Parts Washers

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Generic 20 gallon Parts Washer

Most shops will have a parts washer. They are nothing more than a tub that holds some kind of parts washing fluid. Sometimes they will have a pump to circulate the fluid, others will even heat up the fluid to make it more effective.

Parts Washing Fluid

Which will require some kind of solvent or cleaning liquid.

Solvent

Automotive shops use a solvent that requires Nitrile gloves (to prevent skin contact, prolonged contact can result in liver damage) and proper ventaliation. Automotive shops also have large greasy parts, so they hire services to swap out their solvent.

  • Solvent Pros: Cleans faster, lasts longer.
  • Solvent Cons: Odor, hazardous material disposal, Nitrile glove expense.

Bio-degradeable Cleaners

Park Tool Heated Parts Washer

Simple Green is a great example, while it doesn't work as well as solvent it smells good and you don't need gloves. To make it work even better it should be heated.

See Also