Safe degreaser??

[MichaelHoward]

Need a safe kind, going to soak down the back rim and sprockets and things on my Wrench bike. Don't want to hurt the tire or the rim.

Any suggestions??:roll:

[bhppy101]

Simple Green works great!

[MichaelHoward]

Simple Green? I have seen that at Wally World. Ok, I will give her a try!!
Thanks.8-)

[MissFabulous]

Simple Green? I have seen that at Wally World. Ok, I will give her a try!!
Thanks.8-)

Oddly, I don't think Walmart carries it. I use it at my shop and last time I went there to buy supplies, I couldn't find it with the cleaning stuff. Home Depot carried it last I checked, and probably some supermarkets. It's great stuff - gentle but really powerful.

[pozzi]

Simple Green works great!

+1 for simple green!

or one of those citurs based cleaners (orange all).

whatever you do, DO NOT use anything like STP Son-of-a-Gun cleaner or anything with a basic pH level on anything aluminum! especially anodized or polished aluminum. it will actually etch the surface, often times completely removing anodizing all together. they leave behind a dull matte stain that is actually etched into the surface.
many of those engine foams and cleaners are basic based pH levels that cause the staining.

stick with acidic based cleaners...they tend to be much safer on all surfaces.

[DanTheMan]

But why is your safe greasy???????? Have you been taking all your money out of it lately to pay the mechanics to finish the job??????????8-)

[pozzi]

But why is your safe greasy???????? Have you been taking all your money out of it lately to pay the mechanics to finish the job??????????8-)

[hp1000s]

Careful.....Simple Green concentrate used at full strength can be un-friendly to aluminum and some painted surfaces. It works better/safer if it's diluted down with water IMO.

[jeeptrix]

Simply Green is not something you want to use on aluminum.

[bonanzadave]

Read the small print. Some mag wheel sprays say right on the back "Not for motorcycle wheels" Some even say dont put it down the drain. Nasty stuff. My buddy uses it to clean carb parts. Its acid ! Ive been using a Biodegradeable product thats green (not simple green) but I forget the name. It might be Gunk all purpose cleaner. I like the bio part.

[jimcor]

What does work and will not harm the paint or aluminum is the old standby, Gunk engine cleaner. No, it's not very environmentally friendly, but it does a great job on engines and wheels when used with a garden hose at a high pressure. Cleans chains, even O ring safe. (Don't spray your O or X ring chain with water though) Spray can of Gunk is about $1.50~2.00. I believe this stuff is illegal for use in Florida because of water supply environmental laws.

[Guest]

Or WD-40. Or turpentine and a toothbrush.

[Jethro]

I second the WD-40. Applied on a rag first, then wipe down the rims. Afterwards, use some aluminum polish on a scotch-brite pad, followed by almuminum polish on a soft rag, followed by a clean rag. Makes my wheels look like new.

WD-40 is the best cleaner out there. Or kerosene, which is a lot cheaper, but less conveinient.

[jpaul]

For cleaning my rear wheel, I use Simple Green. I bought a small scrubbrush at Lowes that holds about 4 oz. of liquid soap. Squeeze the back to apply some soap, and scrub away. It makes the job go fairly quick. Even concentrated, Simple Green isn't too aggressive to use on aluminum, just don't let it sit for a long time without rinsing off.