Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser
Priced as of May 10, 2026
4.5(6,159 ratings)Subscribe & Save: $10.79 (10% off)Buy on AmazonSaved to your guest loadout. Sign up to also save to your Cabinet (consumables) or Kit (tools you own).
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Prices may varyFrom the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2019-04-14)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesRecommendedMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1) · GHS H319SkinSituationalMfr. SDS §8LungsSituationalMfr. SDS §8Ventilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H319 (causes serious eye irritation, Cat 2A) is the formal GHS classification from SDS §2. The overhead-spray engine-bay scenario places mist at face height. SDS §8 specifies safety glasses or goggles.”
— Chemical Guys
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1)
“The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from… liquid chemicals…”
ANSI Z87.1 (incorporated via §1910.6)
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H313 (Acute Toxicity Category 5, Dermal — lowest acute toxicity category). SDS §8 states impervious gloves recommended for prolonged or repeated contact. At working dilution, casual skin contact during engine-bay spraying is low-risk; prolonged contact or concentrate handling warrants nitrile gloves.”
— Chemical Guys
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“No inhalation H-codes (no H335, H331, H334). SDS §8 respiratory section states good general ventilation should be adequate under normal conditions. Water-based formula with no volatile solvents at significant concentration. Situational for spraying in a closed garage where alkaline mist could accumulate.”
— Chemical Guys
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 15, 2026
TL;DR Handles moderate engine-bay grime effectively at 4:1 dilution with brush agitation, and the versatile concentrate dilutes from 32:1 for light cleaning to full strength for heavy deposits. The GHS classification is WARNING with H319 eye irritation only — meaningfully milder chemistry than most engine degreasers, which typically carry DANGER with corrosive codes. Wear safety glasses for overhead spraying.
What it is and how it performs
An alkaline concentrate marketed as a citrus degreaser — the orange scent is fragrance, not citrus solvent. At the standard engine-bay ratio of 4:1, it cuts through moderate oil and grease buildup in a single dwell with brush agitation. Heavy deposits need a stronger dilution or a second pass. Community testing across r/AutoDetailing and Autogeek confirms reliable results on neglected engine bays, with the caveat that truly baked-on grease requires more work than solvent-based alternatives. Surface compatibility is solid at recommended dilutions — no documented damage to rubber, plastic, or powder-coated covers. Bare aluminum gets a caution flag at prolonged dwell. The concentrate dilutes from 32:1 all the way to full strength, making per-ounce value strong.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
The right fit for someone who wants an effective general-purpose degreaser with milder chemistry than the typical DANGER-labeled engine degreasers. Dilution versatility makes it a good single-product purchase for detailers who clean engine bays, wheels, and shop equipment. Skip it if you need one-pass removal of extreme grease without agitation — a stronger alkaline or solvent-based degreaser handles that faster, at the cost of harsher chemistry.
Safety and environmental impact
The SDS classifies this product as WARNING with H319 (serious eye irritation), H303 (low oral toxicity), and H313 (low dermal toxicity) — no corrosive codes, no respiratory hazard codes. The front label says "DANGER: CORROSIVE" under CPSC labeling, which uses different thresholds than GHS. Safety glasses are what the H319 classification and overhead spray scenario require. Nitrile gloves are situational for prolonged contact or concentrate handling. The water-based formula with no aquatic toxicity codes and minimal solvent content gives it a better environmental profile than most engine degreasers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser safe on painted engine covers?▾
Community testing on r/AutoDetailing and Amazon reviews confirms the product is safe on painted and powder-coated engine covers at recommended dilution ratios (4:1 to 10:1). The SDS lists no corrosive GHS classification at product level despite the label saying 'corrosive' — the alkaline chemistry (pH ~10) is mild enough that short-contact dwell times do not damage automotive paints. Prolonged undiluted contact on bare aluminum should be avoided.
What dilution ratio should I use for engine bay cleaning?▾
For moderate engine bay grime, a 4:1 dilution (water to product) is the community standard and provides strong degreasing without excessive alkalinity. For light maintenance cleaning, 10:1 works well. Full strength can be used on heavily caked-on grease deposits with brush agitation. The product label and community threads on Autogeek confirm all three ratios.
Why does the label say DANGER but the SDS says WARNING?▾
The front label uses Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) labeling under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which has different classification thresholds than the GHS system used in the SDS. Under GHS, this product is classified WARNING with H319 (eye irritation), not DANGER with H314 (corrosion). Both labeling systems are legally valid; the GHS classification in the SDS reflects the product-level hazard assessment used for workplace safety.
Does Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser contain d-limonene?▾
Despite the orange branding and citrus scent, the SDS §3 composition table does not list d-limonene as a disclosed ingredient. The primary cleaning actives are sodium metasilicate (alkaline builder) and sodium benzenesulfonate (surfactant). The orange scent comes from a fragrance component at ≤0.001%. The product's degreasing power comes from its alkaline chemistry, not citrus solvents.
Is this product safe for pressure washing after application?▾
Yes — the product is water-soluble (SDS §9 confirms complete water solubility) and rinses cleanly with garden hose or pressure washer. Community consensus confirms no residue issues at recommended dilutions. Full-strength application in deep crevices may require a second rinse pass. The non-flammable, water-based formula creates no additional hazard when combined with pressure washing.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Chemical Guys, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Powerful Degreaser (CLD_201_16SW) - Signature Series Orange engine cleaner and degreaser spray quickly breaks down grease, oil, grime, and dirt on engines, tires, undercarriages, tools, and more for a deep professional clean
- •Heavy Duty Cleaning - Professional-strength engine degreaser spray formula dissolves tough grease and road grime on contact; restores surfaces with ease for use on cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and more
- •Versatile Multi-Surface Use - This Chemical Guys degreaser is safe to use as a engine bay cleaner, and for wheels, tires, undercarriages, garage tools, and shop equipment; delivers effective cleaning power wherever tough grease and oil buildup occurs
- •Easy Spray Application - Concentrated engine degreaser automotive formula can be diluted for light cleaning or used full strength for heavy-duty jobs; spray, scrub, and rinse for fast and effective degreasing results
- •Professional Detailing Strength - Developed for detailers and enthusiasts who need maximum performance; this car engine cleaner is trusted by shops worldwide for tackling the dirtiest jobs with speed and reliability
- •Fresh Citrus Degreaser Formula - Infused with a signature orange scent that makes tough cleaning more enjoyable; this heavy duty degreaser cleaner leaves behind a fresh, clean finish after degreasing engines, wheels, and tools
- •Restores surfaces – Bring back the clean look of parts & tools with this heavy duty degreaser that is great as engine cleaner spray
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Manufacturer videos
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Brand
- Chemical Guys
- Item Form
- Spray
- Scent
- Orange
- Specific Uses For Product
- Multipurpose Degreaser
- Material Feature
- Scented
- Surface Recommendation
- Wheels Undercarriage Brakes Engine Bays Calipers Tires
- Special Features
- THE GO TO BRAND IN CAR CARE
- Special Ingredients
- Limonene, Surfactants, Additives
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Cleaning Agent Formulation
- Degreaser
- Material Features
- Scented
- Item Volume
- 473.2 Milliliters
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
The ONLY product that removed artillery fungus!
I had been battling those awful, stubborn black dots (artillery fungus) all over my car and RV for a while. I literally tried every single cleaner, bug remover, and home remedy out there, and absolutely nothing worked. I finally bought this Chemical Guys degreaser spray and decided to pair it with a plastic razor blade (the kind you usually use to safely remove stickers). I sprayed the degreaser directly onto the spots, let it sit for a little bit to break it down, and gently scraped with the plastic razor. It worked like magic! The black spots came right off without scratching or damaging the clear coat on either vehicle. If you are dealing with impossible artillery fungus and feel like you've tried everything, this spray plus a plastic razor is the ultimate combo. Highly recommend!