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Re: [Shop-talk] alternative fluids for parts washers

To: richard@kleihorst.com
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] alternative fluids for parts washers
From: "David C." <cavanadd@verizon.net>
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:16:00 -0700
Deodorized or odorless mineral spirits have had most of the aromatics 
removed and might work for you.

In addition to the Simple Green already mentioned there are a number of 
"purple cleaners" that are water based alkaline compounds with 
surfactants from Gunk, Zep, etc.

As others mentioned, oven cleaner/lye/caustic soda/sodium hydroxide is a 
great degreaser but in higher concentrations is hazardous to your skin 
and eyes.  That being said, I use cheap dollar store oven cleaner all 
the time to clean circular saw blades and to degrease automotive 
equipment like lawnmowers and tractors (and some motorcycles) where I'm 
not too particular about the paint.  Works well on old pick up truck 
engines, too.  One place to get lye is a commercial janitorial supply 
store.

And for the record I use a mixture of Agitene and paint thinner in my 
Harbor Freight parts washer.

Richard Kleihorst wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a 45L parts washer and considering what fluid to use. Usually kerosine,
> diesel or petroleum based derivatives are used, but I have some health
> considerations because of the nasty chemicals inside. Especially the aromats,
> benzenes and olefinen are no use for cleaning, but unsafe to breathe.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with other cleaning agents, such as liquid
> soap, vinegar, cleaning soda?
> I tried to use the dishwasher (they clean with lye) but it might take 4 runs
> to do something decent for engine parts, and you have to make sure that the SO
> doesn't catch you.
>
> Richard
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