Degreaser Recommendation

[Bobo]

Selling it to a US buyer or any buyer was one of my biggest mistakes. Those that know the bike know exactly why.

Apparently the guy that use to own Oshawa Cycle Salvage (Steve Leclair), has an absolutely pristine Walter Wolf Edition that he says is worth well north of $50k US. I’m was a little skeptical on that price but he really knows his bikes so he’s probably right. People that collect bikes of that quality generally have pretty deep pockets and money is no object if it’s the right bike.

 

[WestBrantKid]

I've found that starting with a pressure wash, getting 90% of the gunk off first, really helps. I make sure the bike is warm first, and run it for a while after, so the water evaporates before it can leak into wire connections and cause issues.

 

[sburns]

Hey guys, I will be revisiting this thread now that warmer weather is soon to be here.

In the meantime I've been experimenting in the garage, using Dawn dishsoap and water in a spritz bottle, and it works very well!
Also spray 9 engine shampoo on more difficult parts.

P.S did a quick re-read great info. C'mon warmer days!

 

[Bobo]

I know a couple of guys that use this in their parts cleaner, an environmentally alternative to Simply Green. You can get it much cheaper if you look around.I think you can get this same 1 gallon jug in the US for about $7.

LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser, 64 fl oz - Walmart.com

Buy LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser, 64 fl oz at Walmart.com

www.google.com

 

[JC99]

Like dissolves like. The best degreaser will be something that is “like” grease which is why kerosene works so well. The problem is kerosene isn’t “like” water so now you have another problem if you want to wash away the greasy kerosene afterwards. Hence why you have products like simply green etc which have properties that are both “like” water and “like grease”, so the “like grease properties” remove the grease while the “like water properties” allow you to wash away the grease contained in the detergent.

I use kerosene for small amounts of grease, say on a chain, that need to be removed and simply green or similar etc for other bigger jobs.

 

[sburns]

So as I go down this rabbit hole I've found the dawn dish soap is working very well.

Simple green stuff is very recommended, but not all their products are available in Canada, specifically the more industrial strength versions.

My main problem right now is some grease stains on the side cases / panniers. They are metal (aluminum?). The dish soap isn't working. Any ideas?
(BTW I don't have a power washer)

 

[JC99]

So as I go down this rabbit hole I've found the dawn dish soap is working very well.

Simple green stuff is very recommended, but not all their products are available in Canada, specifically the more industrial strength versions.

My main problem right now is some grease stains on the side cases / panniers. They are metal (aluminum?). The dish soap isn't working. Any ideas?
(BTW I don't have a power washer)

You mean the aluminum has become discoloured?

Barkeepers friend can be used on aluminum if it’s not anodized.

 

[sburns]

You mean the aluminum has become discoloured?

Barkeepers friend can be used on aluminum if it’s not anodized.

Kinda discoloured, wherever the oil has splattered onto it.

I'm not sure if it is anodized, the metal has like a matte finish, not shiny, which is why I want to avoid any kind of polish product. Going to try Zep critus degreaser as I hear a cleaner with some acid (light) might help. I have a feeling the acid in this might just be for odour and not for cutting stains.

Eitherway thanks, I heard good thing about Barkeepers Friend

 

[GreyGhost]

Kinda discoloured, wherever the oil has splattered onto it.

I'm not sure if it is anodized, the metal has like a matte finish, not shiny, which is why I want to avoid any kind of polish product. Going to try Zep critus degreaser as I hear a cleaner with some acid (light) might help. I have a feeling the acid in this might just be for odour and not for cutting stains.

Eitherway thanks, I heard good thing about Barkeepers Friend

I have simple green concentrated (I don't know if they sell not-concentrated) and spray nine as my first round of degreasers. Sometimes one works better than the other depending on the goo.

 

[Relax]

So as I go down this rabbit hole I've found the dawn dish soap is working very well.

Simple green stuff is very recommended, but not all their products are available in Canada, specifically the more industrial strength versions.

My main problem right now is some grease stains on the side cases / panniers. They are metal (aluminum?). The dish soap isn't working. Any ideas?
(BTW I don't have a power washer)

The problem with some heavy degreasers is that if you leave it on too long or let dry, they will stain. Which is why I prefer to dissolve grease first with something like WD40, then use a light soap to clean off the residue.

 

[JC99]

Barkeepers friend is for discoloured and soiled metal wear including aluminum pans so it should be good to go. I love the stuff, makes our sink shine and is one of the only products to get rid of all the gunk on it.

It removed oxidation too and that’s what you may have.

 

[timtune]

Gas works great and it's always on hand. It's hard on your skin and a tad flammable so I have pretty much weaned myself off it.