Simple Green, a popular all-purpose cleaner, has gained traction among car enthusiasts as a potential engine degreaser. But is it truly effective, and more importantly, is it safe for your vehicle's engine? This comprehensive guide delves into the pros, cons, and best practices for using Simple Green to clean your engine bay.
Is Simple Green Effective for Engine Cleaning?
Simple Green's effectiveness in engine cleaning is a subject of ongoing debate. While it's not a dedicated engine degreaser formulated with harsh chemicals designed to dissolve stubborn grease and grime, it can be effective for lighter cleaning tasks. Its biodegradable formula and relatively gentle nature make it a popular choice for those seeking a less aggressive approach than traditional engine degreasers.
What Simple Green excels at:
- Removing light dirt and grime: Simple Green is excellent at tackling light dust, dirt, and road film accumulated on the engine bay's surface.
- Cleaning plastic and rubber components: Its milder formula is less likely to damage delicate plastic and rubber parts often found in engine bays.
- Environmentally friendly option: Being biodegradable, it’s a more environmentally conscious choice than many harsh chemical degreasers.
Where Simple Green falls short:
- Heavy grease and oil: For serious grease and oil buildup, Simple Green might not be powerful enough. It lacks the strength to cut through heavily caked-on grime. You'll likely need a stronger degreaser for optimal results in these situations.
- Stubborn stains: While it can lighten stubborn stains, it may not completely remove them, requiring repeated applications or scrubbing.
Safety Precautions When Using Simple Green on Your Engine
While Simple Green is generally considered safer than many harsh engine degreasers, precautions are still necessary:
- Avoid electrical components: Keep Simple Green away from electrical components, including the alternator, battery, and wiring harness. Moisture and Simple Green could cause short circuits.
- Protect sensitive areas: Cover sensitive areas like the air intake, distributor cap, and any exposed electronics with plastic sheeting or masking tape before spraying.
- Proper ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Eye protection: Wear safety glasses to prevent any Simple Green from splashing into your eyes.
- Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from prolonged exposure.
- Don't spray directly onto hot engine: Allow the engine to cool completely before applying Simple Green. Applying it to a hot engine can cause rapid evaporation, reducing effectiveness and potentially causing burns.
How to Use Simple Green for Engine Cleaning
- Preparation is key: Cover sensitive components, as mentioned above.
- Dilution: Dilute Simple Green according to package instructions. A stronger concentration might be needed for heavier grime, but always test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Application: Spray the diluted Simple Green evenly onto the engine bay, allowing it to soak for several minutes (10-15 minutes is usually sufficient).
- Scrubbing: Use a detailing brush or a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away loose dirt and grime.
- Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the engine bay with a high-pressure water sprayer or a garden hose, ensuring all traces of Simple Green are removed. Pay special attention to areas near electrical components.
- Drying: Allow the engine bay to air dry completely before starting your vehicle.
Simple Green vs. Dedicated Engine Degreasers: Which is Right for You?
The choice between Simple Green and a dedicated engine degreaser depends on the level of cleaning required. For routine maintenance and light cleaning, Simple Green can be a suitable and safer alternative. However, for heavily soiled engines with significant grease and oil buildup, a dedicated engine degreaser is necessary for effective cleaning.
Conclusion
Simple Green can be a useful tool for maintaining a clean engine bay, particularly for lighter cleaning tasks. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations and to always prioritize safety precautions. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively use Simple Green to keep your engine bay looking its best without compromising the integrity of your vehicle. Remember, always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific cleaning recommendations.
