Environmental Friendly Degreaser?

[SP2]

I live right next to a lake. I don't want to pollute it. Do any of you use something that is safe?

[84toy]

Well, it may not be the degreaser that does the pollution but instead the oil and grease it rinses off.....With that said I use Simple Green and Zep citrus. Watch the run off. A couple tablespoons of oil can make a pretty good oil slick.

[RoninLB]

how about a commercial self car wash?

[GH85Carrera]

You really need to go to a self service car wash and pump in some quarters for the business. They will have a grease trap in the drains and the gunk will be left in the trap which they have to clean and recycle. I will wash my car in my driveway but nothing washes off that would not come off while driving in the rain. When it comes time to get the gunk I go to a car wash. The couple of dollars in quarters helps keeps the car wash open, and the gunk out of the waterways.

[Bill Verburg]

I'd be very careful using simple green, it does eat aluminum. I usually use some form of Citrus degreaser.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Simple Green Precision Equipment Degreaser. Not the green stuff, but made by the same company (and also a "green" product). Much more neutral pH (the regular green Simple Green stuff is pretty alkaline which is why it's harsh on aluminum). I've used it with excellent results and I know a few guys who use it on aircraft parts which you certainly don't want to use harsh/alkaline solvents on.

I would recommend installing or building or using someone else's grease trap though, as has been said.

[88911coupe]

I don't think I've ever seen the Simple Green Precision Equipment Degreaser...where did you find it? Also, regular Simple Green is apparently relatively safe on aluminum so long as it's not allowed to sit. Make sure and thoroughly rinse it off.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

I don't think I've ever seen the Simple Green Precision Equipment Degreaser...where did you find it? Also, regular Simple Green is apparently relatively safe on aluminum so long as it's not allowed to sit. Make sure and thoroughly rinse it off.

Even very quick exposure can leave spots that don't come off.

I tried it, I know.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I've been able to find the Precision Equipment Degreaser stuff at my local AutoZone, but YMMV. Their headquarters is literally about 10 minutes from here so maybe they roll out new products more easily around these parts.

Here's a link to a description of it:

http://www.simplegreen.com/products_extreme_precision.php

[RWebb]

also find a car wash that recycles its water - call and ask

I'd use a citrus type (limolene - sp?) degreaser and would scrape as much as possible with a wedge of pine or other soft wood or plastic first.

This might be a good time to see what else might be affecting the lake.... you can call or Email your state's DEQ. They will likely monitor most larger lakes and streams. I'd especially do that if I had kids that played in the lake.

[RWebb]

also - I think P21s is a bio-degradable car wash -- you can check on that.

[Por_sha911]

P21S Total Auto Wash is a citrus based degreaser that is ph neutral and safe for AL and MG. Our host sells it.