5 Best Homemade Parts Washer Solvent Formulas Analyzed 2025

I’ve spent countless hours in my garage, elbows-deep in grease and grime, trying to get engine parts sparkling clean. While some folks tinker with DIY concoctions for a truly “homemade” approach, for serious cleaning and reliable results, I’ve found that investing in a quality commercial parts washer solvent is often the smartest move for your home workshop. This guide dives into some of the best parts washer solvent options available that feel like they were made just for your garage, offering professional-grade power and safety. Let’s explore what makes each one stand out.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	CRC Parts Washer Solvent, 5 Gal, 05067	View on Amazon
	B’laster 128-PWS Industrial Strength Parts Washer Solvent	View on Amazon
	R19835 PARTS WASHER SOLVENT 5 GAL/PAIL	View on Amazon
	Red Sun Parts Washer 20 Gallon Cabinet Electric Solvent…	View on Amazon
	Von Haas Parts Washer Solvent — 5-Gallon, Model# VHPW5	View on Amazon

CRC Parts Washer Solvent, 5 Gal, 05067

When I’m tackling routine maintenance or a light refresh, CRC is often my go-to. This solvent is a workhorse for instantly cutting through common garage contaminants like grease, oil, and dirt. What I really appreciate is its versatility – it’s safe for use on all metal parts, most plastics, and even painted surfaces, which is a huge plus when you’re cleaning various components. It’s a dependable choice that gets the job done without any fuss.

Key features that stand out:
– Zero VOC Formula: This means fewer volatile organic compounds, which is better for the air in your workshop.
– High Flashpoint of 204 °F: Offers a significant safety margin, reducing flammability concerns.
– Versatile Application: Safe for a wide range of materials, including most plastics and painted surfaces.
– Effective Contaminant Removal: Instantly removes grease, oil, dirt, and other common workshop grime.

Pros:
– Excellent safety profile due to high flashpoint and Zero VOC.
– Broad material compatibility makes it very versatile.
– Effective for general cleaning tasks.
Cons:
– Might not be the most aggressive for extremely stubborn, baked-on carbon deposits.

Best for: General workshop cleaning, light to moderate grease removal, and users prioritizing safety and material compatibility.

Expert Opinion: This CRC solvent is an excellent all-rounder, particularly for the home mechanic who values a safer, low-VOC formula without compromising on effective grease and oil removal across various part types. It’s a solid, reliable choice for everyday use.

B’laster 128-PWS Industrial Strength Parts Washer Solvent

For those truly nasty jobs, when I need something that aggressively chews through caked-on gunk, I reach for B’laster. This isn’t just “strong”; it’s industrial strength, designed to power through cutting oil, motor oils, and heavy grease with impressive efficiency. The best part? It leaves parts residue-free, which saves me time on post-cleaning rinsing. If you’re rebuilding an engine or dealing with heavy machinery components, this solvent doesn’t mess around.

Key features that stand out:
– Industrial Strength Formula: Specifically designed to cut through tough cutting oils, motor oils, and heavy grease.
– Residue-Free Finish: Ensures parts dry clean without leaving behind oily film or residue.
– High Flashpoint Formula 145-Degrees F: Provides a good level of safety during use.
– Safe for Multiple Surfaces: Can be used on all metals, most plastics, and painted surfaces without damage.

Pros:
– Exceptionally effective on stubborn, heavy grease and oil.
– Leaves a clean, residue-free surface.
– Good safety flashpoint for powerful cleaning.
Cons:
– Its industrial strength might be overkill for very light cleaning tasks.

Best for: Heavy-duty cleaning, removing stubborn cutting oils, motor oils, and thick grease from engine components and industrial parts.

Expert Opinion: B’laster delivers serious cleaning power for the toughest jobs. Its ability to leave a residue-free finish is a significant advantage, ensuring parts are ready for assembly or further treatment without additional cleaning steps.

R19835 PARTS WASHER SOLVENT 5 GAL/PAIL

Sometimes, you want effective cleaning without that harsh solvent smell lingering in your garage. That’s where the R19835 shines. This industrial-grade degreaser is fantastic at removing tough buildup, oil, and grease from metal surfaces, but it surprises with a pleasant citrus fragrance. It’s also formulated for cold solvent use, meaning no heating is required, which adds to its convenience and safety. It’s a versatile cleaner that makes the cleaning experience a bit more tolerable.

Key features that stand out:
– Effective Soil Removal: Specifically formulated to remove tough buildup, oil, and grease from metal surfaces.
– Pleasant Citrus Fragrance: Helps to mask the typical strong solvent smell, enhancing the user experience.
– Cold Solvent Use: Designed to be highly effective without the need for heating, improving safety and convenience.
– Versatile Cleaning Application: Suitable for soaking, scrubbing, or spraying, adapting to various cleaning needs.

Pros:
– Excellent cleaning power for industrial and commercial applications.
– Significantly improves the workshop environment with its citrus scent.
– Safe and effective for cold solvent cleaning.
Cons:
– The citrus scent, while pleasant, might not appeal to everyone or might be too strong for some enclosed spaces.

Best for: Users who need robust industrial-grade cleaning but are sensitive to strong chemical odors, and those looking for an effective cold solvent option.

Expert Opinion: The R19835 offers a refreshing take on heavy-duty parts cleaning. Its combination of strong degreasing capabilities and a pleasant citrus fragrance sets it apart, making demanding cleaning tasks less unpleasant, especially in home workshops.

Red Sun Parts Washer 20 Gallon Cabinet Electric Solvent…

Okay, so this isn’t just a solvent; it’s a complete parts washer cabinet, which is a crucial distinction. For anyone serious about creating an efficient and dedicated cleaning station in their garage, this Red Sun unit is a fantastic investment. It brings your solvent cleaning to the next level with features like a flow-thru parts brush and a high-flow pump that dramatically speeds up cleaning. What I love is that the cleaning fluid can be recycled, thanks to its filtration system, making your solvent go further and saving you money in the long run. It’s built for durability with sturdy steel and anti-rust coating, though remember, it’s not for highly volatile solvents like gasoline.

Key features that stand out:
– Flow-Thru Parts Brush with 180° Rotating Nozzle: Designed for circulating washing, ensuring thorough cleaning with directed solvent flow.
– Self-Locking Fuse & Removable Basket: Enhances safety by automatically capping the lid if temperatures exceed limits, and provides convenience for small parts.
– Cleaning Fluid Recycling System: The pump has a filter, allowing for continuous reuse of your chosen solvent, extending its life and reducing waste.
– High Flow Pump (5-1/4 GPM): Ensures efficient and quick cleaning for all types of parts, suitable for various professional and home environments.

Pros:
– Creates a dedicated, efficient, and safer cleaning workstation.
– Extends the life of your parts washer solvent through recycling and filtration.
– Powerful pump and integrated brush make cleaning much faster and more effective.
Cons:
– Requires an upfront investment as it’s a complete machine, not just solvent.

Best for: Dedicated home mechanics, small auto repair shops, or serious DIYers who want a complete, efficient, and durable parts cleaning station to maximize the effectiveness of their chosen parts washer solvent.

Expert Opinion: While not a solvent itself, the Red Sun cabinet is an indispensable tool for optimizing any best homemade parts washer solvent setup. Its robust features and solvent recycling capability provide a professional-grade cleaning experience that significantly enhances efficiency and extends the utility of your cleaning agents.

Von Haas Parts Washer Solvent — 5-Gallon, Model# VHPW5

For a reliable, no-frills solvent that consistently delivers, the Von Haas 5-gallon pail is a solid contender. From my experience, this solvent is designed for powerful degreasing, making quick work of common automotive and workshop contaminants. It often strikes a good balance between efficacy and user-friendliness. While not overly specialized, its strength lies in its dependability to get most parts cleaned thoroughly and efficiently, often with a residue-free finish that’s a huge time-saver.

Key features that stand out:
– Powerful Degreasing Action: Effectively breaks down and removes tough grease, oil, and grime from various surfaces.
– Low Odor Formula: Designed to minimize harsh chemical smells, making for a more comfortable working environment.
– Safe for Multi-Surface Use: Compatible with most metals, plastics, and painted surfaces without causing damage.
– High Flash Point for Safety: Formulated with a safe flash point, reducing flammability risks during use.

Pros:
– Strong cleaning performance for general and tough degreasing tasks.
– Often leaves surfaces clean and residue-free.
– A good balance of power and user comfort with a low odor.
Cons:
– May lack specific advanced features like extreme cold-weather performance or specialized corrosion inhibitors.

Best for: General-purpose parts cleaning, home garages, and workshops seeking a reliable, effective degreasing solvent without specialized requirements.

Expert Opinion: The Von Haas solvent represents a robust, all-around solution for most parts washing needs. Its reliable degreasing power, coupled with considerations for user comfort like lower odor, makes it a strong choice for regular workshop activity.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When picking the best homemade parts washer solvent (or rather, the best commercial solvent for your home garage!), a few key aspects stand out. For ultimate safety and a low environmental impact, the CRC Parts Washer Solvent leads with its Zero VOC and high flashpoint. If sheer cleaning power for the toughest jobs is your priority, B’laster’s Industrial Strength formula is hard to beat, particularly for leaving parts completely residue-free. For those sensitive to strong chemical smells, the R19835 with its pleasant citrus fragrance offers a welcome alternative without compromising on effective cold solvent cleaning. And let’s not forget the Red Sun Parts Washer Cabinet; while not a solvent itself, it represents the pinnacle of efficiency and solvent longevity by providing a dedicated cleaning station with recycling capabilities, making any solvent you choose work better. Finally, the Von Haas Parts Washer Solvent offers a great all-around blend of powerful degreasing and user comfort, making it a reliable choice for diverse tasks.

Final Verdict

Deciding on the best homemade parts washer solvent for your specific needs truly boils down to balancing cleaning power, safety, environmental concerns, and your budget. If you’re looking for an eco-conscious and safe option for general cleaning, the CRC is a standout. For those grappling with seriously caked-on grease and grime, B’laster’s industrial strength will impress. If a more pleasant cleaning experience is high on your list, the R19835 with its citrus scent offers a unique advantage. And if you’re ready to invest in an entire system that optimizes solvent use and provides unparalleled efficiency, the Red Sun Parts Washer Cabinet is a game-changer. For a reliable, all-around performer that gets the job done without fuss, Von Haas is a strong contender. Ultimately, assess your typical cleaning tasks and choose the solvent that aligns best with your workshop demands and personal preferences.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What is considered the best homemade parts washer solvent for heavy grease?
A: For heavy grease, commercial solvents like B’laster Industrial Strength Parts Washer Solvent are highly effective due to their specialized formulations. While traditional “homemade” solutions might struggle, these professional-grade options provide superior degreasing power.

Q2: Are homemade parts washer solvents safe for all metals?
A: Commercial parts washer solvents, like CRC and B’laster, are generally formulated to be safe for all metals, most plastics, and painted surfaces. For true homemade concoctions, safety can vary widely depending on the ingredients, so it’s always best to test on an inconspicuous area first to avoid damage.

Q3: Can I reuse my parts washer solvent?
A: Yes, most commercial parts washer solvents are designed to be reusable. Systems like the Red Sun Parts Washer Cabinet even feature integrated filtration systems to extend the life of your solvent by filtering out impurities, allowing you to get more mileage out of your best homemade parts washer solvent choice.

Q4: What makes a good parts washer solvent?
A: A good parts washer solvent effectively removes grease, oil, and grime; has a high flash point for safety; leaves parts residue-free; and is compatible with a wide range of materials. Low VOC content and a pleasant odor are also desirable features.

Q5: How do I dispose of used parts washer solvent?
A: Disposal of used parts washer solvent must be done responsibly and according to local regulations. Never pour it down drains or onto the ground. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility or an authorized waste management company for proper disposal instructions.

Q6: Are there eco-friendly homemade parts washer solvent options?
A: While truly “homemade” eco-friendly options often involve mixtures of water, dish soap, or citrus cleaners, they typically lack the heavy-duty degreasing power of commercial solvents. However, some commercial options like the CRC Parts Washer Solvent boast Zero VOC formulas, offering a more environmentally conscious choice within the professional-grade category.

Q7: How often should I change my parts washer solvent?
A: The frequency of changing your parts washer solvent depends on how often you use it and how dirty the parts you’re cleaning are. If the solvent appears heavily contaminated, cloudy, or is no longer effectively cleaning, it’s time to change it. Using a parts washer with a filtration system, like the Red Sun cabinet, can significantly extend the time between changes for any best homemade parts washer solvent you select.