Industrial Degreaser Performance Ratings: How the top 15 degreasers stack up

Discussion in 'Infographics and Quickstart Guides' started by Andy, Oct 22, 2013.

  1. Andy

    Andy Administrator Waste Min Publisher 2013 Industrial Waste Survey Participant

    I posted the full infographic below, attached a "print friendly" .pdf, and the next post is a full-text version so it will show up on search. It's all the same research/findings. Please feel free to share (linking this page would be much appreciated) and comment! We're always looking for new research ideas, so fire away.

    **Feb 17, 2014: We have seen a change in the safety ratings of one of the leading degreasers, which may signal a formula change, though the MSDS is dated as before our testing. We are currently looking into the change and will update the safety data as soon as we have findings.

    2013 Industrial Degreaser Performance Testing - Ratings Infographic.png

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Feb 17, 2014
  2. Andy

    Andy Administrator Waste Min Publisher 2013 Industrial Waste Survey Participant

    This is the text-only version, if you would like the same information as an easier to read infographic: http://www.wastemin.com/discuss/ind...ratings-how-the-top-15-degreasers-stack-up.6/

    2013 Industrial Degreaser Performance Ratings
    We tested 15 leading degreasers to help you cut through the grime... and hype

    We have all heard the belief that the more caustic or "nasty" the degreaser, the better it works to cut grime... but there was very little data to back up that belief. We wanted to find out the truth on degreasers so The Waste Minimization Forum (www.wastemin.com) had an independent lab perform ASTM Standard cleaning effectiveness testing on 15 leading degreasers.

    Approach:

    • We selected 15 leading general purpose industrial degreasers, both water- and solvent-based.
    • We purchased the degreasers at retail and had them shipped directly to an independent lab with expertise in solvent testing.
    • The lab performed ASTM G-122 Standard testing, which is designed to measure the effectiveness of cleaning agents.
    • We took those results, pricing and any health hazards as listed on SDS to create "the full picture."
    • See "Detailed Test Protocol" at the bottom of this document if you would like to learn more about how we tested.
    Five findings we thought were interesting:
    1) The most powerful degreaser was one of the LEAST hazardous
    2) Brake cleaner (both chlorinated- and non-) makes for fairly ineffective and expensive general degreaser
    3) A leading water-based degreaser stopped flash rust 3.5X longer (and better, overall) than a leading solvent-based degreaser
    4) A degreaser commonly sold at retail is a Characteristic Hazwaste
    5) Price does not equal performance: the $107/gallon degreaser came in 6th
    The Ratings:
    #1 Rated: CRC Hydroforce Degreaser
    Best Overall; Best on Grease

    Dominant degreasing performance, readily biodegradable, wide compatibility and one of the safest degreasers we tested. A whopping 18 points ahead of second best for cleaning tough grease. Water-based, readily biodegradable, use full strength or dilute, $31 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 1/0/0/B.
    $.24 per ounce; 96% effective on oil, 87% effective on grease; 91% overall score.

    #2 Rated: Oil Eater Cleaner and Degreaser
    Best Bang for the Buck

    Will do the job on many surfaces... at about half the price of #1 rated degreaser. Same performance as #3 Purple Power, but a couple dollars less per gallon and a lower health risk profile. Water-based, use full strength or dilute, $15 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 1/0/1/B. Use with caution on Aluminum, painted or coated surfaces. Avoid use on glass.
    $.12 per ounce; 98% effective on oil, 69% effective on grease; 83% overall score.

    #3 Rated: Purple Power Industrial Strength Degreaser

    Great overall performance at low cost. Will corrode bare metals like aluminum and magnesium if left on surface at high concentrations. Water-based, use full strength or dilute, $17 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 2/1/0/B, Do not use on painted or coated surfaces. Use with caution on aluminum, magnesium, copper and zinc.
    $.13 per ounce; 98% effective on oil, 69% effective on grease; 83% overall score.

    #4 Rated: CRC Citrus Degreaser
    Solid performance, but being over twice the cost of #1 and a RCRA Hazwaste makes it not worth the hassle for most applications. Solvent-based, non-dilutable, $75 per gallon. RCRA Hazwaste, HMIS 2/2/0/B.

    $.59 per ounce; 97% effective on oil, 66% effective on grease; 82% overall score.

    #5 Rated: Super Clean Tough Task
    The highest health hazard of ANY degreaser tested, SES notes a range of severe skin and inhalation hazards. Consider the far safer enviro HD for similar performance at half the price. Water-based, use full strength or dilute, $10.50 per gallon. RCRA Hazwaste, HMIS 3/1/1/B. Use caution on glass.

    $.08 per ounce; 97% effective on oil, 53% effective on grease; 75% overall score.

    #6 Rated: CRC Heavy Duty Degreaser

    More than $100 per gallon with PERC and chlorine content, we're not sure why you would use this mid-pack performer. Solvent-based, chlorinated, non-dilutable, $107 per gallon. RCRA Hazwaste, HMIS 2/1/0/B. Avoid use on metals like aluminum, magnesium, copper and zinc.
    $.83 per ounce; 94% effective on oil, 55% effective on grease; 74% overall score.

    #7 Rated: Enviro Solutions Heavy Duty Degreaser

    If you don't mind sacrificing a couple points of performance for low price, the low hazard profile and readily biodegradable composition makes this a solid overall choice. Water-based, readily biodegradable, dilute at 4:1 or greater, $25 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 1/2/1/B.
    $.04 per ounce; 92% effective on oil, 53% effective on grease; 73% overall score.

    #8 Rated: Ecolink Parts Kleen II
    While PKII was mid-pack for spray-on degreasing, we wonder if this formula isn't better suited for immersion tanks or parts washers to give it more time to loosen grease and grime. Solvent-based, non-dilutable, $33 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 1/2/1/B.

    $.26 per ounce; 97% effective on oil, 43% effective on grease; 70% overall score.

    #9 Rated: ZEP Industrial Purple Degreaser

    The low sticker price might be attractive to many, but it comes with fairly low performance and among the highest health hazards of the degreasers we tested. Water-based, dilute at 4:1 or greater, $21 per gallon. RCRA Hazwaste, HMIS 3/1/0/B. Avoid use on metals like aluminum, magnesium, copper and zinc.
    $.03 per ounce; 86% effective on oil, 43% effective on grease; 64% overall score.

    #10 Rated: Facto HD40
    Middle of the road price with moderate performance and high health hazard profile. Not a lot going for it. Water-based, use at full strength or dilute, $19 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 3/1/0/B.

    $.15 per ounce; 61% effective on oil, 57% effective on grease; 59% overall score.

    #11 Rated: CRC Brakleen Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

    One of the old standbys of shops, chlorinated brake cleaner is in fact more effective than non-chlorinated... but they are both near the bottom on measured degreasing performance. Solvent-based, chlorinated, non-dilutable, $22 per gallon (non-aerosol). RCRA Hazwaste, HMIS 2/0/0/B.
    $.17 per ounce; 85% effective on oil, 26% effective on grease; 55% overall score.

    #12 Rated: Simple Green Industrial Strength
    Safest & Least Toxic; Best for Oil

    This degreaser may sacfirice performance on tough grease, but it had the best performance on oily surfaces, was by far the safest to use, and was among the least expensive. Water-based, readily biodegradable, may be disposed in sanitary sewer, dilute at 1:1 or greater, $16 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 0/0/0/NA.
    $.06 per ounce; 99.6% effective on oil, 7% effective on grease; 54% overall score.

    #13 Rated: Ecolink Rip-Tide

    Similar to Simple Green in performance on both oil and grease... at 6 times the cost of Simple Green. Water-based, use at full strength or dilute, $51 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 1/2/0/B.
    $.40 per ounce; 97% effective on oil, 7% effective on grease; 52% overall score.

    #14 Rated: CRC Brakleen Non-chlorinated Brake Cleaner

    Significantly less effective overall than Simple Green... at three times the cost and significantly more hazard. Save it for brake jobs. Solvent-based, non-dilutable, $25 per gallon. RCRA Hazwaste, HMIS 2/3/0/B.
    $.20 per ounce; 63% effective on oil, 8% effective on grease; 36% overall score.

    #15 Rated: Clean and Green HD Degreaser

    According to the instructions, 15:1 was the strongest recommended dilution. We wonder if it would be more effective if not so diluted. That said, Simple Green is still the "greener" choice. Water-based, dilute at 15:1 or greater, $25 per gallon. Non-Haz, HMIS 1/0/0/B.
    $.01 per ounce, 68% effective on oil, 2% effective on grease; 35% overall score.

    Corrosion Testing

    There is a belief out there that water-based degreasers promote rust, so we wanted to test that, as well. So, we chose a leading solvent-based and a leading water-based degreaser to see if it was actually true.

    The panels were sprayed with degreaser, allowed to dry, placed in a humidity cabinet and monitored for the first sign of rust (conducted in compliance with CC-018 Accelerated Corrosion Testing).

    Time for first sign of rust to appear on panels:
    Bare steel (Control): 1 hour
    Solvent-based degreaser (CRC Heavy Duty) : 1 hour
    Water-based degreaser (Oil Eater) : 3.5 hours
    Photo after 24 hours of the Accelerated Corrosion Test:
    (L to R: Control, Water-based Oil Eater, Solvent-based CRC Heavy Duty)

    Accelerated corrosion panels.png

    Detailed Testing Protocol

    All testing was performed by an independent, ISO/IEC accredited lab selected for their specific expertise in solvents and corrosion testing. No "pre-briefing" occurred.

    All degreasers were selected according to market share and popularity in plants and with enthusiasts, as well to include a range of prices and formulations. All degreasers were purchased at retail via Amazon.com, and were shipped directly to testing lab in sealed condition. We did not include shipping in price per gallon, and we believe Amazon offered the most consistent "street price."

    Degreasers were selected for primary use to be spray or cold immersion degreasing more than use in a heated parts washer. We made this distinction because we believe parts washer solvents are formulated to a different set of functions, such as longer dwell times, contaminant load/recyclability and ability to be heated. Two brake cleaners were included as they are commonly used for general degreasing.

    In keeping with ASTM and engineering standards, we are paraphrasing the test protocols below. Full test standards may be purchased for a nominal fee from ASTM International at astm.org

    ASTM G-121 Standard ("Standard Practice for Preparation of Contaminated Test Coupons for the Evaluation of Cleaning Agents") was used to prepare 1010 carbon steel test panels before testing, which involves cleaning steel panels to a very specific standard before beginning degreaser testing.

    ASTM G-122 Standard ("Standard Test for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cleaning Agents") was used to evaluate degreasing performance, and defines the prescribed amount, application, drying time, mechanical agitation and measurement standards for evaluating cleaning agents. 10 minutes is the prescribed degreaser dwell time in the Standard, which we believe is reasonable.

    All samples were tested in triplicate, representing six separate tests per degreaser (three oil, three grease). Findings are represented as percentage of oil or grease mass removed after samples are fully dried.

    Degreasers were tested at manufacturers maximum concentration listed on bottle/label.

    Mineral oil was used to represent a thin spray-type oily film for Oil Performance testing.

    Cortec Corrlube grease was used to represent a persistent, industrial grease for Grease Performance testing.

    CC-018 Accelerated Corrosion Testing was used to evaluate degreaser anti-corrosion performance for two samples and control. That test involved the application of degreaser to test panels, after which it was allowed to dry. The panels were then mounted in a humidity chamber operating to ASTM D-1748 Standard to accelerate corrosion. Panels are visually monitored for first appearance of rust every 30 minutes. Photographs shown were after 24 hours in the humidity chamber to allow for extended testing and visual confirmation.
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2013
  3. Gaby

    Gaby Contributor Registered Member

  4. Andy

    Andy Administrator Waste Min Publisher 2013 Industrial Waste Survey Participant

    Hi Gaby- Those were not in the first round of research, but we could certainly look at them for the next round! Can you tell us a little bit about how you landed on those three degreasers (I'm just curious as to what you were looking for in a degreaser... ie biodegradable, non-toxic, etc?)

    What is considered "safe" for one facility may not be for another... so it's always interesting to understand the decision process.

    Thanks-
    Andy
  5. Gaby

    Gaby Contributor Registered Member

    I work for a railcar pooling company, and we use degreasers to wash our cars. We asked what degreasers was being used for our locations, and from there I looked at the MSDS for each product and determined the ones with tripple zero HMIS ratings. I think if we were to prioratize what we are looking for, it would go in the order of non-toxic, biodegradeable, effectiveness, availability, and cost.

    Thank you for sharing this information! I look forward to your post on the next round of degreasers.
  6. Andy

    Andy Administrator Waste Min Publisher 2013 Industrial Waste Survey Participant

    You bet, Gaby... and it is definitely interesting to hear your application and priorities.

    Are you all using heated wash/steam guns, or just cold pressure washing? I ask because there is actually a difference in composition and effectiveness for degreasers depending on temp, dwell time, etc.

    There are actually a couple new degreaser components/techs in development now that are being touted for effectiveness and low impact/toxicity... I'm looking to get a hold of some for testing. Fingers crossed!
  7. Gaby

    Gaby Contributor Registered Member

    Most locations just use the spray bottle and perhaps a scrub pad. Some use a pump sprayer. We have locations with very hot temperatures or very cold temperatures at different times of the year. The solution become difficult to remove.

    I hope you get your hands on those new degreasers!
  8. Kim Kristoff

    Kim Kristoff Contributor Registered Member

    Andy, two observations:
    1. Why did the 2014 list of 15 cleaner degreasers include none of the very popular and successful biobased alconolamid examples made by some 30 companies in North America? It appears that CRC is very well represented but they do not make a biobased version that does not contain sodium, caustics, phosphates or synthetics surfactants. When will the next round of comparison testing take place?
    2. On this page I have never seen mention of the Milwalkee Sprayer Can that allows the user to fill with a selected solvent or cleaner using compressed air up to 161 psi. What a fabulous shop tool and all around replacement for wasteful aerosol cans...just saying.