The Cost of Poor Degreasing
Cleaning inefficiency can often produce operational inefficiencies; slower throughput, inconsistent result and an increased amount of labour are all the products of poor cleaning. The impact on the environment is greater as well as a higher amount of effluent material is used, causing a greater volume of chemicals and an increased disposal cost. Poor degreasing affects the whole operation.
Why Many Degreasing Processes Fall Short
Most degreasing challenges come down to the process being improperly controlled. Manual cleaning is often inconsistent; different operators achieve different results, removing the possibility of repeatable results. Solvent systems are increasingly limited; often costly, regulated and less effective when used against modern contaminants. Basic wash systems lack control, providing no consistent management over the temperature and limiting filtration. These systems also suffer from a lack of control over the chemistry involved with these cleaning processes. Finally, Outsourced cleaning isn’t always engineered. Service often have a heavy reliance on labour rather than the use of a controlled systems, meaning the results are inconsistent and unpredictable cleaning.
What Industrial Degreasing Should Deliver
Effective industrial degreasing should be controlled, repeatable and measurable, with the scalability to accomadate for any need. At its core, the degreasing process aims to remove:
- Oils (Cutting fluids, Hydraulic Oils)
- Grease & Lubricants
- Swarf & Fines
- Process Residues
- Organic Contamination
Moving Towards Engineered Cleaning
Modern degreasing is more than just merely washing parts. It’s a whole process, involving fluid dynamics, management of temperature and optimised chemical usage. Combining these with mechanical cleaning actions and robust filtration and separation; systems such as industrial parts washers and spray washing units are designed to deliver consistent, repeatable reults.
Industrial Degreasing Systems
What we Clean
Industrial Components
- Machined components
- Aerospace parts
- Automotive components
- Fabricated assemblies
IBCs, Drum & Containers
- Internal and external cleaning
- Reuse and reconditioning
Plastic Recycling
- Oil-contaminated plastics
- Food-contaminated plastics
- Mixed material streams
Screening
- Separation following cleaning
- Product grading
- Process efficiency improvements
Cost of Industrial Degreasing
What Drives Degreasing Costs?
Contamination Type
Component Design
Required Cleanliness
Throughput Requirements
Drying Requirements
Business Costs
Labour
Production Downtime
Rework & Scrap
Waste Disposal
Cost Comparison
Factor
Capital Cost
Setup Time
Process Control
Labour Requirements
Maintanence
Scalability
Contract Cleaning
None
Immediate
High
None
None
Flexible
Internal Cleaning
High
Weeks/Months
Variable
Ongoing
Required
Limited
The Full Process
Pre-Clean Assessment
Before cleaning, key factors are defined that ensures the correct process is chosen. These factors can range from contamination type and material compatibility to throughput and level of cleaning required.
Chemical Action
Cleaning chemistry is carefully controlled. Alkaline detergents are used to break down oils and grease, the concentration of which is monitored for consistency. The temperature control systems also helps to improve performance of these detergents.
Primary Cleaning
Cleaning methods include Spray Washing, Immersion Cleaning and Mechanical Action. The spray washing process consists of high pressure jets spraying the surface of components. Immersion cleaning has components submerged in a heat solution that breaks down contamination. Mechanical Action uses rotation of agitation to improve cleaning and help dislodge embedded particles.
Filtration & Separation
Contaminants are filtered from the system, removing oils, fines and solids, all whilst the fluid are continuously cleaned so that they can be recirculated and reused.
Rinse Stage
The rinse stage removes the residual detergents and any remaining contaminants, which is critical for coating and assembly.
Drying
Drying methods include air blow off, heated air systems or a vacuum assisted dryer, which is an application dependant option.
Inspections
Depending on your requirements, a visual inspection may suffice, but there also be process validation and cleanliness verification for companies with more rigorous standards.
Contract Cleaning
What is Contract Cleaning?
Contract cleaning involves sending contaminated parts to a Rotajet approved third-party for cleaning, who will use industry standard systems to process them and ensure they are returned ready for reuse or further processing. This method allows for high quality cleaning without the need for capital investment, installation or the maintenance processes.
Why Companies choose Contract Cleaning?
Cleaning can begin without waiting for equipment delivery or installation, which applies to both small batches and ongoing production. These established systems deliver consistent results without companies needing to increase operational responsibility with management of chemicals, waste or compliance. All these reasons, as well as companies not requiring capital expenditure makes contract cleaning an attractive option for companies with tight budgets.
When Contract Cleaning is the Right Choice
Contract Cleaning is often the right choice for companies who have experienced limitation in trying to establish in-house cleaning, such as their cleaning capacity. It could also be because there current cleaning quality is to inconsistent, or the standards for cleanliness have increased. Contract cleaning can also be the correct option for a company that is undecided on how to bring their cleaning in-house and would like validated results before investment.
Choosing the Right Approach
Contract Cleaning
System Rentals
Capital Purchase
FAQs
- What is the best method for industrial degreasing?
The best method depends on contamination, material, and required cleanliness. Spray washing and aqueous systems are commonly used.
- How do you remove cutting oil from metal parts?
Using heated aqueous degreasing combined with mechanical action and rinsing.
- Can stainless steel be degreased safely?
Yes — processes are adjusted to protect the material.
- What temperature is used in degreasing?
Typically between 40°C and 80°C depending on application.
- Is solvent degreasing still used?
Yes, but increasingly replaced by water-based systems.
- How quickly can parts be cleaned?
Turnaround depends on volume and contamination, but can be rapid for urgent requirements.
- Can I send small batches?
Yes — both small and large volumes can be processed.
- Is contract cleaning suitable for ongoing work?
Yes — many customers use it as a long-term solution.
- Do you provide trials?
Yes — trials can be arranged to validate the process.
- Can cleaning be scaled?
Yes — processes can be adjusted based on demand.
- How are oils removed from water?
Using separation systems and filtration.
- What chemicals are used?
Typically alkaline detergents.
- Is water reused?
Yes — in controlled systems.
- Can fine particles be removed?
Yes — through filtration systems.
- What is multi-stage cleaning?
A process involving wash, rinse, and drying stages.
- Can you clean automotive parts?
Yes — widely used in automotive manufacturing.
- Can aerospace components be cleaned?
Yes — with controlled processes.
- Can plastic parts be degreased?
https://plasticwashing.co.uk/plastic-washer/
Yes.
- Can containers be cleaned?
https://drumwashing.com/ibc-cleaning/
Yes — internal and external cleaning.
- Can screening be added after cleaning?
https://vibratingsieves.co.uk/applications/
Yes — for separation and quality control.
- What is industrial degreasing used for?
To remove oils, grease, and contamination from components before reuse, assembly, or finishing.
- What industries require degreasing?
Manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, food processing, chemicals, and recycling.
- Can degreasing remove heavy grease?
Yes — using heated aqueous systems and mechanical action.
- Is degreasing suitable for all metals?
Yes — processes are adapted for different materials.
- Does degreasing affect surface finish?
No — when correctly controlled.
- How long does a cleaning cycle take?
Typically a few minutes per batch, depending on contamination.
- What determines cleaning effectiveness?
Temperature, chemistry, pressure, and mechanical action.
- Can internal cavities be cleaned?
Yes — using targeted spray systems.
- Is agitation important in cleaning?
Yes — it improves removal of embedded contaminants.
- What is the role of temperature?
Higher temperatures improve cleaning efficiency.
- What is an industrial parts washer?
👉 https://degreasingmachines.com/industrial-parts-washers-the-complete-guide/
A system designed to clean components in a controlled process.
- What is spray washing?
👉 https://degreasingmachines.com/spray-washing/
A method using pressurised water and detergents.
- What is immersion cleaning?
Submerging components in heated cleaning solution.
- What is ultrasonic cleaning?
Cleaning using high-frequency sound waves.
- Are multi-stage systems better?
Yes — they improve cleaning consistency.
- What are the benefits of outsourcing cleaning?
Reduced cost, improved consistency, and no capital investment.
- Is contract cleaning reliable?
Yes — when using controlled industrial systems.
- Can urgent requirements be handled?
Yes — depending on capacity.
- Do you clean large components?
Yes — subject to size and handling requirements.
- Can cleaning be scheduled regularly?
Yes — ongoing contracts are available.
- Can aluminium parts be degreased?
Yes — using appropriate chemistry.
- Can stainless steel be cleaned?
Yes — widely used in many industries.
- Can plastics be degreased?
https://plasticwashing.co.uk/plastic-washer/
Yes — including oil-contaminated plastics.
- Can food-contaminated materials be cleaned?
Yes — using specialist systems.
- Can containers be reused after cleaning?
https://drumwashing.com/ibc-cleaning/
Yes — after proper cleaning and inspection.
- Is water consumption high?
No — modern systems optimise water usage.
- Can water be recycled?
Yes — through closed-loop systems.
- How is waste managed?
Through filtration and separation.
- Are chemicals environmentally safe?
Modern systems use controlled, safer chemicals.
- Can waste be reduced?
Yes — through recovery and separation processes.
- Can cleaning be integrated into production lines?
Yes — with engineered systems.
- Do you offer full system design?
Yes — including layout and integration.
- Can existing systems be upgraded?
Yes — retrofit solutions are available.
- Is screening used after cleaning?
https://vibratingsieves.co.uk/applications/
Yes — for separation and quality control.
- Can processes be automated?
Yes — fully automated systems are available.
- What is the typical turnaround time?
Depends on volume and contamination.
- Can small quantities be processed?
Yes.
- Can large volumes be handled?
Yes — scalable solutions are available.
- Where are systems designed and built?
UK — Wakefield facility.
- Can I arrange a visit or trial?
Yes — trials and demonstrations are available.