Tips on cleaning the grease and grime

[Evan911]

As I'm checking off the list of tasks to do before I start the car, I have some pretty bad grease and grime underneath the vehicle that I'm sure causes a lot of smoke, or worse, possibly even a fire.

I figure a plastic tarp, simple green and a scraper and a lot of towels. What products do you recommend for cleaning the grease and grime. I'm going to avoid using a brush as I imagine that will spread grease everywhere.

I was also told WD40 can help.

The cleaning will be done in the garage, so I'm trying to contain as much as possible.

[Dpmulvan]

Don’t use simple green on aluminum.

[Evan911]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

Don’t use simple green on aluminum.

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the input. I have an entire gallon of the stuff.

I heard Krud Kutter was good to use, what are your thoughts

[brighton911]

I use Swish AT30. Gentle and very effective + no toxic fumes. Does not erode or stain aluminum. Used for aircraft & mass transit cleaning.

[88911coupe]

I have found a Simple Green product that is actually safe for aluminum but can be hard to find.

[dyerkes]

88911coupe - don’t keep us in suspense, what is the Simple Green product?

Thanks,
David

[winders]

......14 seconds later:

https://simplegreen.com/industrial/products/extreme-aircraft-precision-cleaner/?locale=en

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-Extreme-Aircraft-Precision/dp/B081D5R6T9

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

I have found a Simple Green product that is actually safe for aluminum but can be hard to find.

I bought some wasn’t impressed and not cheap. I ended up building a wet blaster that makes aluminum look like new.

[timc]

"When used with caution and according to the instructions, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner has been safely and successfully used to clean aluminum. ... Therefore, contact times for unprotected or unpainted aluminum surfaces should be kept as brief as the job will allow - never for more than 10 minutes."

Or this:
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-Extreme-Aircraft-Precision/dp/B081D5R6T9


I've used the Simple Green All Purpose on many Aluminum engine parts over the years with no side effect at all. I don't soak it and leave it, I spray it on, scrub if needed, then rinse. Just finished cleaning a Land Rover V8 and all it's parts without any issues. I would not use it on wheels or anything with a nice "coated" surface though.

[superninety]

I have used OilEater on all types of metal. It works really well and does not harm anything.

I have had other degreasers attack the metal.

YMMV

[Harpo]

I use it in my ultrasonic cleaner all the time and I let it soak over night. I'm using about a cup in my 2 gallon tank

[Cairo94507]

Of course please do not use a metal scraper. Plastic please.