What is a good bilge cleaner for oil/grease?

trdehmer

trdehmer

Member
Jul 29, 2009
186
Lake Minnetonka, MN
Boat Info
2003 280 DA
Engines
Single 496 MAG
I have some motor oil/grime in the bilge, I tried a bilge cleaner and that did nothing, tried a grease cleaner by the WD40 brand and that did nothing as well. I need something that will break down the oil/grease - any recommendations?
 
I use Simple Green concentrate. Works well.

-Tom
 
+1 for Simple Green. It smells nice also.
 
If you haven't already, use any of the things you've tried or listed above and let it sit over night. Fill the bilge with just enough water/cleaner mix to cover the dirty area. Best to use something biodegradable (especially if you're in the water). You can build a "dam" with some rope caulking and scraps of wood (or whatever) if you don't need to fill the entire bilge fore and aft. Often, these cleaners need time to work. Keep in mind that there's likely a good build up of crud under the fuel tank, though.

Another think you can do, instead of filling the bilge with water is to soak rags with the solution and lay them on the dirty areas. Keep them wet.

You may need to scrub with a stiff bristle brush - on a stick will help make life easier. But you have a user-friendly bilge area, so it shouldn't be too hard to get where you need to.

Another thing to try is Brakleen. Get the green can, though - the red can could kill you when working in a confined space (chlorine gas).
 
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I'm in the same kettle of fish I have a bilge the had oil on it and I just scrubbed it down with dawn and hot water it helped alot but it still looks oily so I will try some brakleen. I have prepare the area in order to glue down a transducer and as far as I know no oil can be present.
 
I have a friend that swears by automotive engine degreasers such as 'Gunk'......I have not personally tried it on my boat but it makes sense that it would work well....I have used 'Gunk' many times on car engines and engine bays and it worked well.....

cliff
 
I've used purple cleaner that is sold by Castrol and also Carquest for cleaning fishing reels they both work well for removing oil and grease. The Castrol does contain some type of acid that stings your hands and can turn chrome items blue. The other one works good and doesn't bite your hands. Not sure how either one works in the bilge, they not biodegradable.
 
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