Common Solvents + Cleaning Agents Reference

Why this matters

Wrong solvent = damage. Acetone on painted surface = paint off. Brake cleaner on rubber = swollen + ruined. Water on electronics = short. Right solvent for right substrate matters. This is the field card.

Common solvents + uses

• Mineral spirits/paint thinner: petroleum-based, cleans oil paint brushes, removes oil residue, less aggressive than others.
• Acetone: very aggressive on most paints, removes adhesives/lacquer/nail polish, quick-evaporating, dissolves many plastics.
• Isopropyl alcohol: cleans electronics (90%+ pure), disinfectant, non-residue, 70% for skin/90%+ for electronics.
• Denatured alcohol: ethanol with denaturant, stains + finish prep, cleans glass, removes adhesive.
• MEK: aggressive solvent, adhesive + epoxy thinning, dissolves plastics, high VOC.
• Naphtha: mild petroleum, adhesive residue, tar + asphalt cleanup.
• Xylene/xylol: strong aromatic, paint thinner for lacquers, adhesive removal, high VOC.
• Toluene: aggressive aromatic, industrial/specialty, health hazard.
• Citrus solvents: D-limonene + carrier, less aggressive, removes adhesive + stickers.
• Lacquer thinner: aromatic + ester blend, stronger than mineral spirits, cleans lacquer + paints.
• Brake cleaner non-chlorinated: degreases mechanical parts
• Quick-evaporating
• Aggressive on rubber + plastic
• Indoor use OK with ventilation

WD-40

• Mineral oil + solvent blend
• Penetrating oil (mild)
• Displaces water
• Light lubrication
• NOT a long-term lubricant

PB B'laster

• Penetrating oil
• Frees seized fasteners
• Stronger than WD-40 for rust

By application

Oil paint brushes: mineral spirits OR paint thinner; don't use solvent on water-based latex (use water). Latex brushes: water + soap. Electronics: 90%+ IPA; don't use water OR acetone. Adhesive residue: Goo Gone OR citrus OR denatured alcohol OR mineral spirits (per adhesive). Glass: window cleaner OR denatured alcohol + water. Metal degreasing: non-chlorinated brake cleaner OR mineral spirits. Concrete: TSP OR muriatic acid OR pressure wash. Wood pre-finish: mineral spirits (oil) OR water (latex). Rust: naval jelly (acid) OR mineral acid OR mechanical (wire brush, sandpaper). Tar/asphalt: naphtha OR mineral spirits OR kerosene. Kitchen + mechanical grease: citrus degreaser OR mineral spirits OR brake cleaner. Paint overspray: lacquer thinner OR mineral spirits (per paint). Silicone residue (before new silicone): denatured alcohol after mechanical removal. PVC pipe + fittings (before solvent welding): purple PVC primer - designed specifically.

Specific cleaners

• TSP: heavy-duty cleaner, etches surfaces (paint prep), removes grease, mix with water + rinse.
• Muriatic acid: strong acid, cleans concrete/masonry/pools, etches before paint, PPE required.
• Sulfuric acid drain cleaner: industrial, eats clogs (hair, grease), extremely caustic, face shield + chemical gloves, last resort, can damage pipes.
• Sodium hydroxide / lye: drain cleaner that saponifies fats, strong base (Crystal Drano).
• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite): disinfectant, removes mold/mildew, 5% household / 12.5% commercial. NEVER mix with ammonia (deadly gas).
• Hydrogen peroxide: mild bleach, wound cleaning, mold cleaner (3% household).
• Ammonia: glass cleaner, household 5%. NEVER mix with bleach.

Vinegar (acetic acid)

• Mild acid
• Calcium / mineral removal
• 5% household; higher industrial

Pine Sol / Mr. Clean

• Detergent + fragrance
• General cleaning
• Not strong enough for grease

Compatibility matrix

Always test in inconspicuous area before applying solvent.

Safety + handling

Ventilation: most solvents flammable + toxic; outdoor OR well-ventilated indoor; never enclosed space without ventilation. PPE: chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), eye protection (goggles for splash), respirator for prolonged use, avoid skin contact. Storage: original containers + labels intact, cool dry place, away from heat + ignition, locked from children. Disposal: don't pour down drains, dedicated hazardous waste container, local HHW drop-off; some can evaporate outdoors in small quantities.

Flammability

Highly flammable (avoid near flame): acetone, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, naphtha, brake cleaner. Lower flammability: citrus solvents (D-limonene), water-based cleaners. Flash points: acetone 0°F (extremely low), lacquer thinner 30°F, mineral spirits 100°F, kerosene 150°F.

Environmental considerations

High VOC: acetone, MEK, xylene, toluene, lacquer thinner. Low VOC: water-based cleaners, IPA, some citrus. Some states limit VOC content (California strictest). Citrus solvents + water-based alternatives reduce environmental impact.

Truck stock for service business

Basic kit: 1 qt mineral spirits, 1 qt 91% IPA, 1 can WD-40, 1 can brake cleaner, 1 bottle Goo Gone. Plumber + HVAC add: PB Blaster, pipe dope, TSP. Painter kit: lacquer thinner, acetone, Goof Off. Electrical: contact cleaner, 91% IPA. Restoration / heavy: muriatic acid, TSP, bleach.

Common solvent mistakes

Wrong solvent for substrate (damage + customer claim). Skipping ventilation (poisoning + dizziness). Mixing chemicals (bleach + ammonia = deadly gas). Using in enclosed space (vapor + fire/explosion). Improper disposal (drain damage + environmental fine). Storing in heat (pressure builds; container fails). No PPE (skin + eye + respiratory damage).

References

• SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for every chemical used
• OSHA HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• EPA + state VOC regulations
• Local HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) disposal
• Manuall internal: PPE Selection by Task, Sealant + Caulk Selection