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Degrease Exterior
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Degrease Exterior

Degreasing the exterior is the removal of oil, grease, carbon, and dirt from exterior surfaces. The bug removal task and degrease exterior task are best completed simultaneously with each other.

The exterior can be degreased using either a water-based or solvent-based cleaner and degreaser. Water-based cleaners and degreasers are most commonly used in the exterior degreasing process and include PURPLE POWER, TRANSPORT, D’LIMOKLEEN PLUS, GREASE TERMINATOR and ULTRA KLEEN. Use PURPLE POWER as a generic cleaner. For the removal of fresh undercoating, use D’LIMOKLEEN PLUS.

Degrease the engine compartment using a water-based cleaner degreaser, as solvent-based cleaner degreasers are flammable. See tips for using a solvent-based cleaner and degreaser on exceptionally dirty engine compartments.

The time to remove grease and grime from exterior surfaces is dependent on a few elements. This includes the surface area of the engine compartment, length of the vehicle, total number of doors, size and number of tires, and the intensity and amount of grease and grime. Once removal is complete, the areas of application will be clean and free from grease and grime.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves.

You will require a pressure washer or hose and nozzle to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Door Jambs

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Engine Compartment

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Gas Cap

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Rocker Panels

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Tires

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Wheel Wells

PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED DIRECTIONS TIPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Directions

METHOD 1: WATER-BASED CLEANER AND DEGREASER

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Wet the areas of application with cool water.

STEP 2: DILUTE CONCENTRATED PRODUCT

If using concentrated water-based cleaner and degreaser, dilute the product to the correct usage dilution ratio. If the product is ready to use and does not require diluting, skip this step.

STEP 3: APPLY THE DEGREASER

Using a spray bottle and trigger sprayer nozzle, generously spray the diluted water-based cleaner and degreaser onto the areas of application. Workaround the vehicle, not allowing the degreaser to dry on the surface. If the degreaser begins to dry, move to step 4 to rinse areas already applied with the degreaser. If the grease does not come off, gently agitate the areas.

STEP 4: RINSE THE DEGREASER

Rinse the areas of application with water, using a pressure washer or hose with a nozzle. If necessary, retreat the areas of application, repeating steps 1 to 4.

METHOD 2: SOLVENT-BASED CLEANER AND DEGREASER

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Areas of application must be cool and dry prior to the application of a solvent-based cleaner and degreaser.

STEP 2: APPLY AND AGITATE THE DEGREASER

Use a spray bottle and solvent resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Generously spray the undiluted solvent-based cleaner and degreaser onto the areas of application. Allow the degreaser to sit on the surface according to the product of choice’s dwell time. If necessary for intense applications, agitate with a brush, wash mitt, or microfiber towel.

STEP 3: WIPE OR RINSE THE DEGREASER

Depending on the product of choice, either wipe the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or rinse with high-pressured water. If necessary, retreat the areas of application, repeating steps 1 to 3. Ensure to thoroughly dry areas prior to retreatment.

Tips

  • If the vehicle being detailed has mud flaps, include these in this task, to clean and degrease.
  • If the engine compartment is exceptionally dirty, a solvent-based cleaner and degreaser may be needed. When using a solvent-based cleaner degreaser on the engine compartment, the engine must be completely cool before application. Additionally, the degreaser must be thoroughly rinsed off before turning the engine back on.
  • Always follow the dwell time listed for the solvent-based cleaner and degreaser being used; incorrect usage may lead to damage to the applied surfaces.
  • Ensure to wet the areas of application before applying a water-based cleaner and degreaser, especially when using an undiluted product.
  • For the correct product dilution ratios, check the product label for the product being used.
  • Use a soft brush, wash mitt, or microfiber towel to scrub tough grease areas.
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based cleaners and degreasers available.

  • SUPER-O: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Removes grease, tar, oil, gum, wax, and cosmoline, as well as large areas of decal adhesives from painted surfaces.
  • SUPER SOL: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Easily dissolves and removes label and sticker adhesive from painted surfaces. Dissolves tar, grease, and oily soil deposits on carpets, upholstery, and exterior paint.
  • HERC: a ready to use, environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Free of chlorinated solvents. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
  • OUST: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
  • SAP REMOVER: specifically formulated to penetrate, lift, and dissolve sap and organic resins. Safe to use on glass, metal, and painted surfaces; without scratching or scuffing. Ready to use, body shop safe, and environmentally friendly.

Yes, all of Auto Valet’s solvent based cleaners and degreasers are safe for body shop applications. Includes: SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.

There are currently five (5) Auto Valet water based cleaners and degreasers available.

  • PURPLE POWER: a concentrated, versatile, muscle-based cleaner and degreaser. Heavy duty, dilutable, and is free-rinsing with controlled foam.
  • TRANSPORT: a concentrated cleaner degreaser. Tough on grease and grime, it is  designed for transport trucks, new vehicle transit coating remover, and an overall vehicle cleaner and degreaser.
  • D’LIMOKLEEN PLUS: a non-corrosive and non-toxic, concentrated, and versatile cleaner and degreaser. Use to emulsify and suspend substances such as oil, grease, fat, rust stains, carbon, and dirt from most surfaces.
  • GREASE TERMINATOR: an economical, proficient, concentrated cleaner degreaser. General purpose and versatile in both exterior and interior applications. Dilute to a strength appropriate for the application.
  • ULTRA KLEEN: a ready to use spray cleaner and degreaser, that may be diluted further for lighter applications. Used to easily penetrate and lift grease, oil, wax, clay soils, nicotine, and protein type soils.

Cleaners and degreasers are liquid products designed to remove dirt, grease, oils, and stains from a variety of interior and exterior vehicle surfaces. These surfaces include natural and synthetic fabrics, leather, metals, painted surfaces, plastics and rubber. There are two types of cleaners and degreasers; solvent based and water based. Each is formulated and applied differently from each other. Solvent based and water based cleaners and degreasers also have best usage applications depending on the makeup of the substance to remove.

Water based cleaners and degreasers are governed by the pH. The pH is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the product is formulated to be, and determines what substances can be removed. Products in Auto Valet's water based cleaners and degreasers category are formulated to be basic (alkaline) in their pH levels. This allows them to act as all-purpose cleaners for general removal of soil on surfaces. Oil, grease, and lubricants are easily removed with water based cleaners and degreasers as the alkali reacts with these substances, making them water-soluble and easier to rinse away. Water based cleaners and degreasers can be diluted with water to best suit the application requirements, and are best used to degrease and clean engine compartments and remove carbon. Water based cleaners and degreasers include PURPLE POWER, TRANSPORT, D'LIMOKLEEN PLUS, GREASE TERMINATOR and ULTRA KLEEN.

Solvent based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize (dissolve) residues of fats, oils, and grease; breaking them down into smaller particles and carrying it into the solution, away from the area being cleaned. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers provide the opportunity of quick cleaning; dissolving and carrying away soils without extended prep, processing, or drying time. However; they typically contain higher levels of V.O.C’s, are usually flammable (must be kept away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition), and cannot be diluted with water. Most solvent based cleaners and degreasers are applied only to dry surfaces, and are best used to remove solvent based substances such as tar and undercoating. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers include SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.
 

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