how to clean oil off paint and aluminum

Bryan · November 06, 2014, 02:39:35 PM

hey guys, we pull an enclosed trailer, so over the course of a long road trip, this detroit wants to drop a little bit of oil here and there which then makes it way onto our trailer, and the rear hood of the bus. I'm trying to find the best way to clean this (aluminum, paint, chrome). The guy at the store told me purple power would do the trick. I got the bottle home and realized it said not to use on paint, I did try a little piece of aluminum and chrome on the trailer, the aluminum cleaned up pretty good but seemed to leave a little residue, same thing with the chrome. I didn't leave it on there more than 30 seconds before spraying off. Thanks for your advice.

TomC · November 06, 2014, 02:48:13 PM

THEE very best cleaner I've ever come across is Oil Eater. I spot clean my carpets and clothes with it too. In the 38 years I've been in the trucking industry, this is the best water based cleaner ever. Good Luck, TomC

sparkplug188 · November 06, 2014, 02:56:32 PM

My buddy swears by Simple Green. He uses it to clean oil and grease of the walls and ceiling in his restaurant.

I prefer Dawn dish soap. I keep a couple bottles in my shop for cleaning up greasy parts. Any soap should remove fresh oil spots with minimal effort.

Charles in SC · November 06, 2014, 04:47:23 PM

I have a white cargo trailer that I pull some and had the same problem. I have used a product called Krudd Kutter with good results for 14 years. It has not harmed the paint on the bus or trailer as far as I can tell. I am sure different paints might have different reactions with it so try a small area first. I get it at Wal Mart.

Bryan · November 06, 2014, 04:53:45 PM

Thanks so much guys! I've looked up a couple of the things you suggested... they all seem to be "degreasers"... which purple power is also a degreaser... are they all pretty similar when it comes to degreasers?

chessie4905 · November 06, 2014, 04:55:54 PM

Spray with kerosene and pressure wash. Car dealer I worked at many years ago used this on new cars that were shipped in dirty, especially in the winter. Didn't hurt paint and cleaned to shiny factory finish.

oltrunt · November 06, 2014, 06:33:53 PM

Now there's some history that's fun to read

. Bet if you got caught doing that today the EPA or a close cousin would tie your coronary artery into a square knot!

Dave5Cs · November 06, 2014, 06:41:17 PM

We use Dawn dish soap and water and a sponge. Works every time then rinse with water.

I tried the Purple stuff to degrease and wasn't worth the money I paid for it. Got the kid that swore by it to give me the money back.

Jim Eh. · November 06, 2014, 07:26:09 PM

Ditto on the Simple Green. For me it also works well for removing the bugs off the front ... spray, soak, wash, done.

RJ · November 06, 2014, 10:58:35 PM

In 1/2 gallon of warm water, add 1 tablespoon of Jet Dry and three tablespoons of blue Dawn liquid. Wet vehicle, brush on solution, rinse thoroughly. No need to dry.

FWIW & HTH. . .

chessie4905 · November 07, 2014, 05:09:45 AM

I take it you will catch removed residue ( oil, grease and dirt) and dispose according to EPA regulations.

Bryan · November 07, 2014, 12:29:41 PM

what about grease lightning?

zimmysurprise · November 07, 2014, 02:08:10 PM

Bryan- you won't believe what I use to wipe down the bus after my Detroit overspray. Of course the soap and water work great for a full wash, but for quick wipes I use (embarrassed to say) Avon Skin so Soft. No- really. I accidentally splashed some paint on the anodized aluminum and was using paint thinner to get it off. My mom was over and said I should try the bath oil, it takes off paint with ease. When she dropped off a bottle to try, it worked just as she said. Then I noticed what it did to the "unshineable" aluminum. Days later it still was beautiful. Now when I whip into a campsite, I pull out the spray bottle and a rag. Cleans the 40w off the aluminum and paint, and shines the aluminum like it's in a car show. (Of course it smells a little perfumy) but the shine is worth it. When I get home, hose it down and scrub, usually no need to even soap it.

please let me know if I need to turn in my man card.

gus · November 07, 2014, 06:34:53 PM

I used to use SSS many years ago to keep away mosquitoes! Worked very well and I sure smelled good!

Can't wait to try it on my siding that has had the anodizing buffed off.

oltrunt · November 08, 2014, 08:22:21 AM

I haven't had a single mosquito bite in 30 years since I started taking Allopurinol to combat kidney stone formation. Guess I'll have to try washing my bus with it--once it starts leaking oil. I know, I know, sometimes I just can't behave