Do-It-Yourself Metal Degreaser

Several metal surfaces, including automobile engines, can become covered with an unsightly layer of grease. This grease can make it difficult to accurately diagnose mechanical issues in the car, and if the grease becomes excessive, it can begin to affect the vehicle's performance. There are several commercial degreasers that can be purchased to clean metals, but these contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous if inhaled. A homemade degreaser can be manufactured from safe items found in your kitchen pantry.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• Plastic spray bottle
• 6 cups warm water
• Plastic scrub brush

Instructions

1. Combine 1/4 cup washing soda, which can be located in the laundry aisle of a grocery store, and 1 cup white vinegar in a plastic spray bottle.

2. Add 6 cups warm water to the bottle. Replace the bottle's lid and shake the ingredients vigorously.

3. Spray the mixture onto the grease-covered metal. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and scrub with a plastic scrub brush. The washing soda and white vinegar will both begin to eat away at the grease, which will be lifted away with the scrub brush.

4. Rinse the vinegar and washing soda mixture away with cool water. Repeat the cleaning process, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Discard any leftover cleaner.

References

• Frugal City: Frugal Homemade Household Product Guide
• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning