TMGT
Elite Member
I worked as an auto tech for a long time, when it was busy you just ate as you went. Bread is great at cleaning your hands apparently, but only if you're eating it............
Tractors and Grease . . how to make it less messy.
- Thread starter AxleHub
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AxleHub
Elite Member
Another item that helps with cleaning grease is hair shampoo . . especially cheap hair shampoo. NO CONDITIONER ADDITIVES and designed for oily hair. Shampoo by its nature is designed to be used on the body so it isnt caustic to skin. But its also designed to remove oil and greasy secretions but it doesn't have a cleaner or industrial smell . Works better than dish detergent (dawn blue) and doesn't separate like orange or go jo . And your hands won't smell like a machinist . . . and your wife will notice. 
SPYDERLK
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The foamed soap "Method" is surprisingly good alone. With just a little Fast Orange added its even better. The foam keeps the grit there so it can work longer.
Another item that helps with cleaning grease is hair shampoo . . especially cheap hair shampoo. NO CONDITIONER ADDITIVES and designed for oily hair. Shampoo by its nature is designed to be used on the body so it isnt caustic to skin. But its also designed to remove oil and greasy secretions but it doesn't have a cleaner or industrial smell . Works better than dish detergent (dawn blue) and doesn't separate like orange or go jo . And your hands won't smell like a machinist . . . and your wife will notice.
Good tip. I think a key is "cheap" shampoo... the more expensive ones tend to have many additives (oils). Whether using shampoo or dish detergent, here is an old trick I learned... apply it "dry." Don't run the water and wet your hands. Apply the soap/shampoo first and work it in. After it is worked in, they use water to rinse. Much more effective than soap+water.
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AxleHub
Elite Member
You are correct on dry first. And I emphasized cheap shampoo because it still has to be safe for skin contact but the cheap stuff (or old leftover stuff) works better anyway as long as no conditioners are involved.
I grew up in a machinist and tool and die envirnment and my dad's hands always smelled of heat treating oils and lubricating oils for lathe work. The shampoo has a much more friendly smell than go jo or orange or pumice. And as long as it works so well . . Why not have your hands both clean AND not smell industrial lol.
not2old
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aerosol brake parts cleaner saved my good suit.
TomSeller
Super Member
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AxleHub
Elite Member
Cotton is probably ok but I'd be concerned about nylon or rayon or polyester because brake cleaner is a solvent.
As I said previously, the old chlorinated brake cleaner, (generally in the red can), is a form of dry cleaning fluid. Which is exactly what they use at the cleaners to remove grease.
Other than the headache the vapors may give you, the only down side is, there tends to be a ring around the stain, because you can't immerse the entire garment in the solvent, like your cleaners can.
With enough effort, you can do a good job removing stains with chlorinated brake cleaner.
Compressed air, is the most effective way to remove a stain, once you get it to dissolve.
The other can of brake cleaner, the non-chlorinated type, is lacquer thinner, which also works, just not quite as well.
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