10 best solvent to dissolve grease reviewed for 2025

I remember those frustrating moments, standing in my garage, staring down a stubborn puddle of oil and grime, or in the kitchen, confronted by sticky, baked-on grease on the stovetop. It always made me wonder: what’s the best solvent to dissolve grease effectively and safely? I’ve tried a lot of products over the years, and finding the right degreaser can feel like a quest. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide, drawing from my hands-on experience and deep dives into product specifications, to help you cut through the muck and find the perfect grease-dissolving solution for your needs.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Biomaster Grease Gone Grease Trap Cleaner Treatment, Turns…	View on Amazon
	Custom Shop Panel Prep and Degreaser – Low VOC Surface…	View on Amazon
	Grease Gone Grease Trap Cleaner Treatment 9 Pack, Turns…	View on Amazon
	#2030 Denco Multi-Purpose Spray Solvent – Aerosol – Cuts…	View on Amazon
	Gtechniq – W7 Tar and Glue Remover – Full Strength…	View on Amazon
	Zep Big Orange-E Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser Aerosol – 15…	View on Amazon
	Zep I.D. Red Industrial Degreaser Aerosol – 13 oz (Case…	View on Amazon
	Zep Big Orange Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser Aerosol – 15…	View on Amazon
	Fuller Brush Fulsol Spray – Heavy Duty Multi- Surface…	View on Amazon
	Zep Industrial Purple Heavy-Duty Degreasing Wipes – 65…	View on Amazon

Biomaster Grease Gone Grease Trap Cleaner Treatment, Turns…

Dealing with grease traps can be a nightmare, but this Biomaster treatment offers a proactive solution. It’s designed to transform fat, oil, and grease into grey water, significantly reducing build-up. What’s really impressive is that the sachet itself dissolves, and it uses over 60 different hungry strains of grease-eating enzymes to break down waste quickly and efficiently. This makes it a great choice for preventative maintenance and reducing unpleasant odors.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Enzymatic Action: Utilizes over 60 strains of enzymes to break down FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease).
  • Dissolving Sachet: The sachet itself dissolves, simplifying application.
  • Odor Reduction: Actively reduces foul odors emanating from grease traps.
  • Safe & Non-Toxic: A poison and chemical-free formula.
• Pros:
  • Environmentally friendly and safe for septic systems.
  • Effectively reduces the need for costly pump-outs.
  • Breaks down grease rather than just moving it along.
• Cons: Requires stirring for optimal activation.
• Best for: Restaurants, commercial kitchens, and homeowners looking for an eco-friendly, preventative grease trap maintenance solution.
• Expert Opinion: This is a top-tier biological solution, ideal for long-term grease trap health, offering a sustainable way to tackle persistent FOG issues and odor control.

Custom Shop Panel Prep and Degreaser – Low VOC Surface…

For automotive enthusiasts and professionals, a clean surface is paramount before painting. The Custom Shop Panel Prep is a fantastic multi-purpose, water-based formula that excels at cutting through surface contaminants. Its solvent-strong waterborne formula with exceptional grease-cutting power ensures your surfaces are spotless and static-free, which is crucial for a flawless paint job. It’s also incredibly versatile, usable on a wide range of materials.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Low VOC Formula: Less than 25 g/L, making it more environmentally friendly.
  • Multi-Purpose: Effective on primed, painted, leather, vinyl, plastic, aluminum, and bare metal surfaces.
  • Eliminates Static: Helps improve metallic orientation and reduces dust contamination before painting.
  • Residue-Free: Leaves no residue, ensuring a clean base.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for critical automotive surface preparation.
  • Versatile application across many surfaces.
  • Ready to use, no mixing required.
• Cons: Not recommended for use on lacquer finishes.
• Best for: Automotive body shops, professional painters, and DIY car restorers needing pristine surfaces for paint or primer.
• Expert Opinion: A professional-grade degreaser that’s indispensable for achieving a perfect automotive finish, ensuring superior adhesion and a blemish-free result.

Grease Gone Grease Trap Cleaner Treatment 9 Pack, Turns…

This 9-pack version of the Grease Gone treatment offers the same powerful benefits as the single pack but with added convenience for consistent, long-term use. It transforms up to 75% of fat, oil, and grease into grey water, making it an excellent choice for businesses or homes with ongoing grease trap challenges. The enzymatic action effectively reduces unpleasant odors and saves on those costly emergency pump-outs.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Bulk Value: Comes in a convenient 9-pack for extended use.
  • Enzyme Power: Over 60 different strains of grease-eating enzymes for robust breakdown.
  • Odor Eliminator: Reduces foul smells from grease traps.
  • Cost-Saving: Helps prevent costly professional pump-outs.
• Pros:
  • Provides a long-term supply for continuous maintenance.
  • Safe, non-toxic, and chemical-free.
  • Effective at preventing grease clogs and buildup.
• Cons: Similar to the single pack, requires stirring to activate contents.
• Best for: Commercial establishments, property managers, or large households seeking an economical and effective long-term solution for grease trap maintenance.
• Expert Opinion: For those committed to regular grease trap maintenance, this bulk pack offers significant value and ensures you always have a powerful, eco-friendly solution on hand.

#2030 Denco Multi-Purpose Spray Solvent – Aerosol – Cuts…

When you need raw power to cut through serious grime, the #2030 Denco Multi-Purpose Spray Solvent is a formidable contender. This aerosol delivers a high-power spray that quickly dissolves tough messes of grease, grime, and oil. Its non-chlorinated formula and low odor make it more pleasant to use in various environments, and its multi-surface versatility means you can tackle different jobs with one product.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Powerful Cleaner: High-power spray specifically designed for grease, grime, and oil.
  • Multi-Surface Versatility: Can be used on a wide range of surfaces.
  • Non-Chlorinated & Low Odor: Safer and more comfortable for users.
  • Bulk Packaging: Available in a case of 12 cans for commercial or professional use.
• Pros:
  • Extremely effective at dissolving tough, baked-on grease.
  • Less harsh odor compared to many industrial solvents.
  • Provides excellent value in bulk for consistent heavy-duty cleaning.
• Cons: Not for sale in California due to specific regulations.
• Best for: Industrial workshops, commercial garages, and professional cleaning services needing a potent, general-purpose degreaser in bulk.
• Expert Opinion: This is a workhorse for professionals who demand immediate, powerful grease and oil removal across multiple surfaces without the harsh odors often associated with industrial solvents.

Gtechniq – W7 Tar and Glue Remover – Full Strength…

Gtechniq is known for its advanced car care, and their W7 Tar and Glue Remover lives up to that reputation. This product is a specialist, designed to effortlessly and almost instantly dissolve tar, glue spots, and residue from your vehicle’s paintwork, wheels, and exhaust. What sets it apart is its safety; it’s safe to use on protective coatings, waxes, and sealants, ensuring you remove contaminants without damaging your car’s finish.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Instant Tar/Glue Dissolver: Quickly breaks down stubborn tar spots and adhesive residues.
  • Coating Safe: Formulated not to damage existing protective coatings, waxes, or sealants.
  • Easy Application: Simply spray on and rinse off after a few minutes.
  • Nanotechnology Based: Developed using advanced molecular nanotechnology for superior performance.
• Pros:
  • Highly effective for specific automotive detailing tasks.
  • Protects your vehicle’s existing paint protection.
  • Very easy and quick to use, saving time.
• Cons: Not suitable for Paint Protection Film (PPF), smart repairs, or wrapped vehicles.
• Best for: Automotive detailers, car enthusiasts, and anyone needing to remove tar, asphalt, or sticker residue from vehicle paint and wheels.
• Expert Opinion: When it comes to targeted tar and glue removal on vehicles, especially those with protective coatings, Gtechniq W7 is a highly specialized and effective choice.

Zep Big Orange-E Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser Aerosol – 15…

The Zep Big Orange-E is a fantastic professional-strength, citrus-based degreaser that tackles grease, oil, and other tough soils with ease. What makes it stand out is its commitment to safety and the environment: it contains no chlorinated solvents or CFCs and is biodegradable. Plus, it’s safe for use around food-contact surfaces, making it a versatile option for kitchens and industrial settings alike, leaving a pleasant scent.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Professional-Strength Citrus: Powerful degreasing derived from natural citrus.
  • Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable formula, free of chlorinated solvents and CFCs.
  • Food-Contact Safe: Approved for use in areas where food is prepared or stored.
  • Versatile Sizing: Available in various sizes to suit different needs.
• Pros:
  • Effective on a wide range of tough grease and oils.
  • Safer for the environment and indoor air quality.
  • Leaves a fresh, clean citrus scent.
• Cons: Aerosol format might be less economical for very large, frequent applications.
• Best for: Commercial and home kitchens, food service areas, and general heavy-duty degreasing where safety and a pleasant scent are desired.
• Expert Opinion: This is an excellent all-around degreaser that balances industrial-strength cleaning with environmental responsibility and safety, especially important in food-related environments.

Zep I.D. Red Industrial Degreaser Aerosol – 13 oz (Case…

For critical industrial applications where residue is absolutely unacceptable, the Zep I.D. Red Industrial Degreaser is a go-to choice. This aerosol solvent degreaser is designed for rapid evaporation and no residue, making it perfect for sensitive machinery parts, molds, and equipment. It effectively removes oil, grease, dirt, lubricants, and tar, and its two-way valve allows for easy application at any angle.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Rapid Evaporation: Dries quickly, leaving no film or residue.
  • No Residue: Essential for cleaning sensitive machinery and electronics.
  • Industrial Strength: Excellent for oil, grease, dirt, and tar on machinery.
  • Two-Way Valve: Allows application right-side up or upside down.
• Pros:
  • Ideal for precision cleaning where cleanliness is critical.
  • Highly effective on various industrial soils.
  • The aerosol format ensures targeted application.
• Cons: Not available to be shipped to several states due to regulatory restrictions.
• Best for: Automotive repair shops, HVAC contractors, manufacturing facilities, and any business needing residue-free degreasing for precision equipment.
• Expert Opinion: This is the specialized choice for industrial professionals who need a powerful, quick-drying, and residue-free degreaser for delicate or critical components.

Zep Big Orange Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser Aerosol – 15…

Another fantastic offering from Zep, the Big Orange Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser (aerosol) is built for serious industrial applications. It delivers powerful degreasing action that effectively removes grease, oil, and industrial soils, and it’s particularly good at dissolving industrial-strength glues, protective coatings, and stubborn residues. Despite its strength, it leaves a pleasant citrus scent, avoiding the harsh chemical smells common with heavy-duty cleaners.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Heavy-Duty Performance: Designed for demanding industrial environments.
  • Adhesive & Tar Remover: Tackles tough glues, coatings, and residues.
  • Versatile Industrial Use: Suitable for molds, dies, unpainted concrete, and metal surfaces.
  • Natural Citrus Scent: Pleasant fragrance without harsh petroleum odors.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional power for very tough industrial grease and adhesives.
  • Leaves a much more agreeable scent than typical heavy-duty degreasers.
  • Reliable for professional use in auto shops and manufacturing.
• Cons: Limited to aerosol application, which may not be ideal for very large surface areas.
• Best for: Industrial facilities, auto repair shops, and maintenance crews dealing with severe grease, oil, and adhesive buildup on metal and concrete.
• Expert Opinion: A robust industrial degreaser that manages to be incredibly effective on tough soils while providing a more pleasant user experience with its citrus fragrance.

Fuller Brush Fulsol Spray – Heavy Duty Multi- Surface…

The Fuller Brush Fulsol Spray is your ultimate multi-surface weapon against household grime. This concentrated, ready-to-use foaming spray makes quick work of grease, oil, dirt, fingerprints, and even grass stains and ink. It’s incredibly surface safe for most washable materials, including tile, glass, woodwork, and fabrics. Plus, it’s biodegradable and phosphate-free, making it a responsible choice for your home and septic system, all while leaving a fresh lemon scent.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Cuts Various Stains: Effectively dissolves grease, oil, dirt, ink, glue, and more.
  • Foaming Spray: Simplifies application and enhances cleaning power.
  • Surface Safe: Usable on a wide array of washable surfaces and fabrics.
  • Eco-Conscious: Biodegradable, phosphate-free, and safe for septic systems.
• Pros:
  • Extremely versatile for almost any household cleaning task.
  • Easy to use with its foaming action and minimal scrubbing.
  • Leaves a fresh lemon scent.
• Cons: May require a little elbow grease for extremely baked-on, old messes.
• Best for: General household cleaning, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and outdoor areas where a versatile, safe, and effective degreaser is needed.
• Expert Opinion: A tried-and-true household staple, the Fulsol Spray is remarkable for its versatility and effectiveness, offering a safe yet powerful solution for everyday grease and grime.

Zep Industrial Purple Heavy-Duty Degreasing Wipes – 65…

For quick clean-ups and on-the-go degreasing, the Zep Industrial Purple Heavy-Duty Degreasing Wipes are incredibly convenient. These shop-grade degreasing wipes are saturated with a powerful formula, perfect for machinery, auto parts, and tools. Their textured design helps scrub away tough messes, making them ideal for workbenches, power tools, and even grill exteriors. When you need a fast, effective solution without spraying or rinsing, these wipes are a game-changer.

• Key features that stand out:
  • Convenient Wipe Format: Ready-to-use, no spraying or rinsing required.
  • Shop-Grade Formula: Powerful degreasing for tough industrial messes.
  • Textured Towels: Aid in scrubbing away stubborn grime.
  • Versatile Use: Ideal for metal, tools, workbenches, and various equipment.
• Pros:
  • Extremely portable and easy to use for quick clean-ups.
  • Effective at cutting through oil and grease without a separate rag.
  • Great for small spills and maintaining cleanliness on the spot.
• Cons: Not suitable for use on soft metals, plastics, chrome, or glass.
• Best for: Mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and industrial workers needing a fast, convenient solution for cleaning tools, parts, and surfaces on the go.
• Expert Opinion: For sheer convenience and immediate results in a workshop or garage, these degreasing wipes are unparalleled, offering robust cleaning power in a handy format.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When choosing the best solvent to dissolve grease, it really boils down to your specific task. For eco-conscious grease trap maintenance, both the Biomaster Grease Gone and the Grease Gone 9 Pack are excellent choices, offering biological breakdown that’s safe for the environment. If you’re tackling automotive surface prep where precision is key, the Custom Shop Panel Prep and Gtechniq W7 Tar and Glue Remover (for specific exterior issues) are your best bets. For heavy-duty industrial cleaning, the #2030 Denco Multi-Purpose Spray Solvent, Zep I.D. Red, and Zep Big Orange Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser offer immense power, with the Zep I.D. Red standing out for its residue-free finish. Kitchen and food-safe environments will benefit greatly from the Zep Big Orange-E, balancing power with safety. And for general household versatility, the Fuller Brush Fulsol Spray is an all-star, while the Zep Industrial Purple Wipes provide unmatched convenience for quick workshop cleanups.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best solvent to dissolve grease isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation; it’s about matching the right tool to the right job.

• For the home chef or clean kitchen enthusiast: The Zep Big Orange-E offers a powerful yet safe, pleasant-smelling solution. If you need an all-around superstar for every room, the Fuller Brush Fulsol Spray can’t be beaten for its versatility and ease of use.
• For the automotive detailer or mechanic: The Custom Shop Panel Prep is crucial for paint prep, while Gtechniq W7 is a specialized must-have for tar and glue. For quick cleanups on tools and parts, Zep Industrial Purple Wipes are incredibly handy.
• For industrial or commercial use: The #2030 Denco Multi-Purpose Spray Solvent and Zep Big Orange Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser are formidable for general heavy grime. For residue-free precision cleaning on sensitive machinery, Zep I.D. Red takes the crown. And for proactive, eco-friendly grease trap management, the Biomaster Grease Gone (or its 9-pack variant) is an invaluable investment.

Consider the type of grease, the surface it’s on, your environmental concerns, and whether you need quick convenience or deep, enzymatic action. With these options, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision and finally conquer that stubborn grease!

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What is the best solvent to dissolve grease in a kitchen environment?
A1: For kitchen environments, especially where food is handled, a professional-strength citrus-based degreaser like the Zep Big Orange-E Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser is often the best solvent to dissolve grease. It’s effective, biodegradable, free of harsh chemicals like chlorinated solvents, and safe for use around food-contact surfaces, leaving a pleasant scent.

Q2: Are there eco-friendly options for dissolving grease?
A2: Absolutely! Products like Biomaster Grease Gone Grease Trap Cleaner Treatment use grease-eating enzymes to break down fat, oil, and grease naturally into grey water. The Fuller Brush Fulsol Spray is also biodegradable and phosphate-free, making it a more environmentally conscious choice for household grease.

Q3: Can I use the same solvent to dissolve grease on my car as I do in my kitchen?
A3: Generally, no. Automotive degreasers like Custom Shop Panel Prep or Gtechniq W7 Tar and Glue Remover are formulated for specific automotive contaminants and surfaces, often containing stronger solvents that might not be safe for kitchen use or food contact. Always read product labels carefully.

Q4: What’s the difference between a degreaser and a general-purpose cleaner for grease?
A4: A degreaser is specifically formulated to break down fats, oils, and greases, often containing stronger solvents or surfactants for this purpose. A general-purpose cleaner might remove light grease but won’t be as effective on heavy, baked-on, or industrial grease. When searching for the best solvent to dissolve grease, opt for products explicitly labeled as degreasers for heavy tasks.

Q5: How do I safely apply strong solvents to dissolve grease?
A5: When using strong solvents, always ensure good ventilation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection, and follow the product’s instructions carefully. Avoid mixing different chemicals, and test on an inconspicuous area first, especially on sensitive surfaces.

Q6: What should I look for when choosing the best solvent to dissolve grease for industrial machinery?
A6: For industrial machinery, you need a powerful, often fast-evaporating, and residue-free solution. Products like Zep I.D. Red Industrial Degreaser Aerosol or #2030 Denco Multi-Purpose Spray Solvent are excellent choices because they cut through heavy oil and grease without leaving a film that could interfere with machine operation. Consider if a bulk option is more economical for ongoing use.