Mineral spirits get grease, dirt, grime, and other contaminants off auto parts, tools, etc. There are plenty of reasons people go for white spirits instead of other options, such as saving money, reliability, and the fact that mineral spirits can last decades.
Other cleaning solutions like paint thinner and Diesel Fuel are can be used for washing parts. But this article aims at informing you about mineral spirits’ qualities as a parts washer and how it stacks up against other options.
Mineral Spirits As Parts Washers
Washing auto and machine parts with soap and water can be frustrating and tedious. If you have tried doing this yourself, you know that getting grime and grease off metal parts is not exactly easy. You have to use something more robust.
A quick look around your local hardware store or on the Internet will turn up different solutions specifically meant to wash metal parts for cars and other machinery. Many of these parts washers have spirits as their main ingredient, and for good reason: white spirits are great at getting grease off metal parts.
Of course, a degreaser with spirits is ideal whether you are working on your car, tools, or even gun parts. However, pure spirits are also great for this and a whole lot cheaper, too.
One of the best things about buying mineral spirits to wash auto and machinery parts is that you will be able to use them for other DIY projects as well. Whenever a woodworking or painting project comes up in the future, you just have to get your spirits out of storage to help you get things done.
Even people who seldom dive into auto repairs and DIY projects will benefit significantly from this solvent since it can last many years in storage without going bad.
How To Wash Parts With Mineral Spirits
Washing metal parts with mineral spirits is straightforward. Submerge small pieces in this solvent in a container of adequate size. Leave the parts there for a few minutes before scrubbing them to get rid of grease, dirt, or grime.
Here is the process step by step:
Get a container big enough to fit the small parts you are working with.
Fill the container with mineral spirits enough to cover the parts.
Place the car or machinery parts in the container.
Leave the parts submerged for a few minutes.
Take out the parts and scrub away contaminants.
Let the parts dry and wipe them for a nice shine.
For larger metal parts, use a rag to apply the spirits.
Kerosene vs. Mineral Spirits Parts Washers
Both mineral spirits and kerosene are oil-based and excellent at getting grease off metal parts. Many mechanics and DIY’ers like to use kerosene for parts washing since it is one of the cheapest options around. White spirits are a bit more expensive than kerosene but come with advantages.
Some of the features that make mineral spirits a better option than kerosene include:
· Shelf life
Kerosene will only be good for about five years, limiting how much you should store according to your planned projects. Mineral spirits can last decades in storage. Future DIY projects will cost you less if you use the solvent you already have in your garage or shed.
· Rust removal
If the metal parts you are working on have any rust, using spirits to clean them will help you get that rust off as well.
· DIY projects
Having some spirits ready for common DIY projects is always a good idea. You never know when you will have to paint a room in your house, for example. You can use your stored spirits to thin paint and clean your paint brushes once you are done.
Parts cleaning agent and solvents such as spirits are ideal for mechanics and DIY’ers who need to get rid of grease, grime, and other contaminants.
Various benefits of using PSC 1000 parts cleaner or spirits instead of just soap and water include making the repair look as good as possible and ensuring that there are no leaks.
PSC 1000 parts cleaner sprays easily on auto car parts and other metal surfaces and degreases them. But there are not many other applications for it. On the other hand, mineral spirits are also used for painting, woodworking, cleaning, and more.
It also makes sense to choose spirits as a parts washer to save money, as this cleaning solvent is cheaper than PSC 1000 parts cleaner. This is a big selling point for mechanics since cleaning auto parts and tools is a constant need.
You can also reuse containers of mineral spirits to wash small parts. Just let the container sit long enough to allow any contaminants sink to the bottom and pour the top liquid into a solvent-resistant container for storage.
Are Mineral Spirits Safe for Parts Washing?
Mineral spirits are perfectly safe to wash parts. This solvent is less toxic and safer than other options, although you still have to handle it with care for safety. Emphasis must be placed on ventilation and safety gear.
Use spirits either outside or in a well-ventilated area. This solvent is best handled away from heat, flames, or sparks. Smoking while working with spirits is a bad idea since this solvent is flammable.
Once you conclude your DIY project, store spirits where kids and pets cannot get to them.
Conclusion – Mineral Spirits for Washing Auto Parts
Mineral spirits are perfect for getting dirt, grease, and grime off metal machinery parts. There are plenty of other options for this task, but spirits will do a fine job at a fraction of the cost and can be used for other DIY purposes.
Are Mineral Spirits Good For Parts Washers?
Parts washers abound for mechanics and DIY’ers, but alternatives are also worth considering. Are mineral spirits a good choice for washing parts?
Mineral spirits get grease, dirt, grime, and other contaminants off auto parts, tools, etc. There are plenty of reasons people go for white spirits instead of other options, such as saving money, reliability, and the fact that mineral spirits can last decades.
This article aims at informing you about mineral spirits’ qualities as a parts washer and how it stacks up against other options.
Mineral Spirits As Parts Washers
Washing auto and machine parts with soap and water can be frustrating and tedious. If you have tried doing this yourself, you know that getting grime and grease off metal parts is not exactly easy. You have to use something more robust.
A quick look around your local hardware store or on the Internet will turn up different solutions specifically meant to wash metal parts for cars and other machinery.
Many of these parts washers have spirits as their main ingredient, and for good reason: white spirits are great at getting grease off metal parts.
Of course, a degreaser with spirits is ideal whether you are working on your car, tools, or even gun parts. However, pure spirits are also great for this and a whole lot cheaper, too.
One of the best things about buying mineral spirits to wash auto and machinery parts is that you will be able to use them for other DIY projects as well. Whenever a woodworking or painting project comes up in the future, just get your spirits out of storage.
Even people who seldom dive into auto repairs and DIY projects will benefit significantly from this solvent since it can last many years in storage without going bad.
How To Wash Parts With Mineral Spirits
Washing metal parts with mineral spirits is straightforward. Submerge small pieces in this solvent in a container of adequate size. Leave the parts there for a few minutes before scrubbing them to get rid of grease, dirt, or grime.
For larger metal parts, use a rag to apply the spirits.
Kerosene vs. Mineral Spirits as Parts Washers
Both mineral spirits and kerosene are oil-based and excellent at getting grease off metal parts. Many mechanics and DIY’ers like to use kerosene for parts washing since it is one of the cheapest options around. White spirits are a bit more expensive than kerosene but come with advantages.
Some of the things that make mineral spirits a better option than kerosene include:
· Shelf life
Kerosene will only be good for about five years, limiting how much you should store according to your planned projects. Mineral spirits can last decades in storage. Future DIY projects will cost you less if you use the solvent you already have in your garage or shed.
· Rust removal
If the metal parts you are working on have any rust, using spirits to clean them will help you get that rust off as well.
· DIY projects
Having some spirits ready for common DIY projects is always a good idea. You never know when you will have to paint a room in your house, for example. You can use your stored spirits to thin paint and clean your paint brushes once you are done.
PSC 1000 vs. Mineral Spirits
Parts cleaning agent and solvents such as spirits are ideal for mechanics and DIY’ers who need to get rid of grease, grime, and other contaminants.
Various benefits of using PSC 1000 parts cleaner or spirits instead of just soap and water include making the repair look as good as possible and ensuring that there are no leaks.
PSC 1000 parts cleaner sprays easily on auto car parts and other metal surfaces and degreases them. But there are not many other applications for it. On the other hand, mineral spirits are also used for painting, woodworking, cleaning, and more.
It also makes sense to choose spirits as a parts washer to save money, as this cleaning solvent is cheaper than PSC 1000 parts cleaner. This is a big selling point for mechanics since cleaning auto parts and tools is a constant need.
You can also reuse containers of mineral spirits to wash small parts. Just let the container sit long enough to allow any contaminants sink to the bottom and pour the top liquid into a solvent-resistant container for storage.
Are Mineral Spirits Safe for Parts Washing?
Mineral spirits are perfectly safe to wash parts. This solvent is less toxic and safer than other options, although you still have to handle it with care for safety. Emphasis must be placed on ventilation and safety gear.
Use spirits either outside or in a well-ventilated area. This solvent is best handled away from heat, flames, or sparks. Smoking while working with spirits is a bad idea since this solvent is flammable.
Once you conclude your DIY project, store spirits where kids and pets cannot get to them.
Conclusion – Mineral Spirits for Washing Auto Parts
Mineral spirits are perfect for getting dirt, grease, and grime off metal machinery parts. There are plenty of other options for this task, but spirits will do a fine job at a fraction of the cost and can be used for other DIY purposes.
