Effective solvent / degreaser in 2025 for cleaning bearings etc?

[borgward]

What ever came of Varsol? Used to get a can of it at the gas station. Was not real effective. It would get the light grease off of the heavy duty grime.

 

[Wolfmac]

The SDS is encouraging.

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But Kerosene is not much better and much more flamable:
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Obviously you should wear gloves and use in a very well ventilated area.

Anything you choose to use can be used safely. Brief and minimal inhalation exposure is a non issue and permissible exposure limits (PEL’s) are well established. It’s continuous exposure or a cumulative exposure over days weeks months or perhaps years as in the case of those using such types of toxic materials as part of their job duties, that poses health risks, many of which can be serious.

Breathing automotive exhaust every day in traffic will pollute your body more than the occasional whiff of most solvents. Use gloves and a space with reasonable ventilation, don’t ingest itand you will be fine.

 

[Miq]

Anything you choose to use can be used safely. Brief and minimal inhalation exposure is a non issue and permissible exposure limits (PEL’s) are well established. It’s continuous exposure or a cumulative exposure over days weeks months or perhaps years as in the case of those using such types of toxic materials as part of their job duties, that poses health risks, many of which can be serious.

Breathing automotive exhaust every day in traffic will pollute your body more than the occasional whiff of most solvents. Use gloves and a space with reasonable ventilation, don’t ingest itand you will be fine.

For sure. And I am only kidding when tossing carbon tet into the mix. It’s not readily available for a reason.

 

[PopsOtto]

In case you are not familiar with all the Simple Green products, be sure to get the purple label one. It's made for de-greasing and cleaning machinery.
It may not be the best, but is stronger than the green label ones. Lowe's and Home D both carry it.

 

[Wolfmac]

It’s funny how every few years a new cleaning product hits the shelves and is somehow going to simplify our lives in an astonishing way. It’s all just clever marketing really.

Each company takes what already works, and changes it ever so slightly to support their claim that it different and better or improved.

I will say that the introduction of citrus based cleaners as a less toxic alternative definitely has merit but other than that,
about the only significant improvement that comes to mind after 40 years of grease monkey activities I’ve engaged in would be when GUNK introduced their foaming action formula. Now that was ground breaking Still think gasoline is best for bike bearings and hub guts though

 

[Misterotis]

I’ve been using this in a coffee can for years. Made short work of the petrified grease from the old English three speed I just did.

 

[Wolfmac]

I’ve been using this in a coffee can for years. Made short work of the petrified grease from the old English three speed I just did.

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Yup very effective petroleum formula. Right from the can though, it comes out at a pretty high velocity and splashes about.

 

[MonarkRocket]

I use simple green in an ultrasonic cleaner. Only need 1-2 runs through the cleaner for most parts to be completely clean.

 

[Jimmy V]

I like mineral spirits or kerosene. I've tried the purple power stuff and it does work but I feel not as quickly.
And its got a soapy slimy feel that I don't like.. just my opinion. It's probably not as bad for you on your skin though.
I always follow up with brake clean and a careful blast of air just to make sure I get the hard to reach places.
Degreasing is probably my least favorite task of bike servicing but very necessary.

I've thought of getting an ultrasonic cleaner but I just use small plastic containers for soaking and that works.

 

[Paul Ferrell]

You guys do know that kerosene is basically just ultra refined diesel fuel? Just a thought. Also if you dont need large quantities there are several companies that market a "Orange oil based cleaner degreaser" I have some from LPS and some from Schaeffers Oil Co here in St Louis. (there are many other brands I am sure) Its usually in a pump or aerosol. Hope that helps.