The best engine cleaner is what any car owner should have. It is an irreplaceable helper when it is necessary to degrease and clean the motor and mechanical car parts under a hood.
Table of Contents
What Is the Engine Cleaner?
When I imagine a car mechanic, I somehow see them with hands covered in grease – the grease that is all over the powerful machine under a bonnet, and the one that is so stubborn to clean. You can easily wash your hands, but the car parts and the greasy dirt need a unique solution to fight it.
See also:
What is The Best Engine Cleaner to Buy?
When you are choosing the best cleaner and degreaser for your car, you would want it to be safe for many surfaces, but still powerful and efficient. It has to be safe for you and your environment, too.
- Editor’s Choice – CRC Hydro-Force Degreaser
Citrus-scented concentrated formula safe for cleaning the most stubborn grime on almost any surface - Best Overall – Gunk Multi-Surface Cleaner
Zero VOC biodegradable formula for cleaning all vehicle engines and surfaces under a hood - The Strongest One – WD-40 Specialist
A water-based biodegradable formula that works amazingly on almost all surfaces. - Best for All Vehicles – Total Cycle Cleaner S 100
Specially designed for motorcycles with features that will make your car engine shine, too - Best for Both Interior & Exterior Car Surfaces – Carfidant Ultimate Cleaner
Tough but gentle ultimate cleaner for both car interior and exterior cleaning - Best Budget – Meguiar’s Super Degreaser
- The Most Powerful Cleaner – Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser
Concentrated, powerful cleaning solution for a car engine, machines, tools, and greased floors - The Most Versatile – Purple Power Degreaser
Powerful concentrated, biodegradable cleaner and degreaser for your car, boat, tools, and home - The Best on Hard Surfaces – McKee’s Engine Degreaser
A non-toxic, biodegradable formula that does miracles on any hard surface
The Best Engine Cleaners Comparison Chart 2021
Engine cleaners are solutions that will help you get rid of the grime and grease on your car engine or many other surfaces. However, not all Engine cleaner products are the same. They differ by their cleaning options, whether they are water or solvent-based, good or somewhat bad for the environment and by their weight and dimensions.
Top 15 Best Engine Cleaner Reviews 2021
We all know how stubborn the grease and debris can be. Especially when you see the dar oily smears on your car engine or any appliance or shop floors. To fight it, I need the solution that will clean efficiently and leave the perfect and shiny surfaces, but also to be gentle not to damage anything you need to be cleaned.
Sonax Engine Cold Cleaner
This engine cleaner, coming from Germany, is a powerful fighting solution for any dirt that stuck to your engine. If you need to clean the entire engine or only some parts of it, then this cleaner will help you get rid of the most stubborn grime. The solution is free of phosphate, acid, and solvents.
When it comes to cleaning, you must be careful with plastic parts and electronic equipment found near the engine and its components. You should cover it and protect it from potential damage. It is also advisable not to use it on hot surfaces and to avoid working with it under direct sunlight.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | All car engines, the machine tools, and car parts and all the metal engine parts |
| Not safe for: | It is not advisable to use on the plastic parts and electronic components, and hot surfaces and under direct sunlight. |
| Product Package Weight: | 1.2 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 4.6 x 4 x 2.3 inches |
| Other: | Free of phosphate, acid, and solvent. |
Pros
- Powerful with degreasing all the metal engine parts
- Phosphate, acid, and solvent-free
Cons
- You need to protect all the sensitive parts from damaging
- Be careful with using on hot surfaces or under a direct sunlight
Watch this video to see the review of Sonax Engine Cold Cleaner:
WD-40 Specialist Engine Cleaner
(The Strongest One)
When you think of WD-40, you will certainly associate it with unsticking stubborn screws or lubricating the parts to get rid of a squeaking noise. But WD-40 also has a way to fight the stubborn debris built on your car engine. It will also clean industrial machines and appliances, as well as shop floors smugged with grease.
Its water-based formula and the biodegradable feature makes it an environment-friendly product. The bottle has a refill port, which will help you add more solutions without spilling it. Spray it on the greased areas and let it sit for several minutes. When you rinse it, you will get a shiny result without damaging the surface.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For all greased automobile parts, tools, industrial machines, shop floors, appliances, and various equipment and parts. |
| Not safe for: | Not for sensitive surfaces. Avoid air filters and electronic parts. |
| Product Package Weight: | 1.05 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 10.1 x 4.1 x 2.7 inches |
| Other: | A biodegradable formula, a refill port convenient for filling up without spilling, water-based solution |
Pros
- Great for many surfaces
- Water-based solution
- Biodegradable
Cons
- The product bottle is not very good for more uses
- It is not the strongest one
Watch this video to see the review of WD-40 Specialist:
Wash-All Aero Cosmetics Engine Cleaner
If you need to clean your car engine, tires even an aircraft turbine soot, you will find this Wash-all Aero Cosmetics cleaner and degreaser a perfect choice for cleaning. It is a water-based formula that is entirely free of Alcohol and Ammonia. It is also biodegradable, which makes it safe for the environment.
Before using it, make sure that you cover all the electronic parts near the surface you intend to clean. Air filters are especially sensitive, so take particular care with them. You only need to spray it on the dirty surface, wait for several minutes, and wipe it or rinse it. You will undoubtedly get an impeccable cleaning result.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | It works on all metal surfaces, car engines, tires, diesel exhausts, even aircraft turbine soot |
| Not safe for: | Not for sensitive surfaces. Avoid air filters and electronic parts. |
| Product Package Weight: | 2 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 13 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Other: | A water-based and biodegradable formula that is free of Alcohol and Ammonia |
Pros
- Great for many surfaces
- Water-based solution
- Biodegradable
Cons
- Not for sensitive surfaces
- Not safe for electronic parts and air filters
Watch this video to see the review of Wash-All Aero Cosmetics:
Gunk Multi-Surface Engine Cleaner
(Editor’s Choice)
Gunk Multi-surface cleaner originates from a family-based company that earned trust among many satisfied users. It is powerful for cleaning all plastic and metal surfaces under the car hood, and it is unstoppable when it needs to fight the greasy, oily, and dirty surfaces of any vehicle, motorcycle, or even a marine engine.
It has a unique Zero VOC biodegradable formula that is safe for the environment. Still, it cannot be used on sensitive surfaces or on surfaces where you intend to prepare food. It is easy to apply it on your dirty surface, and you only need to spray it and wait for ten minutes. After the waiting period, rinse it thoroughly and enjoy the finished cleaning effect.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | Safe on all plastic and metal surfaces under the car hood, for greasy, oily and filthy surfaces. It can be used for all vehicles, motorcycles, and water engines. |
| Not safe for: | Not for sensitive surfaces. |
| Product Package Weight: | 2.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 14.7 x 6.3 x 11.5 inches |
| Other: | A biodegradable zero VOC formula |
Pros
- A biodegradable formula
- Safe on both plastic and metal parts
Cons
- Not for sensitive surfaces
Watch this video to see the review of GUNK Multi-Surface Cleaner:
Total Cycle Cleaner S100 Engine Cleaner
(The Best for All Vehicles)
This Total Cycle Cleaner is specially made for motorcycles, but not only the engines but the entire motorbike. But this versatile cleaner will not be stopped by grease and oily stains on any car engine or similar surface. You should take particular care with black surfaces since they might be sensitive to this kind of cleaner.
This cleaner has a special biodegradable formula without Acid and PH controlled with corrosion inhibitors. Just spray it on the filthy surface and wait for several minutes. You can see how the grime is dissolving from minute to minute. After the waiting period, rinse it thoroughly until all the grease is gone.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | Specially made for motorcycles and all the motorcycle surfaces. You can also use it for cleaning car engines and other vehicles. |
| Not safe for: | Not for sensitive surfaces. Take particular care with black surfaces |
| Product Package Weight: | 0.4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 7.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches |
| Other: | A biodegradable formula with no Acid, ph controlled with corrosion inhibitors |
Pros
- A biodegradable formula without Acid
- Contains corrosion inhibitors
- Versatile cleaner
Cons
- A sprayer can be defective
- Not for sensitive surfaces
- A bit pricey
Watch this video to see the review of Total Cycle Cleaner S 100:
Carfidant Ultimate Engine Cleaner
(The Best for Both Interior and Exterior Car Surfaces)
This versatile Carfidant Ultimate Cleaner is a fantastic choice for people who would want to use one product for any car surface. If you need to clean the car interior and make your dashboard or upholstery shine like new, this PH-balanced formula will be efficient enough to clean the entire car.
The most important thing about this cleaner is that it is also suitable for cleaning the car engine. It will make it as new as it was in the shop. To get the professionally detailed look, spray it and rinse it. Although it is made to clean the entire car, it will not fight the most stubborn dirt of the engine that was not cleaned for long.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | Safe for both interior and exterior car surfaces. It can be used on car upholstery, carpets and mats, and dashboards. Efficient on cleaning the car engine. |
| Not safe for: | Not for stubborn dirt |
| Product Package Weight: | 1.27 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 10 x 4.6 x 2.7 inches |
| Other: | PH balanced formula |
Pros
- The highly versatile formula for both interior and exterior car surfaces
- PH balanced formula
Cons
- Not for stubborn dirt
- Mainly for cleaning the car interior
Watch this video to see the review of Carfidant Ultimate Cleaner:
Meguiar’s Super Degreaser Engine Cleaner
(Best Budget)
This super degreaser has a very potent formula that will easily fight any stubborn dirt, especially on your engine bay. You only have to spray it, and the cleaning result will show almost instantly. Then, wipe it off or rinse it thoroughly. It will leave your car engine spotless, just like a new one.
This cleaner can also be used as an interior cleaner, but you have to dilute it and wipe it off. Please, make sure not to use it on aluminum or any other delicate surface, because it can be damaged with this powerful solution. The formula has a pleasant herbal smell that will not bother you while working with it.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | The strong formula for cleaning mostly the car exterior, but it can be used diluted to clean some interior parts |
| Not safe for: | DO not use on delicate surfaces, aluminum, and plastic |
| Product Package Weight: | 3.31 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 4.4 x 11.4 x 7 inches |
| Other: | The pleasant herbal smell, strong formula |
Pros
- Great for detailing both the car interior and exterior
- Powerful formula
- Pleasant herbal smell
Cons
- Do not use on aluminum or any delicate surface
- It is not safe to leave it long on any surface
Watch this video to see the review of Meguiar’s Super Degreaser:
Sacato Extreme Engine Cleaner
This powerful industrial formula with powerful solvents, emulsifiers, and other stain removers will fight any stubborn dirt on your car engine or your tools. It is not the elbow job, and you only need to spray it and wipe it and get the professional cleaning result. If you have a heavily greased and stained car engine, do not hesitate to use this cleaner.
However, it would be advisable if you took precautions not to use it on delicate surfaces and especially not on the car interiors. The powerful formula and degreaser might damage those sensitive parts of both your car interior and exterior.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For almost any surface that has a stubborn grease, dirt on it. |
| Not safe for: | Do not use on delicate surfaces and car interior |
| Product Package Weight: | 1.44 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 2.5 x 2.5 x 9.5 inches |
| Other: | The industrial formula with powerful solvents, emulsifiers, and other stain removers for efficient and professional cleaning. |
Pros
- A strong and efficient formula
- Spray and wipe cleaning
- Fights the most stubborn dirt
Cons
- Not safe for the environment
- Not for delicate surfaces
Watch this video to see the review of Sacato Extreme:
Bio Circle Engine Cleaner and Degreaser
The powerful formula, which is both a powerful and an environment-friendly solution, is an excellent cleaner and degreaser of all steel and stainless steel materials on your car or industrial machinery. This professionally produced formula has a pleasant smell without strong fumes or odors.
This solution is VOC-free, water-based formula that does not contain solvents but still has powerful dissolving features that can be diluted for saving up when cleaning, not so heavily dirty surfaces. It is not flammable too. It comes in 20 liters canister and can be transferred to a sprayer for more comfortable use.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For cleaning greasy, burnt oil, crude oil, food residue, or any stubborn industrial dirt on steel and stainless steel |
| Not safe for: | Do not use on delicate surfaces |
| Product Package Weight: | 44.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 12.4 x 10.8 x 15.4 inches |
| Other: | VOC free, water-based, solvent-free, strong dissolving formula |
Pros
- Water-based
- Environment-friendly
- Powerful cleaning formula
Cons
- Not for sensitive surfaces
- Must be rinsed thoroughly, not only wiped
Watch this video to see the review of Bio Circle Engine Cleaner and Degreaser:
Member’s Mark Degreaser Engine Cleaner
This concentrated formula can be used undiluted and diluted, depending on how much the surface is greased or sensitive. Nevertheless, it will vigorously fight any grease and oil stuck to your car engine or kitchen stove. Use the sprayer to help you with the cleaning process, leave it to work on the surface, and then rinse it.
The surface is environmentally-friendly, phosphorous, and butyl free, without CMR hazards. Its versatility goes far, and it can be used on many surfaces, with a powerful cleaning result. The one gallon of this concentrated solution can make up to 32 gallons of diluted cleaning solution.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | Industrial strength formula for cleaning any greasy, oily and dirty surfaces |
| Not safe for: | Do not use on sensitive materials |
| Product Package Weight: | 10.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 8.2 x 4.7 x 1.6 inches |
| Other: | Phosphorous and butyl free, no CMR hazards, dilutable |
Pros
- Versatile for cleaning many surfaces
- Dilutable
- Affordable
Cons
- It is not for stubborn engine grime
- Not for sensitive surfaces
Watch this video to see the review of Member’s Mark Degreaser:
Ardex Engine Cleaner
This versatile degreaser and cleaner can be diluted to suit your cleaning needs. It will cut through the greasy and oily surfaces to make them shine again. It can be used on the car interior, the car exterior, and the car engine as well. Although it is versatile, avoid using it on sensitive materials.
The aggressive formula with its heavy-duty cleaning features is still user-friendly and ECO-friendly concentrated solution. It can be transferred to a sprayer and diluted with water to help you save and clean the surface in the diluted ratio safe for the dirty surface. It is also very affordable.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For cleaning car engine, car interior, and car exterior |
| Not safe for: | Do not use on sensitive materials |
| Product Package Weight: | 8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 6 x 6 x 12 inches |
| Other: | User-friendly and ECO-friendly concentrated solution |
Pros
- Versatile cleaner
- Powerful formula that can be diluted
- ECO-friendly
Cons
- Not for sensitive materials
- It is not for stubborn engine grime
Watch this video to see the review of Ardex Engine CLeaner:
Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser Engine Cleaner
(The Most Powerful Cleaner)
Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser is one of the most powerful degreasers known in the automotive industry. This cleaner is a concentrated solution that can be diluted for cleaning even some more sensitive surfaces. It can be used for car engines, machines, car or household tools, tires, and also the heavily greased shop floors.
The efficient features of this degreaser will help you tackle even the most stubborn dirt and grime stuck on the engine or a machine. The tools will get their shine back even in a diluted solution because no dirt can hide away from this degreaser. It is not advisable to use it on sensitive surfaces, but if you do, please make sure to dilute it to lower chances of damaging.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For cleaning engines, machines, tools, tires, and heavily greased floors. |
| Not safe for: | Do not use on sensitive materials and upholstery |
| Product Package Weight: | 9.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 11.8 x 6.4 x 4 inches |
| Other: | Concentrated, powerful cleaning formula that can be diluted to suit your cleaning needs. |
Pros
- Powerful cleaning features
- It can be diluted to suit the cleaning needs
- Great for many surfaces
Cons
- Can have damaging properties if not diluted properly
- Must be rinsed thoroughly
Watch this video to see the review of Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser:
Purple Power Degreaser Engine Cleaner
(The Most Versatile)
This versatile Purple Power Degreaser will easily fight greasy spots and grime on your car engine, household tools, machines, and even your boat. You are only several sprays away from getting a shiny and spotless result. Once you try this on, you would want to use it on about anything that needs to be cleaned.
The Purple Power formula is a biodegradable formula with powerful cleaning features. It is a concentrated solution that needs to be diluted for cleaning more sensitive material and make sure to keep it away from upholstery and aluminum unless it is heavily diluted and washed quickly after applying.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | Versatile cleaner for home, car, machines, boats, tools |
| Not safe for: | Do not use on sensitive materials |
| Product Package Weight: | 8.3 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 7.4 x 3.8 x 12.3 inches |
| Other: | Concentrated, biodegradable formula with powerful cleaning features |
Pros
- Versatile cleaner
- Concentrated solution
- Biodegradable
Cons
- Not for use on sensitive materials
- Not for stubborn dirt
Watch this video to see the review of Purple Power Degreaser:
McKee’s Engine Degreaser Cleaner
(The Best on Hard Surfaces)
This fast cleaning formula does miracles on any hard surface. Its emollient features and the blend of surfactants will dissolve any stubborn dirt stuck on your car engine and make it shine within minutes. You can use it for cleaning your car engine, tools, machines, and any hard surface with the most hardened grease and stains.
The non-toxic, biodegradable formula is safe for the environment, but it should not be used on sensitive materials and car upholstery for the risk of being severely damaged. It is an ideal choice for detailing your car without breathing in heavy fumes. When you spray it, wait for the miracle and wipe off the dirt.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For cleaning any hard surface, car engine, machines, tools |
| Not safe for: | Avoid using on sensitive materials and car upholstery |
| Product Package Weight: | 1.05 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 2 x 2 x 8 inches |
| Other: | Non-toxic, VOC-free, biodegradable formula |
Pros
- Powerful cleaning formula
- Non-toxic, biodegradable solution
- For any hard surface
Cons
- Not for sensitive materials
- Not for car upholstery
Watch this video to see the review of McKee’s Engine Degreaser:
CRC Hydro-Force Degreaser Engine Cleaner
(The Best Overall)
CRC Hydro-Force Degreaser is a forceful water-based cleaning formula that cleans any stubborn grease, oil, asphalt, tar, and ink that is on your car engine. It is also safe for most plastic components and parts. However, it must not be used on sensitive materials and car upholstery because of the risk of being damaged.
This degreaser is a concentrated formula, so it needs to be diluted to suit your cleaning needs. It has a pleasant, citrus smell that will help you fight the grease without breathing in the difficult cleaning odor. It is not flammable, making it even safer for cleaning your engine or any other machine.
Product Specifications
| Used for: | For cleaning stubborn grease, oil, asphalt, tar, ink on your car engine, and even safe for most plastic |
| Not safe for: | Avoid using on sensitive materials and car upholstery |
| Product Package Weight: | 7 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 6.1 x 5 x 10.2 inches |
| Other: | Water-based, dilutable solution with d-limonene added, not-flammable |
Pros
- Water-based solution
- Concentrated cleaning formula
- Pleasant citrus smell
Cons
- Not for sensitive materials
- Not for car upholstery
Watch this video to see the review of CRC Hydro-Force Degreaser:
Buying Guide For Engine Cleaner
There are some factors and cleaner features that you need to consider when choosing the best engine cleaner. Pay attention to the instructions and the surfaces you need to clean and choose wisely because the damage after the surface is wrongly cleaned is irreparable.
Formula
Every cleaner and degreaser has a ingredients list which you need to check up for hazardous chemicals that can harm you and also your engine. The most recommended formulas are those that are environmentally-friendly and gentle to you and the sensitive car parts.
Cleaning Options
Although you are looking for the best engine cleaner, you probably will not mind if this cleaner is efficient with many other surfaces in and around your home. The most versatile cleaners will clean both your engine with its powerful formula, but still, it can be useful and gentle with the car upholstery.
Smell
No one likes the bad odor that some cleaners have. It is very dangerous to breathe in hazardous chemicals, but if I need to clean, I would want to have a pleasant scent of citrus or similar pleasant smell. It is always advisable to breathe in the chemicals as little as possible.
Residue
An excellent engine cleaner must not change the original look of the engine bay or car parts. It needs to get rid of the grease and stains but to keep the original color. The cleaning must not end with faded colors, or even worse, the damaged surface.
Watch the video to see how to clean the engine bay safely:
FAQs
My Top Pick
Gunk Multi-Surface Cleaner – This multi-surface cleaner is the best cleaner and degreaser for any vehicle and its parts. It can efficiently fight all the grease and grime under a hood or in the car interior. It is both strong and efficient, but mild to sensitive surfaces, allowing you to clean the upholstery and car plastic without fear of damaging it.
The biodegradable VOC-free formula makes this environment-friendly solution a favorite choice in the automobile and machine industry. It is easy to use, and you only need to spray it on a dirty surface, wait for the cleaning miracle and wipe it off. Save your time on cleaning, enjoy the spare time in driving.
Watch this video to see the review of Gunk Multi-Surface Cleaner: