Citrus Degreasers: The Solvent Derived from Nature

Concerns for worker safety and the environment have curtailed the use of chlorinated solvents as a commercial degreaser. Some are suspected carcinogens; all are toxic and ozone-depleting.

D-limonene is a citrus based degreaser designed to replace the petroleum-based and chlorinated solvents which have typically, until now been used as degreasers. It is bio-degradable, non-toxic and neither carcinogenic nor mutagenic. Because it is extracted from naturally occurring sources (citrus fruit peels), its use as a cleaning solvent does not result in the release into the environment of any more materials than would occur naturally. Its an environmentally friendly all purpose cleaner degreaser just as effective (if not more effective) than its harsher counterpart.

From Treatment of Commercial Restaurant Grease Traps to the Best Engine Degreaser Available: An Industrial Degreaser That Does Many Things Well

As an industrial degreaser, d’Limonene features both exceptional versatility and superior cleaning power compared to traditional solvents. Its unique affinity for organic contaminants such as petroleum-based greases and oils makes it an extremely effective cleaning agent, which when combined with other agents provides specialized cleaning properties from emulsifying and releasing greases and oils on various surfaces to grease trap waste treatment.

Uses of the Conventional Commercial Degreaser

The more traditional butyl or solvent-based degreasers continue to be used on surfaces that are sensitive to certain cleaners. D’Limonene can discolor surfaces such as fabric, carpets, or polished stones. It cannot of course be used to clean stains from asphalt, as it is used to dissolve that substance. Used straight, d-limonene can cause a certain amount of swelling of polymers, including equipment seals made of rubber, such as Buna-N, EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer) or Neoprene, so any plastic materials must be pre-tested in a discreet area. D’Limonene is compatible with Viton.

For these surfaces we carry three alternative degreasers of broad application: Carpet Whiz, a grease carpet stain removal product also commonly used on fabrics, Lectrasol, a quick-drying degreaser designed for use on machinery as it operates, and Quad a multi-purpose degreaser safe for use as on asphalt and plastic.

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Citrus-Based Bulk and Aerosol Degreasers

Grease d Solve Plus - Grease Trap and lift station renovator uses the natural cleaning power of orange peel extract to strip away heavy grease accumulations and dissolve grease balls in grease traps and lift stations.  Blankets the water surface, riding up and down along its walls to prevent any opportunity for grease and other waste to build-up.  Deodorizes as it cleans, eliminating offensive slime and soap scum deposits associated with drains, grease traps and lift stations to leave behind a fresh citrus scent.

Used to outstanding effect on metal pipes, concrete grease traps and other applications, Grease d Solve Plus eliminates deterioration caused by excess heat or corrosion generated by acid or alkaline drain openers and maintainers.  An extremely versatile product, Grease D Solve Plus can be used to clean heavy grease or slime deposits on various surfaces, with the excess poured down drains to dissolve grease build-up.

Watch it work:

Organic Tar Remover – Tar, grease, and asphalt solvent uses the power of natural citrus extracts to cut through the tar, grease, grime, and asphalt deposits that accumulate on heavy equipment, vehicles and work areas.  Removes sludge from oil tanks.  It quickly penetrates, dissolves, and cleans without the hazards associated with petroleum or chlorinated solvents. Special rinse additives allow for easy rinsing away of deposits by water flushing.  Can be applied by spraying, brushing or soaking.  Well-suited for soaking and cleaning construction tools, tar applicators, buckets and shovels.  An outstanding asphalt solvent.

Watch it work:

Orange Grease Blaster - Foaming aerosol degreaser  delivers a forceful, engulfing, heavy-duty citrus degreaser foam that clings to hard-to-reach surfaces and cuts cleaning contact time. Contains natural citrus extracts, water soluble, grease dissolving agents and detergents for instant cleaning action.  Self-indicating foam reveals when grease and grime has been dissolved and becomes dirty, indicating residue is ready to be flushed away.

Watch it work:

Super Orange – Pinpoint aerosol degreaser dissolves grease, grime, and oil without producing harsh chemical odors or residue. Parts can be left to air-dry, or can be rinsed clean with water.

Orange Power – Bulk d’limonene multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser.  Safe on a multitude of washable surfaces when diluted, Orange Power cleans and deodorizes in one step.  Concentrated formulation allows for economical application, as product can be used as a strong solution for tough jobs, or diluted up to 1:64 for typical housekeeping applications. Numerous applications including general degreaser, tile adhesive remover, drain maintenance, deodorizer, kitchen degreaser.

Alternative Bulk and Aerosol Degreasers (Butyl and Solvent-Based)

Carpet Whiz - Removes oil-based spots and stains from carpet and upholstery.  Dissolves grease carpet stains caused by oil, paint, make-up, and other oil soluble soils. Dries quickly leaving no residue or ring.  Safe on most carpet fibers, backing, and padding.

Lectrasol- Maximum-efficiency degreaser cleaner dissolves grease, oil, tar, and other soils which accumulate on machinery. Designed to be used on electrical equipment while such equipment is in operation, saving expensive downtime. Features a non-conductive, non-flammable high-purity formulation that dries fast and is residue free.  Features a powerful flush action valve. Commonly used on motors, winding, generators, and switches.  Highly effective solvent dispenser.

Quad – Bulk Detergent-Based Degreaser  Powerful blend of water soluble solvents, penetrating agents, wetting agents and synthetic detergents cleans and renovates grimy industrial surfaces.  Attacks the molecular structure of soil deposits, gummy residues and imbedded grease stains, which are then emulsified for easy removal by mopping or rinsing.  Excellent asphalt degreaser/concrete degreaser.  Contains a powerful chemical inhibitor to reduce the hazard of corrosion often caused by water-based cleaners.