Keeping your vehicle clean is important for both aesthetics and maintenance. Without regular cleaning, dirt, grime, and other contaminants can build up both inside and outside, leading to a variety of issues over time. When it comes to cleaning products for vehicles, two of the most common types are cleaners and degreasers. But what exactly is the difference, and when should you use each?
What Are Cleaners?
Cleaners are cleaning products designed to remove light soil and dirt from vehicles without damaging the surfaces they are used on. They are made of surfactants – substances that lower the surface tension of water to help it spread further and penetrate deeper into contaminants to wash them away.
Cleaners for vehicles come in a variety of formulations including all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, vinyl and plastic cleaners, leather cleaners, wheel cleaners, tire cleaners and more. They are safe for frequent use on vehicle exteriors like paint, chrome, glass as well as vehicle interiors like upholstery, floor mats and other surfaces.
How Cleaners Work
When using a cleaner, the surfactants in the formula work to “lift” dirt from the surface so it can be easily rinsed away without scrubbing or rubbing the surface excessively. This makes them less likely to cause swirl marks in paint or damage delicate materials inside the vehicle during cleaning.
Cleaners also often contain water-softening agents to help prevent mineral spots and streaks when the surface is rinsed off. Some may also include gloss enhancers to leave surfaces shiny after cleaning and drying.
What Are Degreasers?
Unlike basic cleaners that tackle dirt and dust, degreasers are specially formulated cleaning products that work to dissolve and remove more stubborn grease, oil and other hard-to-remove grime from vehicle surfaces.
Degreasers are heavier duty cleaners that utilize stronger surfactants and solvents that work to penetrate, break down and emulsify stubborn grease and oil-based substances. Once broken down, the grime can be rinsed away, leaving the surface free of grease and residue.
Where Are Degreasers Used?
Some common places degreasers are used on vehicles include:
- Engines – To remove built-up grease and oils from engines and engine components
- Wheels/Rims – To break down stubborn brake dust and grease buildup
- Undercarriage – To clean away road grime, tar and oil from underbody components
- Floor mats – To clean carpets, mats and upholstery of set-in grease and stains
Degreasers may come as aerosol sprays, liquid concentrates, foams or specialty wipes depending on the usage. Heavy duty degreaser cleaners may also be used in other hard cleaning tasks like removing gum or sap from paintwork.
Key Differences Between Cleaners and Degreasers
While cleaners and degreasers are both vehicle cleaning products, there are some notable ways in which they differ:
Ingredients – Cleaners contain milder surfactants while degreasers have stronger solvents and grease-cutting agents Cleaning Power – Degreasers are better at removing oil, grease and heavy built-up grime than regular cleaners Intensity – Degreasers are considered heavier duty cleaners compared to basic vehicle cleaners Usability – Cleaners can be used more often and on more vehicle surfaces while degreaser usage should be limited. When to Use Cleaners vs Degreasers
Knowing when to reach for a basic cleaner or a heavy duty degreaser depends on a few factors:
Vehicle Exteriors
For routine exterior vehicle cleaning like washing off dust or cleaning glass, always start with a basic cleaner safe for that surface first. Only use a degreaser if you come across a particularly stubborn grease stain or sap that a regular cleaner cannot tackle. Take care when using exterior degreasers on painted or sensitive surfaces.
Vehicle Interiors
For spot cleaning upholstery, carpets and floor mats inside your vehicle, a degreaser cleaner can help lift stubborn oil and grease stains that gentle cleaners cannot remove. Be sure to test degreasers in inconspicuous areas first and avoid oversaturation.
Vehicle Components
For cleaning notoriously dirty vehicle components like wheels, tires, engine bays and the undercarriage, the heavy-lifting power of degreasers makes them an ideal choice. The stronger surfactants can cut through caked on brake dust, road grime and underbody grease that calls for repeat cleaning.
When In Doubt, Try a Cleaner First
As a good rule of thumb, always try a regular cleaner on your vehicle surface first before moving to a degreaser. Degreasers are intense chemical cleaners that shouldn’t be overused when unnecessary. Using a degreaser when a cleaner will do could lead to damage or discoloration on certain surfaces like paint, vinyl and leather over repeat applications. Only utilize them on the toughest grease and grime that gentle cleaners struggle with.
Proper Dilution
If using liquid or concentrated degreaser products, be sure to dilute them correctly per the label directions. When overly concentrated, degreasers can damage surfaces, so accurate mixing with water is important before applying them to your vehicle.
Consider Usage Frequency
While cleaners have milder ingredients that make them suitable for frequent vehicle cleaning, degreasers contain harsh solvents and should be limited to more periodic deep cleaning tasks. Overusing caustic degreasers often can wear down surfaces faster over time.
Proper Safety Precautions
Always refer to the label directions on any cleaning product and take necessary safety precautions listed. This includes wearing gloves and eye protection when handling degreasers and avoiding mixing cleaners containing bleach or ammonia with other chemicals. Proper ventilation is also key when working with intense degreasers.
Cleaners Get the Job Done for Most Tasks
At the end of the day, basic all-purpose vehicle cleaners can tackle most routine cleaning tasks like washing exterior paint, cleaning glass, polishing chrome trim and cleaning vehicle interiors without issue. Degreasers serve the purpose of tackling those periodic major grease and grime buildups when regular cleaners just can’t cut through it all. By knowing the difference and when to use each, you’ll keep your vehicle looking its best while taking proper care of all surfaces.