The industrial guide to cleaning and degreasing

Understanding industrial cleaners, solvents, safety, and the shift towards safer chemicals

Industrial cleaning might not always receive the spotlight, but behind the scenes it plays a crucial role in keeping manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance operations running safely and efficiently.

From aerospace components to rail infrastructure, automotive parts to marine engines, grease, oils, carbon deposits, and machining fluids build up quickly in industrial environments. Without effective cleaning, those contaminants can lead to equipment failure, inaccurate inspections, poor coating adhesion, or even safety risks.

That’s why industrial degreasing remains one of the most important processes in modern manufacturing and maintenance.

However, today’s industrial cleaning landscape is changing. Regulations around VOCs, workplace safety, and environmental responsibility are pushing organisations to rethink traditional degreasing chemicals and explore safer, more sustainable alternatives.

This guide explains:

• The different types of industrial cleaners and degreasers
• The pros and cons of solvent vs water-based cleaning
• Health and safety considerations, including VOCs and COSHH
• The growing trend towards safer and more sustainable cleaning technologies
• How different industries approach degreasing

At its simplest, industrial degreasing is the process of removing grease, oils, and other contaminants from machinery, tools, and components in industrial environments. (Arrow)

It might sound straightforward, but the reality is more complex. Industrial equipment and manufactured components often accumulate heavy oils, machining fluids, carbon deposits, protective coatings, dust, and particulate contamination.

If these contaminants remain on parts or machinery, they can cause:

• Corrosion
• Overheating
• Component failure
• Reduced production quality
• Inspection errors

Effective industrial cleaner and degreaser systems help prevent these issues while supporting equipment reliability and production efficiency.

Industrial degreasing is widely used across sectors such as:

• Aerospace manufacturing and MRO
• Rail engineering and infrastructure
• Automotive production
• Marine and offshore operations
• Energy generation
• Precision engineering and subcontract manufacturing

In many cases, cleaning is far more than maintenance; it’s a critical step in the manufacturing process itself.

Not all industrial cleaning chemicals work the same way. In fact, selecting the right cleaning solution often depends on factors such as contamination type, material compatibility, and environmental considerations.

Broadly speaking, industrial degreasing falls into two main categories:

• Solvent-based cleaners
• Water-based degreasers

Let’s break down how each works.

Solvent degreasers use organic chemicals to dissolve oils, greases, and residues directly from surfaces rather than lifting them away using water and detergents. (Better Engineering)

Because they dissolve contaminants so effectively, solvent cleaners have historically been the go-to solution for heavy-duty industrial degreasing.

You’ll often find them used in:

Electronics cleaning

Aerospace component preparation

Maintenance workshops

Heavy machinery degreasing

Fast turnaround production environments

Solvent degreasers offer several advantages:

Very effective on heavy oils and grease

Fast evaporation and drying

Minimal residue

Compatible with many metals and electronic components

Water-based degreasers have become one of the fastest-growing segments of the industrial cleaning market.

Instead of dissolving contaminants directly, these cleaners use surfactants and detergents to break oils into tiny droplets that can be rinsed away. (The Precision Companies)

They are commonly used in:

Parts washing systems

Metal degreasing

Manufacturing cleaning lines

Workshop maintenance

Surface preparation

Water-based cleaners offer several benefits:

Lower VOC emissions

Reduced flammability risks

Safer working environments

Often biodegradable formulations

Compatible with automated wash systems

For many organisations trying to reduce environmental impact, aqueous cleaning is now the preferred industrial cleaning method.

Of course, water-based cleaners aren’t always the perfect solution.

In some applications they may:

• Require heated wash systems
• Take longer to dry
• Struggle with extremely heavy contamination

In these cases, hybrid or engineered solvent systems may still be necessary.

One increasingly popular option in industrial maintenance is pre-saturated cleaning wipes.

Rather than handling bulk liquids, engineers and technicians can use wipes pre-loaded with industrial cleaner or degreaser solutions.

These are particularly useful for maintenance engineers, field service technicians, aerospace MRO teams, electrical and electronics cleaning, and spot cleaning during assembly.

The benefits are simple but effective:

Controlled chemical usage

Easier storage and transport

Safer handling

Reduced spillage

You can see examples of this approach in products like the Arrowipes® industrial wipes range.

For many MRO environments, wipes offer a safer and more practical alternative to aerosols or solvent baths.

While the chemistry may be similar, industrial cleaning requirements vary dramatically between sectors.

Different materials, regulations, and contamination levels all influence the choice of degreasing chemicals.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air.

Many industrial solvents release VOCs during use, which can contribute to air pollution and may pose health risks if inhaled in high concentrations. (Arrow)

This has led to increasing regulation of traditional solvents across many industries.

As a result, chemical manufacturers are developing:

• Low-VOC solvent alternatives
• Biodegradable cleaning formulations
• Water-based industrial cleaners
• Safer degreasing chemicals

The goal is simple: maintain cleaning performance while improving safety and sustainability.

In the UK, industrial cleaning chemicals fall under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.

COSHH requires employers to assess and manage the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.

Learn more from our COSHH guide!

Key COSHH responsibilities include:

• Identifying hazardous substances
• Carrying out risk assessments
• Providing training and guidance
• Ensuring safe storage and handling
• Providing appropriate PPE

Understanding COSHH symbols and safety information is essential for anyone working with degreasing chemicals or industrial cleaners.

PPE for industrial cleaning operations

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps reduce exposure risks when handling industrial cleaning chemicals.

Typical PPE includes:

• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles or face shields
• Protective clothing
• Respirators where required

The exact PPE requirements depend on the chemical formulation, concentration, and application method.

Always consult:

• COSHH assessments
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Manufacturer guidance

Comparison table: industrial cleaner types

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Industrial cleaning solutions are rarely “one size fits all”.

Real applications often require tailored solutions depending on contamination levels, materials, and operational constraints.

Examples include:

• Engine manufacturer degreasing
• Supporting specialist product manufacturing

Each case demonstrates how the right cleaning chemistry can improve:

• Maintenance efficiency
• Component quality
• Operational safety

Key takeaways

Industrial cleaning may seem routine, but it plays a vital role in manufacturing quality, maintenance efficiency, and workplace safety.

The most important points to remember:

• Industrial degreasing removes oils, grease, and contamination that affect equipment performance
• Solvent cleaners offer powerful degreasing but may carry VOC and safety risks
• Water-based degreasers are increasingly popular for their lower environmental impact
• Cleaning requirements vary significantly across industries
• COSHH compliance and proper PPE are essential when handling cleaning chemicals
• New technologies such as industrial wipes are improving safety and convenience

Most importantly, there is no universal solution – selecting the right industrial cleaner and degreaser depends on the application.

Choosing the right industrial cleaner and degreaser can significantly improve equipment reliability, safety and environmental compliance.

Whether you’re reviewing solvent cleaners, exploring water-based degreasers, or looking for safer alternatives, expert advice can help identify the best solution for your application.

To learn more, speak to the team!

Their specialists work with organisations across aerospace, rail, engineering, automotive, and marine industries to deliver high-performance industrial cleaning solutions designed for real-world applications.