Econo-Clean vs. Traditional Degreasers: Protecting Your Car and the Environment

Paolo Rigoni • Jul 29, 2024

Regularly cleaning your vehicle helps maintain its performance and appearance, but harsh chemicals in traditional degreasers can harm your car and the environment.


Econo-Chem’s effective, eco-friendly alternative, Econo-Clean, has a rapidly-biodegradable formula that’s easy on your vehicle and removes grease without damaging the ecosystem.


Keep reading to learn the cons of traditional degreasers versus the advantages of using Econo-Clean, the impact that both have on your vehicle and the environment, and what loyal customers are saying about this product.

Econo-Clean vs. Traditional Degreasers: Protecting Your Car and the Environment

Drawbacks of Traditional Chemical Degreasers

Traditional car cleaning products typically contain strong solvents like acetone, toluene, xylene, detergents, and alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide. These ingredients work together to dissolve grease, oils, and grime. 


Detailing shops often use traditional degreasers to clean engines, chassis, and other metal parts. These products effectively remove stubborn contaminants to maintain performance and extend the lifespan of vehicles, but improper handling can have significant environmental disadvantages, such as:

  • Traditional car cleaning products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic ingredients can harm the environment. These elements contribute to air pollution and can damage aquatic ecosystems.
  • The runoff contaminates soil and groundwater, posing risks to plants, animals, and human health. Improper disposal of these chemicals leads to long-term ecological damage.


Potential Harm to Vehicle Components

Car parts, paint, and finishes are susceptible to damage from car cleaning products with harsh solvents and alkaline agents. These strong chemicals can strip protective coatings, leading to corrosion and rust. Prolonged exposure can dull or discolour paint and degrade rubber and plastic components, resulting in costly repairs. 


Advantages of Using Econo-Clean

Econo-Clean has many benefits over traditional degreasers, making it a superior choice for yourcar cleaning needs.


Benefit #1: Eco-Friendly Composition

Its rapidly-biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients create minimal environmental impact, significantly reducing pollution and harmful runoff into waterways. Unlike traditional degreasers that contain harsh chemicals, it breaks down quickly, eliminating long-term degradation. 


Econo-Clean provides a sustainable alternative, promoting healthier living by minimizing the release of toxic substances without compromising performance.


Benefit #2: Safe on Vehicle Components

Safe for users and vehicle surfaces with its gentle formulation, it effectively cleans without damaging parts, paint, or finishes, reducing repair and replacement costs. Here’s what some of our loyal customers are saying:


We have used Econo-Clean for almost three years in our automotive shop. Works great for everything from cleaning glass to floors to cars to our break room!” — Linda McMullin.


Here at Prairie Transmission, we use Econo-Clean to clean and detail customers' vehicles after repairs and for all our general cleaning needs.” —Dale Collins.


Benefit #3: Cost-Effectiveness

Its highly concentrated formula allows you to dilute the cleaning solution based on tasks, saving you from buying dozens of pre-diluted bottles. You can save even more when you buy it in bulk. 


Vehicle Cleaning Tips

Here are some tips to consider when prepping your vehicle for cleaning:

  • Wear protection to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
  • Depending on which part of the car you’re cleaning and the level of grime, dilute with water according to the recommended ratio on the label.
  • Park the vehicle away from direct sunlight in a well-ventilated area.
  • Rinse the outside with water to remove loose dirt and debris. If you’re detailing inside the car, vacuum before applying Econo-Clean to upholstery, carpets, or mats.


How to Use Econo-Clean 

Application and cleaning methods depend on what you’re cleaning, for example:


Engines

  • Use a Heavy Duty 7-1 dilution
  • Spray diluted solution on the engine parts 
  • Let it stand for 5-10 minutes 
  • Use a brush to scrubstubborn grease
  • Thoroughly rinse with water 
  • Use a clean cloth or let air-dry

 Rims and Tires

  • Use a Heavy duty 10-1 dilution
  • Spray dilution solution to the wheels and tires 
  • Allow to sit for 2-5 minutes
  • Scrub with a brush
  • Rinse with water
  • Wipe with a clean cloth 

Upholstery and Carpet Stains

  • Use a Heavy Duty 10-1 dilution
  • Spray the diluted solution onto the upholstery or carpet
  • Let it sit for 2-3 minutes
  • Use a soft brush to scrub
  • Blot with a damp cloth to remove cleaner and dirt
  • Use a dry cloth to speed up the drying process

Exterior Body 

  • Use a General Purpose 30-1 dilution
  • Sponge or spray the diluted solution onto the surface
  • Allow it a couple of minutes to penetrate the dirt
  • Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub gently
  • Rinse thoroughly with water
  • Wipe with a clean, dry cloth or chamois

Glass and Mirrors

  • Use a Light duty 120-1 dilution
  • Spray the diluted solution to the glass or mirrors
  • Use a clean micro-fibre cloth and wipe in a circular motion

Buff with a dry cloth for streak-free finishes

Switch To A Safer, Greener Multi-Purpose Cleaning Product

Once diluted as recommended, Econo-Clean offers an eco-friendly, rapidly-biodegradable formula that removes grease without polluting air, soil, or waterways. It's non-toxic, safe for users and vehicle surfaces, and supports sustainable practices. Make the switch today to protect your vehicle's components and help preserve the environment for years to come.


For safer, greener automotive care,
try Econo-Clean now.

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