Description
Parts Washer Solvent
Build-All Parts Washer Solvent is a petroleum-based cleaning solvent made for recirculating parts washers. It cuts grease, oil, carbon and shop grime off automotive, fleet and industrial parts without leaving a residue. We use it in the washers we build in Milwaukee, and it works in any standard solvent parts washer.
Key specs
- Flash point: 153°F (per SDS)
- Petroleum-based, mineral-spirits type solvent
- Low odor, blended with lanolin for operator comfort
- Not regulated by DOT for ground shipping, so it can ship with your parts washer order
- 5-gallon pail, approx. 40 lbs
Why shops use a solvent parts washer
Solvent dissolves oil and grease on contact. You don’t need heat, and parts come out dry and ready to reassemble, without the flash rust that can follow a water wash. That makes solvent the go-to for maintenance shops, machine shops, fleets and repair departments that clean oily parts all day.
The 153°F flash point gives you a margin over lower-flash solvents and keeps the product out of DOT hazmat shipping, a cost and convenience win for small shops.
Which parts washers does it work in?
It works in any recirculating solvent parts washer, including all Build-All solvent models:
- Benchtop parts washers (BCR-15)
- Sink-on-drum parts washers (PW-26, TKL-30, DM-32)
- Free-standing and base-mount washers (RT-26, RT-32, STD-32, SXL-48)
- Air-powered immersion cleaners (AK6, AK16)
- Agitating parts washers (AL-150, AL-8)
How much solvent do I need?
| Washer | Approx. capacity | 5-gal pails |
|---|---|---|
| BCR-15 benchtop | 5 gal | 1 |
| PW-26 | 14 gal | 3 |
| RT-26 | 20 gal | 4 |
| TKL-30 / DM-32 | 25 gal | 5 |
| STD-32 | 30 gal | 6 |
| RT-32 | 32 gal | 7 |
| SXL-48 | 35 gal | 7 |
Solvent or aqueous: which is right for you?
Solvent is the fastest option for heavy oil and grease when parts need to come out dry. Aqueous (water-based) cleaning makes sense when your facility limits solvents, or when you’re cleaning large volumes in an automated jet-spray washer. Build-All makes both, and we carry Magido aqueous jet-spray washers. If you’re on the fence, our Parts Washer Buying Guide walks through the decision. For aqueous systems, see our Parts Washer Degreaser and Low-Foaming Aqueous Degreaser for Jet-Spray.
Keep your solvent clean longer
Most shops change solvent because it gets dirty, not because it stops working. A parts washer filter traps sludge and fines so the solvent stays clear between changes. Our filters fit Build-All washers and most standard solvent units.
What to do with spent solvent
Dirty solvent doesn’t have to be a disposal cost. A solvent recycler distills used mineral spirits back to clean solvent on site, so you reuse it again and again and only dispose of a small amount of residue. Our sister company, Solvent Recycling Systems, sells recyclers sized for everything from a single parts washer to a full paint line.
Stop rust after cleaning
Clean, bare steel starts to rust quickly in a humid shop. For parts that sit before assembly or ship to a customer, Solvent Recycling Systems carries Cortec VpCI rust preventatives and VCI bags that protect parts without oily coatings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best solvent for a parts washer?
For most shops, a petroleum mineral-spirits solvent with a flash point above 141°F gives the best mix of cleaning power, safety and easy shipping. Build-All Parts Washer Solvent has a 153°F flash point.
Can I use regular mineral spirits in a parts washer?
Hardware-store mineral spirits will clean, but grades vary and many have lower flash points. A dedicated parts washer solvent is made for recirculating systems and everyday shop use.
Is parts washer solvent flammable?
It is a combustible liquid with a 153°F flash point. Keep it away from open flames and sparks and follow the SDS. Never use gasoline, acetone or other low-flash solvents in a parts washer.
How often should I change parts washer solvent?
It depends on how much you clean. Change it when parts stop coming out clean or the sludge layer builds up. A parts washer filter greatly extends the time between changes.
How do I dispose of used parts washer solvent?
Follow your local hazardous waste rules, or recycle it on site with a solvent recycler and cut disposal down to a small amount of residue.
Is there a water-based parts washer fluid?
Yes. Build-All offers aqueous degreasers for water-based parts washers. Water-based fluids need an aqueous-compatible washer and should not be poured into a solvent unit.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the best solvent for a parts washer?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”For most shops, a petroleum mineral-spirits solvent with a flash point above 141°F gives the best mix of cleaning power, safety and easy shipping. Build-All Parts Washer Solvent has a 153°F flash point.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I use regular mineral spirits in a parts washer?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Hardware-store mineral spirits will clean, but grades vary and many have lower flash points. A dedicated parts washer solvent is made for recirculating systems and everyday shop use.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is parts washer solvent flammable?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”It is a combustible liquid with a 153°F flash point. Keep it away from open flames and sparks and follow the SDS. Never use gasoline, acetone or other low-flash solvents in a parts washer.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How often should I change parts washer solvent?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”It depends on how much you clean. Change it when parts stop coming out clean or the sludge layer builds up. A parts washer filter greatly extends the time between changes.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How do I dispose of used parts washer solvent?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Follow your local hazardous waste rules, or recycle it on site with a solvent recycler and cut disposal down to a small amount of residue.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is there a water-based parts washer fluid?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes. Build-All offers aqueous degreasers for water-based parts washers. Water-based fluids need an aqueous-compatible washer and should not be poured into a solvent unit.”}}]}
