How to choose the right detergent for oil and grease removal

To choose the right detergent for oil and grease removal, focus on using specialized cleaners designed for heavy-duty industrial cleaning tasks, like those offered at River City Pressure Cleaning Equipment (RCPCE). The most effective detergents must break down and lift stubborn oil and grease residues from surfaces, especially in environments with tough industrial grime.​

Understanding Oil & Grease Removal

Oil and grease are both lipids, meaning they're hydrophobic and resist water—regular cleaning agents are often not sufficient for removal. Effective cleaning requires detergents that contain surfactants, which surround oil and grease particles, allowing them to be washed away. Acting quickly and using the right chemistry dramatically increases success.​

RC-2500: Heavy-Duty Degreaser

RC-2500 is a super concentrated, high pH alkaline solvent degreaser. It's ideal for removing stubborn baked-on grease, oil, and grime from commercial and industrial equipment. RC-2500 is recommended for prepping metals before painting and can also be used as a powerful pre-soak for extremely heavy soils. Its extraordinary foaming action helps penetrate tough residues, but caution is advised on aluminum, chrome, glass, soft metals, and painted surfaces due to its strength.​

Hotter N Hell: Extreme Cleaning Power

Hotter N Hell is formulated for the toughest cleaning situations, excelling at cutting through layers of grease, oil, and carbon build-up. It’s ideal for applications where nothing less than maximum cleaning force will suffice. This makes Hotter N Hell the go-to solution for industrial kitchens, automotive shops, and heavy machinery where accumulated grime demands the most aggressive cleanser available.​

EBC Multi-purpose: Versatile Cleaner

EBC Multi-purpose provides a balance between strength and versatility, making it perfect for routine cleaning where both oil and grease are present but extreme action isn’t needed every time. It’s suited for a variety of surfaces and can be diluted according to the level of contamination, offering reliable performance without risk to most surfaces. EBC Multi-purpose is especially useful for ongoing maintenance in environments where oils and greases are commonly encountered.​

Selecting the Best Detergent

• Use RC-2500 for extreme, baked-on grease on durable surfaces.

• Choose Hotter N Hell for the most stubborn industrial challenges, especially in areas with severe buildup.

• Opt for EBC Multi-purpose for daily cleaning of equipment, floors, and lightly to moderately soiled surfaces.

All RCPCE detergents are highly concentrated and meant to be diluted to specific needs. Always follow recommended dilution ratios and consult with a RCPCE representative for guidance on selecting and applying the right detergent for your cleaning application.​

For more information on detergent selection and application, visit the Detergents tab at www.rcpce.com.​