How to Remove Grease From Metal for Guaranteed Results

Removing grease from metal surfaces can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and products, you can get guaranteed results. Grease tends to cling stubbornly to metal, so it’s important to use the proper removal methods to break down the greasy residue and restore your metal surfaces to a clean, shiny finish.

Why It’s Important to Remove Grease from Metal

Allowing grease to build up on metal creates a few problems:

Appearance – Grease stains make metal look dirty and unattractive. This is especially problematic on decorative pieces or surfaces that are visible.
Corrosion – Grease can trap moisture against the metal, leading to rust and corrosion over time. This can damage the metal and weaken its integrity.
Unsanitary Conditions – Grease residue on surfaces like stoves, grills and range hoods is unsanitary and can promote the growth of bacteria.
Safety Hazards – Greasy buildup on tools, equipment and non-slip surfaces like stairs and walkways causes slip and fall hazards.
Efficiency – Grease accumulation impairs the functioning of mechanical parts and systems, reducing efficiency.

Regular grease removal is essential for aesthetic, hygienic and practical reasons. The good news is that with concerted effort and the right cleaning agents, you can absolutely remove grease from metal for guaranteed results.

Cleaning vs. Degreasing Metal

Simply cleaning greasy metal isn’t enough – you need to degrease it. Cleaning involves removing surface dirt and debris with soap, water or mild cleaners. Degreasing requires stronger solvents that can actually dissolve and remove built-up grease and oil.

For heavy grease deposits, you’ll need a purpose-made degreaser. However, for mild grease you can use a multipurpose cleaner formulated for grease-cutting. The key is to use the appropriate product for the amount and type of grease.

How to Choose a Good Degreaser

Look for a degreaser specially formulated for use on metals. Avoid degreasers made exclusively for concrete, asphalt or engines.

See if the degreaser specifies that it’s effective on common metal grease like brake fluid, gear oil, hydraulic fluid or bearing grease. A degreaser with a broad spectrum of use will offer more versatility.

Select a metal degreaser that can work on many types of metals – not just one specialized type. All-metal formulas provide more flexibility.

Pick a degreaser that comes in a ready-to-use formula for convenience. Concentrates you’ll have to mix with water can work, but ready-to-use is simpler.

Opt for a low-odor, low-VOC degreaser to minimize unpleasant fumes. This includes options with biodegradable or naturally derived formulas.

Avoid chlorinated degreasers for cleaning sensitive metals like aluminum, copper or brass, as they can discolor or corrode these reactive metals.

Check that the degreaser is compatible with your desired cleaning method – spray-on, immersion, ultrasonic or pressure washing.

Finally, make sure the degreaser is suitable for your safety needs. Non-flammable and non-combustible degreasers are critical for high-heat applications.

Common Degreasing Agents

Degreasers work thanks to active ingredients that break down oil and grease. Here are some of the most common degreasing agents to look for:

Alkaline cleaners – Contain sodium/potassium hydroxide to dissolve grease. Corrosive, so rinse thoroughly.
Solvents – Penetrate and dissolve grease. Examples are mineral spirits, turpentine, naphtha. Require caution.
Acids – Cut through grease but can damage metal. Phosphoric and sulfuric acid are commonly used.
Liquid dish soaps – Surfactants allow soaps to emulsify some grease. Very mild cleaning.
TSP (trisodium phosphate) – Stronger than soap. Removes oil and opens pores. Rinse completely.
Enzymes – Naturally digest grease. More mild than other degreasers. Typically plant-based.
Abrasives – Help scrub off grease mechanically. Use mildly abrasive creams or pastes.
Steam – Heat liquefies grease for easier removal. Useful for equipment.

Best Methods for Removing Grease from Metal

Successfully removing grease takes the right process for the type and location of the greasy metal. Here are some recommended methods:

1. Manual Cleaning

Scrub greasy areas with a degreasing cleanser and a abrasive tool like a scrub brush, sponge or steel wool. Elbow grease helps!
For stuck-on grease, let the degreaser soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. This softens the grease for easier removal.
Rinse thoroughly with hot water to wash away all greasy residue.
Repeat if needed for full degreasing. Allow to fully dry.
Pros: Simple, inexpensive, targeted cleaning.
Cons: Labor-intensive, not practical for large/complex equipment.

2. Immersion Soaking

Fill a container with undiluted degreaser large enough to submerge the greasy metal object.
Allow the metal to soak in the degreasing bath for 30-60 minutes. Agitate periodically.
Remove and scrub any remaining grease by hand if needed.
Rinse very thoroughly with water and dry completely.
Pros: Degreases hard to reach areas. Long exposure deeply penetrates grease.
Cons: Requires large volumes of degreaser. Not practical for fixed equipment.

3. Ultrasonic Cleaning

Fill an ultrasonic cleaner bath with a degreasing solution. Water-based cleaners often work best.
Fully submerge the smaller greasy metal object in the bath.
Run the ultrasonic cleaner for 20-30 minutes. The cavitating bubbles help loosen grease.
Rinse thoroughly. Repeat cycle if needed for full degreasing.
Pros: Very thorough cleaning for intricate parts. Automated process.
Cons: Only suitable for smaller removable parts. Equipment investment required.

4. Pressure Washing

Apply a degreasing agent like a citrus cleaner to the metal surface.
Allow it to soak for several minutes.
Pressure wash away grease with a high psi power washer. Hot water attachment helps.
Rinse surface thoroughly. Repeat as required until all grease removed.
Pros: Quickly cleans large equipment, vertical surfaces. High pressure attacks grease.
Cons: Doesn’t work as well on delicate metals. Creates hazardous spray.

5. Steam Cleaning

Apply a diluted alkaline-based degreasing agent to the metal.
Pass a pressurized steam cleaner over the greasy surface.
The heat helps melt and mobilize thicker grease deposits.
Scrub with a stiff brush to remove loosened grease.
Rinse thoroughly with low pressure steam. Allow to fully dry.
Pros: Hot steam degreases quickly without damage. Loosens stuck-on grease.
Cons: Not practical for intricate parts. Produces wet metal surface.

Degreasing Tips and Tricks

Use hot water where possible – it melts grease for easier removal.
Wipe off any easy accessible grease first before intensive cleaning.
Rinse degreased metals with a solvent like rubbing alcohol for streak-free results.
Ensure proper ventilation, PPE and read all warning labels when using chemical degreasers.
Dispose of used degreasing chemicals properly according to local environmental regulations.
For oven hoods, degrease the metal filters separately for optimal results.
Degrease in sections for very large equipment. Don’t let degreaser dry on surface.
Avoid power washing delicate surfaces – opt for manual scrubbing instead.

Best Degreasers for Common Metals

Steel

Alkaline / TSP cleaners
Citrus or biodegradable solvents
Avoid: Acidic or chlorinated degreasers

Stainless Steel

Dish soap & water
Solvent cleaner
Avoid: Harsh alkaline and acid cleaners

Aluminum

Solvent cleaners
Mild alkaline cleaner
Avoid: Acidic or chlorinated degreasers

Copper & Brass

Ammonia cleaner
Non-chlorinated solvent
Avoid: Acid cleaners

Safely Handling Metal Degreasers

Wear proper PPE – gloves, eye protection, apron, mask as needed
Use in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
Never mix cleaners, especially bleach and acid
Check product safety ratings – only use as directed
Dilute concentrated cleaners properly before use
Rinse surfaces thoroughly to remove all cleaner residue
Dispose of used degreasers appropriately – don’t pour down drains

What to Do After Degreasing Metal

Dry metal thoroughly to prevent flash rusting. Wipe down or air dry.
On cooking surfaces like grills, season the metal after cleaning to protect it.
Apply a metal sealer / polish to prevent grease attraction and leave a protective coating.
For moving parts, lubricate again with proper oils once fully dry.
Check periodically for grease buildup and repeat cleaning as needed to prevent heavy staining.

With the proper degreasing process and cleaning products, you can safely restore any greasy metal surface to a fresh, oil-free state. Just be sure to use the technique best suited to your situation for guaranteed results. Consistent grease removal will help maintain the appearance, integrity and performance of metal components.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Grease from Metal

How do you remove old, dried grease from metal?

For removing old, dried grease deposits from metal, soften the grease by soaking the area in a degreaser solution for 10-20 minutes. Gently agitate stiff brushes work best for scrubbing. Pressure washing and steam cleaning also help blast off stuck-on dried grease.

What is the easiest way to remove grease from metal?

The easiest way to remove fresh grease from metal is by cleaning with a citrus or alkaline degreasing agent, hot water and scrubbing with a brush or sponge. For mild grease deposits, dishwashing liquid also works well. The key is using a cleaner formulated to cut through grease.

What removes burned on grease from a metal oven hood?

Burnt-on grease requires a heavy duty degreaser. Cover the oven hood filters in an alkaline or TSP cleaner. Let it soak before scrubbing with a wire brush. Rinse thoroughly and repeat as needed. Refractory oven cleaners also work well for burnt grease.

Can I remove grease from metal with just baking soda?

Baking soda alone does not effectively remove grease from metal. It lacks the solvents and surfactants needed to penetrate and dissolve oil and grease. For best results, combine baking soda with a degreasing cleaner, hot water and scrubbing. The abrasiveness of baking soda then helps.

What should you not use to degrease metal?

Avoid degreasing metals with chlorine bleach, muriatic acid, trichloroethylene, acetone or a chlorinated solvent. These can all be corrosive and damaging to metal surfaces. Also avoid alkaline degreasers on sensitive metals like aluminum. Check product labels.

Conclusion

Removing stubborn grease from metal is very possible with the proper degreasing techniques. Assessing the grease deposit, using the right metal-safe cleaner and scrubbing, soaking or pressure washing the greasy surface will guarantee excellent results. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse degreasers, dry the metal fully and dispose of chemicals properly. Keeping metal equipment and surfaces free of greasy buildup will maintain their integrity and appearance. Consistent degreasing efforts are well worth the effort for clean and well-functioning metal.