Mechanic Monday.. Tip of the week parts cleaners.

Mechanic Monday.. Tip of the week parts cleaners.
Have you noticed that the spray cleaners such as carb and brake cleaner don't clean as well as they used too and are getting more expensive?
There are two good options that are less expensive and less toxic. For light duty cleaning of parts try drug store rubbing alcohol. It works fairly well and is only slightly lower in performance to the cleaning ability of current name brand brake cleaners.
Another option and better degreaser is mineral spirits sold at most hardware stores. It however takes longer to evaporate. (I would not use mineral spirits on brake pads) A word of warning both of these solvents are flammable so be extra careful if used in a spray bottle. There are a couple of other solvents such as acetone which work better then mineral spirits, however it is more toxic and more flammable. It evaporates fast and could easily pose a toxic and fire hazard in a home shop that shares space with a water heater or furnace.  It is very important to read and follow the label directions and warnings on these products.

UPDATE… California has restricted the general public from buying mineral spirits. If you have a business you can still buy it. Funny they would ban that as it is one of the safer solvents. Acetone is still available just be careful with the fire hazard side of it and all the safety issues on the side of the can.
Stay greasy my friends