Good general cleaner/degreaser

[TimmyMallett]

Washing my bike, I have plenty of car cleaning stuff but nothing as a general, what I refer to as 'oily covered dust' which accumulated on the underside. It's not oil leak generated but it's the stuff that builds up on engine casings and rubber hoses that are close to the road. so not to be used everywhere liberally but localised away from o rings and seals etc maybe?

I think I used SDOC 100 in the past which was excellent but not cheap, is there anything else I should try?

[StreetDragster]

£1 elbow grease seems to get a good review.

I have a bottle but i havent tried it yet

[TimmyMallett]

The APC stuff in a yellow bottle? I'm sometimes a bit cautious of using non bike specific stuff. Maybe over cautious?

[Jazoli]

Do not buy anything by Ammo Pro, their supposedly 'safe' cleaner has tarnished every black bit of metal on my bike despite using it as directed.

[wa16]

gunk/jizzer - apply with old paint brush, hose off

rest of bike with these Vulcanet Cleaning Wipes can be used on the really gunky bits but can be hard work

[gavgavgav]

I use this stuff everywhere https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-...

[itcaptainslow]

Autoglym Engine & Machine Cleaner seems pretty good at removing most oily/greasy things while being relatively kind to finishes.

[Supercilious Sid]

wa16 said:

gunk/jizzer - apply with old paint brush, hose off

rest of bike with these Vulcanet Cleaning Wipes can be used on the really gunky bits but can be hard work

It has to be Gunk.

[bogie]

I just wipe it off with a Vulcanet wipe, great stuff, I use it for most cleaning purposes.

[InitialDave]

Bilt Hamber Surfex HD is good.

[Krikkit]

StreetDragster said:

£1 elbow grease seems to get a good review.

I have a bottle but i havent tried it yet

This! Use it all over the show and it's brilliant.

Supercilious Sid said:

It has to be Gunk.

Used to be good until they changed the recipe, now it's crap imho.

[FSEngineer]

gavgavgav said:

I use this stuff everywhere https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-...

This stuff is magic for greasy bits in particular, BUT tread lightly as if you use it in too high concentration/leave it on too long it can etch or stain aluminium parts

[nunpuncher]

I use cheap brake disc cleaner off Amazon. By far the best degreaser I've used.

[StreetDragster]

TimmyMallett said:

The APC stuff in a yellow bottle? I'm sometimes a bit cautious of using non bike specific stuff. Maybe over cautious?

Yep thats the stuff.

[V1nce Fox]

nunpuncher said:

I use cheap brake disc cleaner off Amazon. By far the best degreaser I've used.

Another vote for brake cleaner. 5l bottle and a decent pump sprayer. It saves a lot of fecking about.

[Megaflow]

gavgavgav said:

I use this stuff everywhere https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-...

^ what he said. But where gloves, it does an excellent job of degreasing your skin as well!

[KTMsm]

I use:

Petrol
Paraffin
WD40
Brake Cleaner
TFR
Fairy Liquid

Depending on the situation and what I have to hand

[V1nce Fox]

Megaflow said:

gavgavgav said:

I use this stuff everywhere https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-...

^ what he said. But where gloves, it does an excellent job of degreasing your skin as well!

wasn't aware of this stuff. What benefits would it have over brake cleaner?

(genuine question btw!)

[podman]

Supercilious Sid said:

wa16 said:

gunk/jizzer - apply with old paint brush, hose off

rest of bike with these Vulcanet Cleaning Wipes can be used on the really gunky bits but can be hard work

It has to be Gunk.

I agree, I work for a chemical manufacturer ,albeit in another area than automotive, but we do sell degreasers(floor/surface) .

Ive tried them all but Gunk is the best ive used on my bikes that doesn't damage any surfaces / materials/paint.

Brake/clutch cleaner has its uses , I always have some cans available but can attack some surfaces , for wider, generally soiled areas Gunk and the aforementioned selection of brushes works for me.

Only other suggestion I have is dont waste your money on MucOff.

[Zarco]

StreetDragster said:

TimmyMallett said:

The APC stuff in a yellow bottle? I'm sometimes a bit cautious of using non bike specific stuff. Maybe over cautious?

Yep thats the stuff.

Found a bottle of that under my sink today. I'll give it a go on the bike next time.