A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Degreaser for Your Facility

You get better cleaning results when you match the product to the task. The right product improves productivity, protects surfaces, and supports a safer workplace. When you understand what a degreaser does and when to use one, you make better decisions and avoid trial and error. This article explains how degreasers work and how to choose the right one for your facility.

General-Purpose Cleaners vs. Degreasers

A general purpose cleaner handles everyday dirt because it sits close to neutral on the pH scale, which means it is neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline. This balanced range makes the solution gentle on most surfaces while still effective at lifting common soil such as dust, tracked-in debris, and light food residue. A neutral cleaner loosens this type of soil without reacting with finishes, coatings, or sensitive materials, which is why it is a safe choice for routine, repeated cleaning.

A degreaser targets soils that everyday cleaners cannot break apart. Grease, oil, fats, and petroleum based residues cling to surfaces because they repel water, so a stronger approach is needed. A degreaser uses high pH chemistry to react with these oily soils and convert them into forms that mix with water, which helps lift them from the surface. It also contains surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, allowing the solution to spread, penetrate, and surround the soil. Once the soil is surrounded, the surfactants hold it in suspension so it can be rinsed away without redepositing. This blend of alkalinity and surfactants gives a degreaser the power to remove the thick, stubborn buildup found in kitchens, shops, and industrial areas.

A cleaner degreaser sits in the middle. It has more alkalinity than a general purpose cleaner but less than a full degreaser, so it can handle light to moderate greasy soil without the strength and fewer potential risks of a high pH product.

Dispensing Degreasers with I-Force

The Hillyard I-Force Dispensing System gives you accurate dilution for concentrated products. It connects the bottle to the dispenser through a secure system. This keeps the concentrate sealed and reduces handling. The dispenser uses fixed settings that mix the product with water at the correct rate. It works well in schools, foodservice, healthcare, and industrial settings where consistent results matter. It also helps control chemical cost because employees do not guess at the dilution rate.

When facilities use concentrates without a dispenser, dilution mistakes are common. Too much chemical wastes money and can leave residue on surfaces. Too little chemical reduces cleaning power. I Force removes those variables.

Selecting the Right Degreaser

Always confirm that the product is safe for the surface. Some flooring types, coatings, and plastics can dull or discolor when exposed to strong alkaline products. Test the product in a small area before cleaning the full surface. Read the label to understand the recommended dilution, contact time, and use method.

SM-1

SM-1 Industrial Cleaner Degreaser is a concentrated industrial degreaser for tough soils on concrete, equipment, and high-grease areas. It works fast because it uses Accelerated Action Technology, a proprietary blend of three surfactants, and stays stable in heated, high-pressure equipment up to 180 degrees. It is certified for NSF A1 and A4 use, which makes it suitable for many foodservice and industrial cleaning tasks.

Defcon 2D

Defcon 2-D Super Concentrated Industrial Degreaser is a super-concentrated system that can produce up to 1,000 gallons of strong cleaning and degreasing solution from a single package. Its closed-loop design improves safety by eliminating the handling, storage, and environmental concerns associated with open drum systems. It uses SM 1 Technology, a blend of three surfactants that removes soil quickly and delivers more cleaning power in less time.

KA Industrial Cleaner Degreaser

KA Industrial Cleaner Degreaser is a high alkaline, butyl-based formula that removes heavy soil from concrete, equipment, and other hard surfaces. It works well on air filters, conveyors, exhaust hoods, metal parts, and similar areas that collect tough grease. It is phosphate-free, non-combustible, and authorized for use under NSF A1.

L.F.D. Industrial Cleaner Degreaser

L.F.D. Industrial Cleaner Degreaser is a low-foam formula designed for industrial cleaning and works especially well in automatic scrubbers. It keeps the foam in the recovery tank low, so operators spend more time cleaning and less time stopping to refill. Its concentrated butyl-based formula removes tough soil fast and can also be used in mop buckets or trigger sprayers for spot cleaning.

I.D. 200 Industrial Cleaner Degreaser

I.D. 200 Industrial Cleaner Degreaser is a highly concentrated cleaner and degreaser made for daily removal of light to medium soil on concrete, tile, machinery, and equipment. It delivers strong emulsification and soil suspension, helping reduce cleaning time without relying on butyl. You can use it in auto scrubbers, mop buckets, spray bottles, and pressure washers for a wide range of cleaning tasks.

Using Degreasers Safely

Always read the Safety Data Sheet before you use a product. The SDS explains hazards, protective equipment, storage requirements, and first-aid steps. Follow the product label every time. The label provides the correct dilution, contact time, and use method.

Get Hillyard Involved in Your Cleaning Program

Hillyard has cleaning experts across the United States who can help you choose the right products and clean at the lowest total cost. They can review your needs and recommend the correct cleaner, degreaser, dilution system, and process. If you want help improving your cleaning program, fill out the I am Interested form at the bottom of the page, and we will contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of soil require a degreaser?

Heavy oils, fats, carbon deposits, and petroleum-based residues resist general-purpose cleaners, so they require a degreaser.

Can a degreaser damage surfaces?

Yes. Strong alkaline products can dull finishes or discolor certain materials. Always test the product first and follow the label.

When should I choose a cleaner degreaser instead of a full degreaser?

Choose a cleaner-degreaser when you need more power than a general-purpose cleaner, but do not need the strength of a full industrial degreaser.