Cleaners & Degreasers

Cleaners and Degreasers

Cleaners and degreasers are a broad family of automotive chemicals designed to tackle a specific type of build-up on a specific surface. Therefore, always read and follow the label. Using the wrong formula on a surface it's not intended for can leave residue, damage components, or simply not work.

If you're hoping to restore your engine, brakes, carburetor or throttle body, or electrical components back to their original shine, learn which product is right for each job.

What's the Difference Between Cleaners and Degreasers?

In the simplest terms, all degreasers clean, but not all cleaners can degrease. This is why an alkaline engine degreaser is better suited to tackle a greasy engine bay, while a solvent-based brake cleaner is the right option for clearing brake dust.

Engine Degreasers

What's the best way to degrease engine parts? Engine degreasers effectively dissolve grease, oil, and road grime from the engine bay exterior and engine components. There are multiple format options to choose from, including aerosol and liquid sprays, as well as bulk concentrates for DIY mechanics who work on multiple vehicles. Keep an eye out for eco-friendly and biodegradable formulas to reduce your environmental footprint.

When cleaning your engine with a degreaser, make sure the engine is fully cool and protect sensitive components with a tarp or drop sheet. Next, apply the degreaser and let it sit before rinsing it away with a low-pressure hose or wiping it off-read product labels carefully.

To effectively degrease specific engine parts, like brackets and valve covers, use a parts cleaning brush and bulk liquid degreaser for soaking to remove thick grime build-up.

Brake and Parts Cleaner

Using a dedicated brake cleaner on your brake components goes beyond just having squeaky clean parts. Its fast-evaporating and zero-residue formula is critical for your safety. Any contamination on brake pads or rotors can affect stopping power. With brake cleaner, you can effectively remove brake dust, brake fluid, and grease from critical brake parts without compromising on safety.

Can you use engine degreaser instead of brake cleaner? No, because these products aren't interchangeable. Engine degreasers must be either rinsed with water or wiped off and may leave residue. On the other hand, brake cleaner is a dry, fast-evaporating solvent that is specifically formulated for friction surfaces where residue is dangerous. It's critical to use only brake cleaner for brakes, calipers, rotors, and clutch components. You can stay on top of brake grime build-up by cleaning all brake parts thoroughly during each brake service.

When deciding which brake cleaner formula to buy, consider your priorities. Non-flammable (chlorinated) formulas lower the fire risk when working near sparks or open flames, but the chlorinated solvents are more toxic and can break down into harmful gases such as phosgene when they reach high heat or a welding arc.

Flammable (non-chlorinated) formulas avoid those chlorinated solvents but contain VOCs. They must be kept well away from ignition sources.

Water-based solutions are growing in popularity and reduce harm to the environment.

Always use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area.

Carburetor and Throttle Body Cleaners

Varnish, gum, and carbon deposits can build up inside your vehicle's fuel system over time. Left unattended, it can cause rough idling, stalling, hard starting, and poor fuel economy.

While you may wonder if you can use engine degreaser to clean a carburetor or throttle body, those formulas aren't designed for this job and may leave residue or damage rubber and plastic parts. Instead, use a dedicated carburetor or throttle body cleaner.

A throttle body cleaner is formulated to remove carbon and grime from the throttle body in a fuel-injected engine. If you have an older car with a carburetor, you'll need a cleaner designed specifically for this mechanical component. Check the label and your owner's manual to ensure you've chosen the right product.

If you're working on a small engine, like a lawnmower or chainsaw, make sure you reach for a small engine carburetor and choke cleaner.

Electronic and Contact Cleaners

If you've recently noticed intermittent electrical faults, sticky switches, or corroded connectors, then it's time to reach for electronic and contact cleaners. These highly specialized formulas can be used on sensors, connectors, switches, relays, and other electrical components. They're designed to evaporate fast and leave no residue behind, making them safe for use on sensitive plastics and electronics.

Electronic and contact cleaners aren't interchangeable with any other cleaners. Solvents in brake and carburetor cleaners can damage plastic housings and insulation, causing costly repairs.

Multi-Purpose and Shop Cleaners

Broad-use cleaners and degreasers can be safely used on garage floors, tools, shop surfaces, and general vehicle surfaces, like bodywork, undercarriage, and wheel wells. If you're looking for general maintenance cleaning over precision component cleaning, then these are the most ideal products for your garage.

You can find multi-purpose cleaners in a wide variety of formats, including aerosol, ready-to-use spray, and concentrate, which can offer better value for frequent use or larger surface area jobs.

Choosing the Right Cleaner or Degreaser

Know the surface or component you want to clean before selecting a cleaner or degreaser. The wrong product can damage components or leave residue that can lead to a host of new problems or large repairs.

Always read and follow each product label to confirm which component it's meant for and how to safely use it. If you're unsure which product you need, a NAPA automotive expert would be happy to recommend the best options.

If your vehicle needs a deep clean, it's time to browse our complete selection of cleaners and degreasers online at NAPA Canada or get support from our automotive experts at your local NAPA Auto Parts store.