Engine degreasing involves removing the buildup of dirt, oil and grease inside a car engine compartment. Removing this accumulation is beneficial for several reasons. Not only does it make your car engine look brand new, it enhances performance and efficiency, which in turn, saves you money on fuel, repairs, replacements, and more. In fact, a cleaner engine runs cooler, which is better for all interior automotive systems.

Best of all, you do not have to spend your hard earned money on expensive engine cleaners to get the job done right. You can make your own engine degreasing solutions with a few common household ingredients. There are several recipes to choose from, so the one you choose will largely depend on what you have one hand and what you are comfortable applying to your vehicle.

Continue reading to learn the top three most recommended recipes for homemade engine degreaser, as well as, what to do if you are experiencing car engine troubles.

❶ Sodium Carbonate Washing Soda

For this engine degreaser, you will need ¼ cup of sodium carbonate washing soda, also known as washing ash. You will also need one gallon of warm water. Simply combine the two ingredients until they are fully incorporated, then transfer it to a plastic spray bottle. Do not use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a substitution because it will not clean as effectively.

❷ Kerosene Degreaser

This recipe may sound strange, but kerosene works well to remove grease and gunk from engines. For this engine degreasing solution, you will need kerosene, water, and liquid dish soap. Combine one part kerosene with four parts water, and then add a few drops of soap. Then transfer to a plastic spray bottle. Just be very careful working with and storing this solution, as kerosene is highly flammable.

❸ Ammonia Degreaser

For this engine degreaser recipe, you will need to mix two parts ammonia, two parts water, and one part liquid dish soap into a plastic spray bottle. Be sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It is important to be very cautious when using this degreaser because ammonia is caustic and can harm the eyes, nose, throat, and mouth.

Using Your Engine Degreasing Solution

The first step to using your engine degreaser is to ensure your car engine is off and completely cooled. You will also need to don some protective gear, such as work gloves, safety goggles, and apron. Once your engine is cool and you are geared up, it is time to apply your solution with a stiff bristled scrubbing brush.

Start by generously coating the engine compartment with your degreaser. Let it to sit for a few minutes, then use your brush to scrub the solution in, one small section at a time. Do your best to avoid hoses and wiring, as strong cleaning chemicals can damage them if they are delicate. Finish by thoroughly rinsing your work areas with clean water, and then patting it all dry with a microfiber cloth.

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Step-By-Step Guide to Engine Cleaning

First, find an area outside that is far from a storm drain or sewer. You do not want the soapy runoff to enter these trenches because it can have harmful effects on the surrounding environment. There will be engine sludge and other waste that you will need to responsibly dispose of; so find a place ahead of time and have a plan to make the process smoother.

If your engine is very heavily soiled, it is helpful to turn it on and let it run for five minutes or so. This will loosen accumulated dirt, grease, and debris. Do not let the engine run too long because it will become too hot to touch by hand. Once this is done, remove the negative battery and the positive battery cables. Be sure it is in this order.

You are almost ready to start cleaning at this point, but you still need to make sure water and soap will not enter parts of the vehicle. Grab some plastic tarp, or bags, and use them to cover the electrical components and other areas that you don’t want to get wet.

Locate a thick bristled brush, such as a stiff paint brush, and begin scraping away the accumulated fragments and dirt on the engine’s surface. This makes the lathering process more effective. To start this step, mix a solution of dish detergent, preferably liquid, and warm water. Dish detergent has grease-fighting elements in it that cut through engine grease well.

Use the thick brush to apply the solution and scrub the engine inside and out. This step requires a little elbow grease, so be prepared to put in some effort. The more you scrub the more thorough the cleaner the engine will turn out.

Use a garden hose to lightly rinse the soap and residue away. Be sure to let the engine dry completely before turning it over. Driving with a wet engine can inflict serious and costly damages. Remove the plastic and store for the next scheduled cleaning.

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3 Options for Homemade Engine Degreaser