This test is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you valuable information in choosing a good degreaser. If you’re going to the trouble of degreasing your drivetrain, pick the right tool. Whole bike washes or cleaners, such as the pink stuff from Muc-Off, will have some mild degreasing capability but are not intended to strip oils and grease like a true degreaser. While less common, there are more neutral degreasers free of solvents, such as water or plant-based cleaners. Other degreasers will be acidic (low PH), such as those which use natural citrus acids. Most degreasers are alkaline in nature (high PH) and use solvent agents, often petrochemical or alcohol based. Degreaser basicsĭegreasers are chemicals designed to break down oils and grease that are resistant to water. And the best way to avoid the regular need for degreaser in the first place is by selecting a great chain lube. If you simply want to know the best degreaser for general cleaning, I can strongly recommend Pedro’s Pig Juice. I then looked at different degreasing methods, from brushing it straight on the chain to obsessive ultrasonic cleaning, as these methods all call for different products. I set out to evaluate degreasers based on three parameters: efficient grease removal, human safety, and environmental safety. If you’ve let your chain run feral and it’s not something you’d want to touch, it’s time for the degreaser. Favourite Degreasers: Pedro’s Pig Juice & Degreaser 13, Smoove Prep, Finish Line Citrus.Īs dish soap is to dishes, degreaser is the secret sauce in achieving a clean drivetrain.Consider health and environmental impacts.

Pick a chemical based on cleaning method.

Cleaning watch parts with naphtha