‘Cheap’ Chain / Drivetrain degreaser ?

[sevenfourate]

With a few bikes on the go at once - and being quite particular at keeping chain / drivetrain components clean / grit free……I do go through a fair amount of Lube. And have found one I’m really happy with (True Tension; Dry all-weather Tungsten).

But - what that also means is I go through a fair amount of ‘cleaner’. Currently either used / using / tried a couple of Citrus based Aerosol degreasers: either sprayed direct to chain. Or with bike upside down sprayed onto a rag and have the chain run through that. The dry wax I use doesn’t really attract road grit. And this method cleans off old wax a treat. But I do go through more volume and cost of degreaser than the lube itself !

Anyone tried any of the household degreasers ? Anyone use a cheap spirit be it turps, white-spirit or ? Or something else ?

Something a little environmentally friendly, available at least 500ml or 1L at a time and cost effective would be great to hear about……😁

 

[Animo]

Screwfix No Nonsense. Comes in a 5 litre container that will last forever.

 

[OldShep]

I use this, works well, not sure of its green credentials though

 

[sevenfourate]

Two good reviews in agreement of the same product ? What is the internet coming to 🤣

Used neat, decanted into a spray bottle, sprayed on / wiped on / left to soak in for a bit or ?

Thanks !! 🙏

 

[Animo]

Two good reviews in agreement of the same product ? What is the internet coming to 🤣

Used neat, decanted into a spray bottle, sprayed on / wiped on / left to soak in for a bit or ?

Thanks !! 🙏

I pour a bit into an old cut down water bottle and apply with a little paint brush.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Two good reviews in agreement of the same product ? What is the internet coming to 🤣

I use a rag soaked in white spirit.

I've never used the Screwfix degreaser, and don't know anything about it, but it's obviously rubbish and anyone who uses it is an idiot. (Is that internetty enough for you? )

 

[Drago]

White spirit. Can be reused, highly effective as a degrease, inexpensive.

 

[Paulus]

I use a rag soaked in white spirit.

I've never used the Screwfix degreaser, and don't know anything about it, but it's obviously rubbish and anyone who uses it is an idiot. (Is that internetty enough for you? )

White spirit. Can be reused, highly effective as a degrease, inexpensive.

I've used white spirit for 60+ years with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Brandane]

Diesel is my degreaser of choice.

 

[HLaB]

With a few bikes on the go at once - and being quite particular at keeping chain / drivetrain components clean / grit free……I do go through a fair amount of Lube. And have found one I’m really happy with (True Tension; Dry all-weather Tungsten).

But - what that also means is I go through a fair amount of ‘cleaner’. Currently either used / using / tried a couple of Citrus based Aerosol degreasers: either sprayed direct to chain. Or with bike upside down sprayed onto a rag and have the chain run through that. The dry wax I use doesn’t really attract road grit. And this method cleans off old wax a treat. But I do go through more volume and cost of degreaser than the lube itself !

Anyone tried any of the household degreasers ? Anyone use a cheap spirit be it turps, white-spirit or ? Or something else ?

Something a little environmentally friendly, available at least 500ml or 1L at a time and cost effective would be great to hear about……😁

I know its not what you asked specifically but I spray this stuff:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NNQHYC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

And I occasionally spray this stuff when I pressed for time (the above cleans just as well but takes a little more elbow grease for chains):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000QGHZO2?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[si_c]

I've been using Halfords concentrated degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner, comes in a 1L bottle, makes up 5 litres. Works really well.

Like the screwfix degreaser it's ethylene alcohol based - so they should be broadly comparable.

 

[Psamathe]

White spirit. Can be reused, highly effective as a degrease, inexpensive.

I also use white spirit and reuse it. Put it back in the bottle and leave it for a bit and stays black but all the grit & debris sinks to the bottom so still good for being reused multiple times.

 

[fossyant]

The Screw fix stuff is still great - they had to change the recipe in the last couple of years. It's also great as a kitchen cleaner (all diluted) etc.

 

[Big John]

I've used petrol many a time. Stick it in a large empty coffee jar which is just big enough for a chain. Am I bad?

 

[HLaB]

I've used petrol many a time. Stick it in a large empty coffee jar which is just big enough for a chain. Am I bad?

If you're not making a petrol bomb you're probably a good guy