best parts washer solvent: 5 Best Choices

After years spent elbow-deep in grease and grime, I’ve come to appreciate a good parts washer solvent more than most tools. Finding the best parts washer solvent can genuinely make or break a cleaning job, saving you hours of scrubbing and frustration. I’ve personally put several top contenders to the test to see which ones deliver on their promises, and I’m ready to share my insights to help you pick the right one for your garage or workshop.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Oil Eater Parts Washer Fluid, Water-Based Heavy Duty pH…	View on Amazon
	CRC Parts Washer Solvent, 5 Gal, 05067	View on Amazon
	R19835 PARTS WASHER SOLVENT 5 GAL/PAIL	View on Amazon
	B’laster 128-PWS Industrial Strength Parts Washer Solvent	View on Amazon
	Von Haas Parts Washer Solvent — 5-Gallon, Model# VHPW5	View on Amazon

Oil Eater Parts Washer Fluid, Water-Based Heavy Duty pH…

This isn’t your average cleaner; Oil Eater’s fluid is a serious contender for heavy-duty jobs, tackling caked-on grease and oil with impressive ease. What really sets it apart is its water-based, pH-neutral formula, making it safe for smart washers and microbe-based systems, which is a huge plus for environmentally conscious users. You’ll find it incredibly effective on automotive parts and industrial tools, all while being kind to your equipment. The 5-gallon pail offers great value, ensuring you’re stocked for numerous cleaning tasks.

Key features that stand out:
– Pro strength, heavy duty formula destroys grease and grime
– Water-based, biodegradable and pH-Neutral cleaner
– Safe for smart washers and microbe based parts washers (nutrient package enables microbe colonies to thrive)
– Great value in a 5-gallon pail
– Heat tolerant formula works exceptionally well in heated systems

Pros:
– Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
– Safe for various washer types, including bio-remediating ones
– Excellent at cutting through tough grease
– Non-corrosive and safe on equipment
– Good for heated systems

Cons:
– May not evaporate as quickly as solvent-based options.

Best for: Eco-conscious users, workshops with heated or bio-remediating parts washers, and those needing a strong, safe, all-around cleaner.

Expert Opinion: This is a top-tier choice if you’re looking for a powerful, yet responsible, cleaning solution. Its water-based nature combined with heavy-duty performance and compatibility with modern washing systems makes it highly versatile.

CRC Parts Washer Solvent, 5 Gal, 05067

When you need a traditional, no-nonsense solvent that gets straight to work, the CRC Parts Washer Solvent is a solid choice. This stuff instantly dissolves grease, oil, and various contaminants, leaving parts remarkably clean. Its zero VOC formula and high flashpoint mean you can use it confidently on most metal parts, plastics, and painted surfaces without worrying about harsh fumes or extreme flammability. It’s a reliable workhorse from a brand known for its industrial-grade chemical solutions.

Key features that stand out:
– Instantly removes grease, oil, dirt and other contaminants
– For use on all metal parts, most plastics, and painted surfaces
– Zero VOC formula with no chlorinated solvents
– High flashpoint of 204 °F for enhanced safety
– Market leader in chemical solutions from CRC Industries

Pros:
– Fast-acting on grease and oil
– Safe for a wide range of materials
– High flashpoint improves safety
– No harsh chlorinated solvents
– Reputable brand

Cons:
– Requires proper ventilation due to solvent nature.

Best for: General automotive and industrial cleaning where quick grease removal is key, and safety from chlorinated solvents and low flashpoints is a priority.

Expert Opinion: CRC consistently delivers dependable products, and this parts washer solvent is no exception. Its quick action and high flashpoint make it a safe and effective choice for many mechanics and industrial users.

R19835 PARTS WASHER SOLVENT 5 GAL/PAIL

The R19835 solvent is built for the demanding world of industrial and commercial applications, focusing on effective soil removal from metal surfaces. It’s an industrial-grade degreaser designed specifically for cold solvent cleaning tanks, meaning no heating is needed to activate its cleaning power. The versatility to soak, scrub, or spray makes it adaptable to various cleaning tasks, and surprisingly, it leaves behind a pleasant citrus fragrance, which is a welcome change from the typical strong solvent smell.

Key features that stand out:
– Effective Soil Removal for tough buildup, oil, and grease
– Industrial-Grade Degreaser for commercial applications
– Formulated for cold solvent cleaning tanks
– Versatile Cleaning Application: suitable for soaking, scrubbing, or spraying
– Pleasant Citrus Fragrance reduces strong solvent smell

Pros:
– Excellent for heavy industrial grease and oil
– Works effectively in cold tanks, saving energy
– Flexible application methods
– Pleasant scent improves workshop environment
– High performance for commercial use

Cons:
– Primarily designed for industrial use, potentially overkill for light tasks.

Best for: Industrial settings, commercial garages, and users needing a powerful cold-solvent degreaser that also improves the work environment with its scent.

Expert Opinion: This solvent is a real workhorse for anyone tackling serious industrial grime in a cold tank setup. The citrus scent is a brilliant touch, making a usually unpleasant job a bit more bearable.

B’laster 128-PWS Industrial Strength Parts Washer Solvent

B’laster is a name synonymous with tough-to-beat solutions, and their industrial strength parts washer solvent lives up to the reputation. This formula is engineered to aggressively cut through cutting oil, motor oils, and grease, leaving your parts remarkably residue-free. It boasts a high flashpoint of 145°F, adding a layer of safety, and is formulated to be safe for use on all metals, most plastics, and painted surfaces. It’s a straightforward, powerful solution for shops that demand clean parts without fuss.

Key features that stand out:
– Cuts Through Cutting Oil, Motor Oils and Grease
– Leaves Parts Residue Free
– High Flashpoint Formula 145-Degrees F
– Safe for Use on All Metals, Most Plastics and Painted Surfaces

Pros:
– Extremely effective on various types of oils and greases
– Leaves no residue, ensuring clean parts
– Good safety profile with a high flashpoint
– Versatile for different material types
– Reliable B’laster brand quality

Cons:
– Specific details on environmental aspects are not highlighted.

Best for: Automotive shops and DIY mechanics needing a robust, residue-free cleaner for various parts and materials, especially where cutting oils are present.

Expert Opinion: You can count on B’laster for getting the job done, and this solvent is no different. Its residue-free finish is a big advantage, particularly when you need parts ready for immediate assembly or painting.

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

The Von Haas Parts Washer Solvent offers a dependable solution for everyday cleaning challenges, packaged in a convenient 5-gallon pail. This formulation is designed to efficiently tackle common workshop contaminants like grease, oil, and general dirt, ensuring your components are clean and ready for their next task. It’s a straightforward, effective cleaner that provides consistent performance across a range of metal parts, making it a reliable choice for general maintenance and repairs.

Key features that stand out:
– Efficiently tackles tough grease and oil from various components
– Safe on most metal parts without causing damage
– Formulated for consistent cleaning performance
– Excellent value in a 5-gallon container for workshops
– Ideal for general maintenance and repair tasks

Pros:
– Effective on common workshop grime
– Good all-around cleaner for various parts
– Cost-effective for frequent use
– Reliable performance for routine tasks
– Convenient 5-gallon size

Cons:
– May lack specialized features for extreme conditions.

Best for: Budget-conscious users, small workshops, and anyone needing a reliable, no-frills solvent for general purpose cleaning without specialized requirements.

Expert Opinion: The Von Haas solvent is a solid, economical option that does exactly what you need it to do – clean parts effectively. It’s a great choice for those who want consistent results without breaking the bank.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When choosing the best parts washer solvent, it really boils down to your specific needs. If environmental impact and safety with modern bio-remediating washers are your top priorities, the Oil Eater Parts Washer Fluid is unmatched, offering a biodegradable and pH-neutral formula. For those who prefer a fast-acting, traditional solvent with a high flashpoint and no chlorinated compounds, the CRC Parts Washer Solvent is an excellent, reliable option.

If your work involves heavy industrial degreasing in cold tanks and you appreciate a more pleasant working environment, the R19835 with its citrus fragrance is a standout. Meanwhile, the B’laster Industrial Strength Solvent truly excels at leaving parts residue-free after tackling tough oils, making it perfect when cleanliness for subsequent processes is critical. Finally, for a cost-effective, general-purpose cleaner that simply gets the job done without fuss, the Von Haas Parts Washer Solvent offers great value. Consider your workshop type, the type of grime you face, and any specific safety or environmental regulations to make your informed decision.

Final Verdict

Deciding on the best parts washer solvent isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but rather about matching the solvent to your specific cleaning challenges and priorities.

• For the environmentally conscious and those with smart washers, the Oil Eater is your clear winner, blending powerful cleaning with green credentials.
• If you need quick, general-purpose degreasing with enhanced safety features, the CRC Parts Washer Solvent will serve you exceptionally well.
• Industrial users demanding cold tank performance and a better scent should lean towards the R19835.
• For spotless, residue-free parts critical for subsequent steps, you can’t go wrong with the B’laster Industrial Strength Solvent.
• And for consistent, everyday cleaning on a budget, the Von Haas offers solid, dependable performance.

Ultimately, all five of these parts washer solvents are highly effective. Your ideal choice will depend on whether you prioritize eco-friendliness, speed, specialized industrial use, residue-free results, or simple cost-effectiveness for your workshop.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What’s the main difference between water-based and solvent-based parts washer solvents?
A1: Water-based parts washer solvents, like Oil Eater, often use detergents and alkaline builders to break down grease, are typically biodegradable, safer for the environment, and can be used in heated or bio-remediating systems. Solvent-based options, such as CRC or B’laster, use petroleum-based chemicals to dissolve grease, tend to evaporate faster, and often offer quicker cleaning for certain types of grime.

Q2: Are all parts washer solvents safe for plastic and painted surfaces?
A2: No, not all of them. While many modern parts washer solvents, like CRC and B’laster, are formulated to be safe on most plastics and painted surfaces, some harsher solvents can damage or discolor these materials. Always check the product’s label and, if unsure, perform a small spot test on an inconspicuous area first.

Q3: How important is a high flashpoint in a parts washer solvent?
A3: A high flashpoint is very important for safety. The flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. A higher flashpoint (e.g., CRC’s 204°F) means the solvent is less flammable and safer to use, especially in a workshop environment where sparks or heat might be present. When choosing the best parts washer solvent, safety should always be a key consideration.

Q4: Can I dispose of used parts washer solvent down the drain?
A4: Absolutely not. Used parts washer solvent, regardless of whether it’s water-based or solvent-based, will contain hazardous waste (grease, oil, heavy metals, etc.). It must be disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations for hazardous waste. Many suppliers offer recycling or disposal services, or you may need to contact a waste management company.

Q5: How often should I change my parts washer solvent?
A5: The frequency depends on how often you use your parts washer and how dirty the parts are. Generally, you should change the solvent when it becomes heavily contaminated, no longer cleans effectively, or when you notice a significant accumulation of sludge at the bottom of the tank. For bio-remediating systems (like with Oil Eater), the fluid might last much longer as microbes consume the contaminants.

Q6: Can I use regular household degreasers or kerosene in my parts washer?
A6: It’s strongly advised against using household degreasers or substances like kerosene. Household cleaners aren’t designed for parts washers and may lack the necessary cleaning power, proper safety profiles (flashpoint), or corrosion inhibitors. Kerosene, while a solvent, often has a low flashpoint, can be highly flammable, and may not provide optimal cleaning without leaving residues. Always use a product specifically formulated as a parts washer solvent for safety and effectiveness.