Cleaning your Equipment Right with WD-40 Specialist® Cleaner and Degreaser

As the age-old proverb goes, “Clean equipment is happy equipment”. Okay, we made that up, but that doesn't make it any less true. Keeping your equipment, like pumps and motors, clean is one of the most important aspects of a proper maintenance strategy, yet it is rarely carried out. Below we explore the importance of using a high-quality cleaner and degreaser in your equipment maintenance strategies. We will also look at how this prolongs the life of your equipment and ensures optimal performance.

First, what is a cleaner and degreaser and why is the use thereof important?

A cleaner and degreaser is a chemical solution, specifically created to remove grease, oil or dirt. It binds to these impurities, allowing them to be easily rinsed or wiped away.

The buildup of grease, oil or dirt hinders the performance of equipment, due to added strain and resistance on its components.

Let’s unpack this by thinking of a timing belt in your car. Imagine the belt is covered in dirt and grime due to extended use. These contaminants hinder the belt's movement resulting in delayed timing and even belt failure.

Now if the belt was clean and free from these contaminants, the engine would run smoothly and perform better.

In the same sense grease, oil or dirt leads to equipment having to work harder to reach the same output as if it were clean. This added strain causes unforeseen breakdowns and a reduced lifespan. 

By keeping your equipment clean, you reduce the frequency of unforeseen breakdowns, which results in less maintenance expenses, increasing the performance of your wallet alongside your equipment.  WD-40 Specialist_® Cleaner and Degreaser can help keep your equipment running like new. 

Traditionally a cleaner and degreaser, especially a heavy duty degreaser, contains caustic soda as its active ingredient. While it is a very powerful degreasing agent, it is also a highly dangerous chemical that can cause detrimental effects to a person’s health. These effects extend to your equipment and cause flash rust, which can damage equipment and lead to premature failure.

Enter WD-40 Specialist Cleaner and Degreaser: a safe and powerful cleaner and degreaser made to penetrate and eliminate any grease, grime or impurity. It is a caustic soda-free product that’s active ingredients include aminocarboxylic acid salt and potassium hydroxide.

This non-flammable, non-corrosive, non-abrasive, low-odor cleaner can be used in any environment from food-processing facilities to automotive shops. It is a versatile cleaner and degreaser and is safe to use on aluminum, chrome, glass, plastic, rubber, stainless steel, granite, leather, paint, and many other surfaces.

It is also biodegradable and meets U.S. EPA Safer Choice Standards, and is A1, A2, A4, A8 and B1 NSF registered.

Ensure you view all of the directions on the packaging before use.  

Apply the WD-40 Specialist_® Cleaner and Degreaser onto the surface of the equipment you intend to clean. The 32-oz bottle has an adjustable spray nozzles that make application a breeze.

After applying the cleaner and degreaser to the surface of your equipment, rinse away the grease, oil or dirt with water or wipe off with a cloth.

For heavy deposits of grease, oil or dirt, allow the solution to soak for several minutes and then rinse or wipe off.

After cleaning your equipment let it dry and inspect it to determine if another round of cleaning is required. When inspecting the surface of your equipment, note that no flash rust has formed, this is due to the corrosion inhibitor contained in WD-40 Specialist_® Cleaner and Degreaser.

You can repeat the cleaning process as many times as needed.

After your equipment looks brand new, thanks to its thorough cleaning, you can ensure its performance and longevity by implementing regular cleaning practices. The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors including how often the equipment is used and the environment in which it operates. Regular cleaning however, will prevent any contaminant build-up and ensure optimal operation.

When implementing your regular cleaning schedule, be careful not to make common mistakes such as:

• Overusing Products: Only use as much as required. Using too much cleaner or degreaser can leave residue attracting more dirt.
• Using Incorrect Products: Ensure the cleaner and degreaser you are using is suitable to use for your specific equipment to avoid damage. WD-40 Specialist_® Cleaner and Degreaser is suitable for most surfaces, but always double-check compatibility.
• Neglecting Safety Measures: Ensure to always follow the safety guidelines provided, this includes wearing PPE and ensuring the equipment is turned off and cool before cleaning.

By following the correct cleaning procedures, you will ensure that your equipment operates efficiently with a longer lifespan and fewer unplanned maintenance intervals.

Regular cleaning and degreasing is not only a necessity but will ensure happier equipment and a happier you, embodying our newly-formed, age-old, proverb “Clean equipment is happy equipment”.

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