You can make a highly effective homemade engine degreaser by combining simple household ingredients: ammonia, water, and liquid dish soap.
Keeping your engine clean is essential for performance and longevity. While commercial degreasers are readily available, a powerful and cost-effective solution can often be mixed right at home using common supplies.
Homemade Engine Degreaser Recipe
Based on a common method, an efficient homemade degreaser can be created with a specific ratio of three ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Ammonia
- Water
- Liquid Dish Soap
Ratio:
The recipe calls for a specific proportion of these ingredients to create a potent cleaning mixture.
- 2 parts Ammonia
- 2 parts Water
- 1 part Liquid Dish Soap
For example, if you use 1 cup as your "part," you would mix 2 cups of ammonia, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of liquid dish soap.
Mixing and Using Your Degreaser
Creating and applying the degreaser correctly ensures both effectiveness and safety.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Gather Supplies: You will need the ingredients listed above and a sturdy spray bottle. Ensure the spray bottle is clean.
- Combine Ingredients: Carefully pour the ammonia, water, and liquid dish soap into the spray bottle according to the 2:2:1 ratio.
- Blend Well: Securely close the spray bottle and gently shake to thoroughly mix the solution. Ensure the mixture is well blended.
- Application: Spray the mixture directly onto the greasy areas of the engine as needed.
- Scrub: Use a brush or cloth to scrub the areas, breaking down grease and grime.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the engine completely with clean water. It's crucial to rinse the engine thoroughly after application to remove all residue.
- Repeat if Necessary: For heavily soiled engines, you may need to repeat the process.
Practical Tips & Safety Notes
- Ventilation is Key: Ammonia has strong fumes. Always use this mixture in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
- Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and eye protection when handling ammonia and applying the degreaser.
- Test a Small Area: If you are concerned about potential damage to certain engine parts or finishes, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Avoid Electrical Components: Be cautious when spraying around sensitive electrical components. It's often best to cover them before application.
- Disposal: Dispose of any leftover mixture responsibly according to local guidelines for household chemicals.
By following these simple steps and precautions, you can effectively clean your engine using a powerful homemade degreaser.
