and you cannot afford to mishandle it. With the right degreaser, you will manage to clear out the dirt and grease that has built up over time, without damaging any surfaces.
The engine degreasers come with different strengths and as such, you should pick the one that is suitable for the specific application.
Engine degreasers should be in your tool box and you will realize that they are a cost-effective way to maintain your vehicle. If you do not have an idea on the best degreaser, you are in the right place.
I will review some of the best products and also share all the relevant information about degreasers.
Our Best Engine Degreaser Picks:
GUNK EB1CA ‘Original Engine Brite’ Engine Degreaser – 15 oz.
- Safe for all types of engines
- Quick results in 15 minutes
- Powerful solvents in the degreaser
- No special tools or equipment required
- Heavy duty formula for tough grease, oil and grime buildup
It is one thing to be excited about engine degreasers and a totally different thing to find the best engine degreaser.
There are different products on the market and this may be confusing for most vehicle owners. The good news is that your search ends here.
We have picked some of the top rated degreasers on the market, which would be a good consideration for you to buy. The 10 products below are professionally tested and we can vouch for them.
1. GUNK EB1CA ‘Original Engine Brite’ Engine Degreaser – 15 oz
The vehicle engine is what the heart is to human beings. Without a functional engine the vehicle is useless and as such, it is imperative to see to it that the engine is in top notch condition at all times.
The Gunk EB1CA is one of the best cleaners for your engine and shockingly, this has been in the market for over 50 years. This degreaser is specially formulated to provide deep cleaning and fast action.
The unique nature of GUNK is the fact that you will just spray it and hose it off after a few minutes and you will be done. You do not have to scrub anything, so you can save that energy for other tasks.
This has been made in such a manner that it will work on multiple engines like on vehicles, bikes, power mowers, ATVs, RVs and tractors among others. This is the best solution for the tough oil and grease build up.
It is sold in a 15 oz. container, and the formula has low VOC, which makes it safe for use. You will love the quick results that this degreaser is able to deliver with barely 15 minutes.
The powerful solvents that are in this cleaner will make it easier to take down the layers of dirt. The only thing that you have to contend with is the odor, which is rather strong.
Highlighted features:
- Safe for all types of engines
- Quick results in 15 minutes
- Powerful solvents in the degreaser
- No special tools or equipment required
- Heavy duty formula for tough grease, oil and grime buildup
2. KRUD KUTTER KK32 Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser, 32-Ounce
In order to keep your vehicle engine in the best shape, there are many cleaners and degreasers that you may be forced to use. However, with the KrudKutter, you will throw out all the other solvents and chemicals that you have, since it is an all-purpose cleaner. This is a single product that has been made in such a manner that it get rid of dirt fast and effectively, on various surfaces.
The high concentration of this formula gives it the strength required for commercial use. However, it is quite safe and will not damage your surfaces. The cleaner is meant to deal with the grime, dirt and grease and not mess your surface.
This is classified among the degreasers with full strength and as such, you will conveniently use it for heavy cleaning. If you have not had the engine cleaned in a long time, this would be ideal cleaner.
With 1 ½ cups of this degreaser, you can mix it with 1 gallon of water. Besides the engine, you can use it to clean reflective surfaces like TV and computer screens. This serves as a cleaner, stain remover and degreaser.
Once you are done with the cleaning process, you will not need to rinse it, as it does not leave any residue. The biggest advantage is the fact that it is safe as it is non-flammable, non-abrasive, biodegradable and non-toxic.
Highlighted features:
- Highly concentrated formula for heavy cleaning.
- Safe for home and commercial use
- Biodegradable, non-toxic and non-flammable
- Delivers fast and effective results
3. Chemical Guys CLD_201_16 Signature Series Orange Degreaser
A dirty engine can be quite frustrating and may cause serious problems to the vehicle. The best way to curb this is by maintaining a clean engine at all times, and Chemical Guys is known to be one of the best manufacturers of quality engine cleaners. The CLD_210_16 is an orange degreaser that is made to break and emulsify grime, oil, grease and dirt. This is specifically designed for use on automobiles.
The super concentrated degreaser will be useful for heavy duty cleaning, which requires a full strength formulation. If you are looking for as mild cleaner, then you can dilute it in the right volume and it will still serve the purpose.
The advantage with this particular product is the fact that it is multipurpose and can be used for different applications. For the professionals who are into vehicle detailing, this would serve the purpose as long as it is diluted proportionately.
The professional strength formulation is what makes the Chemical Guys degreaser effective in dealing with the toughest tasks. The special formulation will emulsify the toughest oil and grease and give your engine a fresh and clean look.
If the suspension has grease buildup, then make use of this degreaser to get the desired results. The citrus-based degreaser is affordable and will clean any surface with ease.
Highlighted features:
- Super concentration and needs to be diluted in correct ratios
- Citrus-based formula, with professional strength
- Loosens and emulsifies grime, dirt, oil and grease
- Multipurpose and works on all engines
- Ideal for the toughest cleaning tasks
4. S100 12005L Total Cycle Cleaner Bottle – 1.32 Gallon
Some of the things that you buy need to have the perfect design, besides the functionality. This is the case with the S100 12005L cleaner, which has a great design and ranks among the cleaners that have the highest functionality.
The ease of use and control of the degreaser is the biggest selling point for most users. This is the first cleaner where you will just spray and rinse off. This is suitable for motorcycle engines and other parts of your bike.
This unique strength of this cleaner will make it possible for you to maintain your engines in excellent condition. You will be able to clean every part of your bike without any scrubbing. It is specially formulated to work in a very short time in that you will have a super clean bike in about 5 minutes.
Fortunately, you will be able to use it to clean all surfaces of the bike without causing any damages. It is a non-acid cleaner and has corrosion inhibitors in addition to being biodegradable.
The design of the container is easy to maintain and configure. One will use it effectively, as you will have ultimate control of the process. The high quality ingredients used to make this cleaner will make it effective and also the results will last longer.
If you are the type of people pay attention to detail, then this cleaner will allow you to have your bike always sparkling and engine performance at optimal levels.
Highlighted features:
- Spray on and rinse off cleaner
- Specially for motorbikes to clean every part
- Works in as little as 5 minutes to give a clean engine and bike
- Safe for all the surfaces on the bike
- Works on all engines, garden equipment and snowmobiles
- Biodegradable, pH controlled, non-acid and has corrosion inhibitors
5. Chemical Guys CLD_104 Grime Reaper Extremely Strong Degreaser (1 Gal)
There are some tough situations that will require a tough solution. Chemical Guys has a special formulation of a very strong degreaser, Grime Reaper. This comes with a professional strength formula that is highly concentrated and has the capacity to loosen the toughest grim, grease and dirt.
This will allow you to clean the dirt with ease and have a super clean engine, within a few minutes. The cleaner can remove the industrial road grime and does not leave any residue after the cleaning process.
For all your heavy duty cleaning processes, this would be the ideal degreaser. The strong grease on your surfaces will be broken down easily and your surface will be restored in a short while. The fast action and effective cleaning is the greatest benefit of the Grime Reaper degreaser.
The professional cleaner will be effective for engine bays, undercarriages, greasy tires and any other part that you may want to degrease. For anyone looking to resell their vehicle, this degrease will expose the vehicle’s original state and fetch a good price.
Due to the super concentration of this formula, with 1 gallon of Grime Reaper, you should be able to make 10 gallons of cleaner. However, this ratio can be adjusted, depending on the nature of the task that you intend to handle. It does not matter for how long the dirt has been left unattended, it will be a matter of minutes and all the dirt buildup will be rinsed off.
Highlighted features:
- Removes the toughest grease quickly
- Highly concentrated degreaser for industrial cleaning
- Rinses clean, leaving no residue
- Dissolves and cleans the dirt, without affecting the surface
- Works fast and is effective
- Ideal for professional, heavy-duty cleaning jobs
6. S100 19200A Engine Brightener Aerosol – 4.5 oz
If your plastic and rubber surfaces have become dull, it can be quite depressing. However, the S100 19200A is the best solution to brighten these surfaces and make it look they are new. This is an engine brightener and it has a special technology that will bond to surface.
This is unlike the other cleaners that work by breaking down the dirt. Due to its special formulation, you can use it for engine cylinders that are painted, as well as cables and cases.
Any surfaces that seem to have lost its gloss needs to have this brightener to give it back its original look. It has unique properties that will give the surfaces detergent resistant protection. In addition, it will hold up to the engine heat, without a problem.
The metered spray tube will allow you to cover every part, conveniently. All the black plastic components on your engine that have lost their shine, will need the S100 engine brightener.
The only precaution that comes with S100 Engine Brightener is that it should not be used on surfaces that are not meant to be slippery. As such, do not use it on pedals, tires and any electrical components as this may cause serious hazards.
Once you have cleaned the engine, you should spray this brightener, so as to restore it. The spray nozzle will give you great control and ensure that you are spraying the correct places.
Highlighted features:
- Restored dull surfaces to look as good as new
- Works fast to give you a great shine
- Has a convenient spray nozzle
- Withstands engine heat
- Sold in 4.5 oz. aerosol can
- Comes with detergent-resistant properties
- Bonds to the surface
7. GUNK CEB1 Engine Shine Protector and Detailer, 15 Oz
As you continue to use your car, there is grease build up and this can be quite frustrating. Instead of trying to use methods that do not work, the GUNK CEB1 is the perfect cleaner. The advantage with this particular one is the fact it will serve as a cleaner and a detailer.
It is quite powerful to emulsify and break down the grime on your engine. You can use it on most surfaces that are in your engine and it will give your engine a good shine, as if it was new.
To get the best results, you should make use of the cleaner according to the instructions that are provided. All the plastic, rubber, and painted under hood components can be cleaned with this product. There is also the benefit of getting great protection for all the surfaces with the GUNK CEB1.
When you use it, there will be a protective layer that will be left behind and this makes it easier to carry out cleaning in the future. The citrus scent is quite appealing as well.
Fortunately, the GUNK CEB1 comes with a unique formula that makes it safe for most vehicle engines. There is no silicone in the formula and as such, there will hardly be grease or dirt build up in your engine.
This is one of the best ways for vehicle owners to give their engines great protection. It is not corrosive to metals and the fact that is has low VOC is also a great advantage as it does not affect the environment.
Highlighted features:
- Shines and protects under hood parts
- Has no silicone, which caused grease and dirt buildup
- Spay application, with fast reaction
- Leaves a protective layer to make future cleaning easier
- Appealing citrus scent
- Engine cleaner and detailer
8. POR-15 40104 Cleaner Degreaser – 1 quart
In order to keep your engine clean, you may be forced to use a number of cleaners and solvents, which can be overwhelming. Most users prefer to find a solution that is easy to use and gives the desired results.
The POR-15 is a cleaner and a degreaser and as such, you will have both solutions in one. When you apply it, there is hardly any mess or residue that you will be required to handle. This will give you a clean engine in a few minutes.
It is quite safe in that it does not contain flammable solvents or nay toxic fumes. This is a water-based cleaner and once you discover it, you will never use the oil-based cleaner. As far as economic sense goes, the degreaser is highly concentrated and as such, you can dilute it up to 10 times and still get great results. If you have algae, wax, grease or oil, this cleaner will remove all these with ease and leave the parts spotlessly clean.
This has been proved to be an excellent cleaner holding tanks, grease traps, vinyl, canvas, nylon and so many other auto parts. This can also be used on metal components as it does not have corrosive properties.
If you intend to clean a metal surface, you can use this cleaner to prepare the surface for incredible paint adhesion. POR-15 is not solvent based and has so much to offer the users, making it a valuable choice.
Highlighted features:
- Non corrosive
- Non flammable
- Does not leave any residue
- 2-in-1 application, cleaner and degreaser
- No toxic fumes
- Cleans almost any surface
- Water-based cleaner
9. Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser – 1 Gallon
45 seconds appear to be a very short time, and one can hardly accomplish anything meaningful. This is less than a minute and you may dismiss it as insignificant time. However, with the Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser this is the time it will take for you to clean your engine.
Yes, you heard me right, it takes 45 seconds to have your engine clean and shinning with this degreaser, and no wonder it is referred to as a super degreaser. It does not matter the amount of dirt that your engine has, this degreaser will handle it.
The Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser has a professional strength formula that allows it to break down and dissolve grime, grease and oil on the auto parts. It is quite easy to use as you will just apply and rinse it down and have a clean engine.
It has low VOC, making it safe for the environment, without compromising on its cleaning abilities. It is highly alkaline, but this does not inhibit its effectiveness. Once you are done cleaning, you will not notice any white stains as it does not leave residue.
The best way to keep your engine in top condition is by ensuring that you use Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser. You have the liberty to dilute the degreaser to the desired strength. For instance, when you have industrial cleaning, you can dilute 1 quart in 4 parts of water.
You should spray and rinse it with clean water after 45 seconds, without letting it dry on the surface. Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser will exceed the expectations of most users due to the fact that it can dissolve tough applications in less than a minute.
Highlighted features:
- Works in 45 seconds
- Professional strength degreaser
- Strong enough for heavy duty cleaning
- Low VOC
- Pleasant herbal scent
- Easy to use
10. Enforcer ZUCIT128 128-Ounce Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser Refill
Gone are the days when engine cleaning had to be done at the auto shop. The process has become easier and you can do it yourself, from the comfort of your home. In addition, it does not take too much of your time.
The Zep degreaser is a heavy duty cleaner that can be used to break down tough adhesives, grease and grime. It uses natural citrus as part of the main ingredients to ensure that you do not have a clean surface, but a pleasant after smell.
When you have oily dirt or greasy surfaces, this can be among the most stubborn stains to deal with. However, this does not need to be the case as Zep Heavy Duty Citrus Degreaser will make it easier for you.
Even the toughest grease will be cut through and the end result will be a clean surface, with a fresh citrus fragrance. The fact that it is citrus based makes it safe for use on most surfaces and will leave the surfaces cleaner and shinier.
This degreaser is easy to use as you will just spray the surface, wipe it and then rinse it with clean water. This can be used across different surfaces like engine parts, bikes, stove tops and grills among others.
It will lift the grease fast and easily, without damaging the surface. Since it used authentic citrus solvents, it will not only clean, but also deodorize the surface. It comes in a 128 oz. container that can be refilled. This is a perfect cleaner for machinery, wheels and engines.
Highlighted features:
- Professional strength for heavy duty cleaning
- Made of citrus solvents
- Easy to use; spray and rinse off
- Perfect for different surfaces and dissolves dirt easily
- Does not leave any residue
Why You Need Engine Degreaser?
Grease is useful as a lubricant as it facilitates smooth operation and prevents friction. However, when you have to remove grease, this can be a tedious task.
Some people make the mistake of trying to scrub off the grease, hoping to remove it, but this does not work. This is the essence of using the best engine cleaner, as they make the work easier and will not cause any damage to the engine.
Having a clean vehicle engine has so many benefits as you will enjoy the performance of the engine. When you make it a habit to use engine degreasers, you will significantly reduce your trips to the mechanic.
This is an ideal solution for the maintenance of the car. In the event that you want to sell off your car, the cleanliness of the engine will help you get a good price.
You do not have to go to a mechanic to have a clean engine. All you need to do is get a high quality degreaser and your engine will be as good as new. With all these amazing benefits, you will need to have a degreaser in your tool box.
As we continue with this guide, you will learn how to use the engine degreasers, and even be in a position to pick the ideal one for your vehicle.
Engine Degreaser Buyer’s Guide
We have looked at some of the best engine cleaner on the market. However, since the market keeps changing and new products are introduced, you need to learn how to pick a good degreaser.
All the ones that we have reviewed are quality degreasers, but you will realize that there are some that stand out.
Here are some essential factors that you should always bear in mind when shopping for engine degreasers:
Engine Safety
As you may be aware, the engine as a whole is quite expensive. Before buying any engine degreaser, you need to establish that it is safe for your engine. You would not want to have a product that will harm your engine and force you to buy a new engine or replace some parts.
The quality of a good cleaner is one that will eliminate the dirt buildup without reacting with the surface. You will notice that all the degreasers we have reviewed above are safe for your engine.
Multiple Uses
You should also be keen to find a degreaser that will not only dissolve the grease and grime, but also provide other benefits. For instance, it should be able to offer some protection to the surface so as to prevent easy dirt build.
Also look for one that may prevent rust and corrosion and this will save you a lot of money, Multi-purpose cleaners have so many advantages.
Odor
Another essential consideration is the odor level in the degreaser. Ordinarily, the solvent-based degreasers are known to have annoying scents, which may be detrimental to your health.
There are some herbal and water based cleaners, which do not have odor and leave a pleasant fragrance on the surface.
Versatile
Cleaning your engine is great, but when looking for a cleaning agent, you need to find a versatile one.
This means that you will not only clean the engine, but it can also be used for the purpose of cleaning other components in your engine.
The degreaser should be suitable for the frequent cleaning of your engine and the relevant parts.
Evaporation
There is also the evaporation factor that should be put into consideration when buying engine cleaners. In most cases, the highly concentrated solvents will easily evaporate when they are exposed to air and as such, these may not be ideal. You will need to look for degreasers that are vapor-proof, so as to make the most of them. This is one of the ways to ensure that your cleaner is durable and effective.
Price
Last, but not least, you need to consider the price of the engine degreaser. Since there are different brands on the market, you need to consider what each has to offer. When you compare the specific features and strengths of each degreaser, you will find the one that is in your price range.
How to Use Engine Degreaser?
The fact that you have come this far means that you can actually choose the best degreaser. If this is the case, then that is quite a milestone.
However, there are some people who do not know how to use the engine degreasers in the right way. Here is a simple guide that will make it possible for you to carry out engine cleaning from the comfort of your home.
What you will need:
- Degreaser
- Hose pipe
- Waterproof covers
- Woolen cloth
- Washing brush
Step 1: Covering
Since the process does not entail cleaning the entire engine, the first step is to cover all the parts that do not need to be cleaned. This is where you will use the waterproof covers, like plastic bags.
This will include the alternator, distributor, fuse box, air filter and all the other electronic components. You should also cover the surface where you intend the dirt to fall, so as to prevent spilling over.
Step 2: Dilute Degreaser
This is the second step, but it is not mandatory and will depend on the specific brand that you are using. The main objective is to dilute the high concentration of the chemicals and achieve the desired strength. This is what ensures that the engine is not discolored and the sensitive surfaces are not destroyed. To dilute your degreaser, you can use warm water, petroleum based products or natural degreasers.
Step 3: Application
Spray or apply the degreaser to the surface and let it soak in for a few minutes and then wipe it off. You should this repeatedly until all the grease and dirt particles fall off. In cases where there is a heavy build up, you can use the brush to wipe off the grease.
One thing that you need to be keen on is to ensure that the degreaser does not dry off on the surface.
While this is a basic guide on how to clean your engine, it is worth mentioning that every product comes with its own set of instructions that you can follow. You need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions rigorously so that you can achieve the desired results.
Engine Degreaser Tips
While there are so many degreasers, with each coming with a set of instructions on how to use it, you can follow some guidelines to get great results. I have put together some tips that I have often found to be useful for me when I am using the engine degreasers.
Here are the tips:
- Always ensure that the parts that are sensitive to water are well shielded, before commencing the cleaning process
- In order to avoid short circuits, disconnect the battery
- Invest in a high quality degreaser so that you can have a clean engine effortlessly
- Let the cleaner soak in, but do not let it dry off, on the surface
- Choose an ideal place to degrease the engine responsibly, without affecting the environment
- When hosing the engine, you should be careful with the high pressure spray
- You should degrease the engine when it has completely cooled off so as to prevent any chances of corrosion
- Dispose all the waste materials in a responsible manner
With these simple tips, you should have a flawless engine cleaning process. The tips are a simple guide and should not be used against the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to cover any parts of the engine when using engine degreasers?
Ans: Yes! You will need to cover the parts that may be affected by the engine cleaners. Ensure all the electric parts are covered, including sensors, alternators and the air filters. You should use water-resistant materials for covering.
2. Can I use the engine degreaser for any other purpose besides engine cleaning?
Ans: Well, this will depend on the specific one that you have. There are some that are specifically designed for engine cleaning, while others are all-purpose, meaning they can be used for cleaning other surfaces.
3. Should I do anything else besides spraying down my engine with the degreaser?
Ans: This is an issue that will depend on the extent of the dirt build up. There are some surfaces that have more dirt than others and in this case, you may be forced to use a brush. After spraying, and letting the engine degreaser soak in, you should wipe it off and rinse with clean water.
4. Are engine degreasers biodegradable?
Ans: In most cases, the engine cleaners will be biodegradable, but it is important to confirm before buying one. The top rated degreasers are usually non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive and have low VOC.
5. When can I use engine shine products?
Ans: Engine shines are meant for detailing of the engine and protecting it. Once you have cleaned your engine, you can use the engine shine to detail it and make it shine. Besides making your engine look bright and clean, it will also leave a protective film, which will prevent heavy grease buildup.
Final Words
Engine cleaning is a task that most car owners do not want to imagine they can do it on their own. As such, they are forced to take it to professionals for cleaners, which is a good thing. However, this is something that you can actually do on your own and save up on the costs of paying the engine wash experts.
All you will need to do is find the best engine degreaser and you will be good to go. The essence of this guide was to provide some insight on engine cleaners and help you choose the right one.
I sincerely hope that you can be able to make an informed decision and get an engine degreaser that serves your needs effectively. All the best in the next process of cleaning your engine.
