Degreasers

Degreasers are employed to remove grease, oil, and contaminants from metal surfaces, ensuring they are clean for further processing. While effective, many degreasers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful if inhaled. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended during use. For a comprehensive range of degreasers, check out Serpro Degreasers.

What a degreaser does (and why it matters)

Grease and oil residues can cause quality issues later in the process, such as poor paint adhesion, inconsistent coating thickness, weak bonding, and premature corrosion. A suitable degreaser lifts or dissolves contamination so it can be wiped away, rinsed, or captured safely. In many workplaces, degreasing is an everyday task in maintenance, fabrication, automotive, marine, and facilities management.

Common degreaser types

Water-based / alkaline degreasers: Often used for general workshop grime and routine cleaning. They can be effective, but may need adequate dwell time and agitation, and some require rinsing.
Solvent-based degreasers: Fast-acting on heavy oil and adhesive residues, but can introduce higher inhalation and flammability risks depending on formulation. VOC control becomes more important here.
Specialist degreasers: Targeted products for specific residues (for example, carbon deposits, bitumen, inks, or food oils). Using a specialist option can reduce the amount of product and effort needed.

If your site handles a wider set of cleaning products (degreasers, sanitisers, descalers and solvents), see Cleaning chemicals: safe use, storage and spill response.

Selecting the right degreaser

Choosing well saves time and reduces risk. Start with what you are trying to remove (light oil film vs baked-on grease), the surface material (painted metal, aluminium, stainless steel), and the cleaning method (spray, dip, wipe, brush, parts washer). Then check the manufacturer’s instructions and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for compatibility, ventilation needs, and required PPE.

Residue type: Mineral oil, hydraulic oil, cutting fluids, food oils, carbonised grease, adhesives, and inks often respond differently.
Application method: Spraying can increase airborne exposure; wiping can reduce misting but still needs good control measures.
Rinse requirements: Some water-based degreasers leave alkaline residues unless rinsed, which can affect downstream processes.
Environment: For areas near drains or sensitive surfaces, plan how you will contain run-off and manage waste.

VOCs, ventilation and PPE

Some degreasers include solvents that evaporate readily (VOCs). VOC vapours can irritate airways and, at higher exposures, may cause more serious health effects. Where solvent vapours are possible, control measures typically include good ventilation (and extraction where needed), safe handling procedures, and suitable PPE. UK workplaces should manage these risks under COSHH, using information from the SDS and the task-specific risk assessment.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) where vapours or sprays are generated, and avoid using high-VOC products in confined spaces without suitable controls.
PPE: Select gloves, eye/face protection, and (where required) suitable respiratory protection based on the SDS and your risk assessment.
Ignition control: Some solvent-based products may be flammable; keep away from ignition sources and follow safe storage practices.

External guidance that can help when completing your assessments:

For storage and segregation of chemicals and aerosols, you may also want to review COSHH Cabinets and Serpro’s Health and safety page.

Good practice when using degreasers

Prepare the area: Remove ignition sources (if applicable), protect nearby drains, and ensure ventilation is running.
Apply correctly: Use the minimum amount needed and allow appropriate dwell time. Avoid over-spraying.
Agitate if required: Brushes and wipes can improve results and reduce repeat applications.
Remove residues safely: Wipe or rinse as directed and capture any run-off. Keep contaminated materials contained.
Dispose responsibly: Treat used wipes, pads and residues as contaminated waste in line with your site procedures and local requirements.

Spill response for degreasers and oily residues

Degreasing often mobilises oils and contaminants, which can quickly create slip hazards. Plan for small leaks and drips as well as accidental spills. Keep suitable absorbents and spill response equipment close to the point of use, especially near walkways and drains.

Contain: Stop the spread with absorbent socks/booms and block pathways towards drains.
Absorb: Use appropriate pads/rolls or granular absorbents depending on the liquid and surface.
Dispose: Bag and label used materials for controlled disposal.

Browse Spill Kits for rapid response options, and Spill Control for containment tools that help keep liquids away from sensitive areas.

Note: Always follow the product label and SDS, and use your COSHH assessment to confirm ventilation, PPE, storage and disposal requirements for the specific degreaser in use.