Simpe Green as a parts washer solvent warning

[330Scott]

Just thought that I would let you guys know that Simple Green freezes. I bought a 5 gallon jug of concentrated Pro Series Auto Cleaner/Degreaser for my parts washer and thought I would contact the company before I diluted it to their recommended 4:1 ratio. I am concerned because my parts washer is in my shop, which I keep unheated unless I am in it and we do get sub-zero temperatures around here.

Here is their reply:

Thank you for your inquiry. Simple Green Pro Series Automotive Cleaner concentrate and a 1:4 dilution will freeze just like water will. With both of them, you can thaw out the product, shake or mix the container to make sure all components are well-mixed again, and use the product without any loss in efficacy. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles will start to diminish cleaning ability (more than 2 times), so it is best if you can at least keep the concentrate in an area where it will not freeze. Some people put isopropyl alcohol into the cleaner to keep it from freezing, but please be aware that you will destroy the environmental and safety aspects of the product if you do this, and so we don't recommend it.

So I guess that I will continue to use mineral spirits through the winter.

 

[REFLEXX]

I also heard that simple green will corrode aluminium, if left on for extended periods of time.

Supposedly Boeing told thier manufacturing plans to stop using simple green on airframes.

not 100% sure, more like 43.7%


REFLEXX

 

[tbarber]

I also heard that simple green will corrode aluminium, if left on for extended periods of time.
Supposedly Boeing told thier manufacturing plans to stop using simple green on airframes.
not 100% sure, more like 43.7%
REFLEXX

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This is 100% CORRECT !!!
WARNING: Simple Green, Super Clean, Purple Power, and similar cleaners all are DESTRUCTIVE to aluminum! I had to learn this the hard way. I am swiching to mineral spirits. MUCH safer for non-ferous metals and more effective.

 

[FunfDreisig]

Doesn't anyone use Varsol anymore?

Funf Dreisig

 

[M3Pilot]

Have had no luck finding Varso. When I asked the local bulk distributor for some,they sold me mineral spirits. I don't think there's really much difference.

 

[billspit]

Varsol is considered white spirits, so its close to mineral spirits.

Varsol is a trade name (I think). I used to get it from an oil distributor. You take by a one gallon jug and he would fill it up. That was years ago though. I have no idea why he would have been selling it in bulk. Some dry cleaners now use varsol instead of the evil perc.