Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser & Cleaner
Priced as of May 26, 2026
4.5(1,808 ratings)Subscribe & Save: $6.64 (5% 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 varyHealth score is for adult use as intended, per the manufacturer's SDS. It does not model child ingestion, accidental spill cleanup, or off-label use. See the safety panel below for full hazard classification, and /disclaimer for the full editorial scope.
From the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2018-07-17)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 H319SkinRequiredMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.138(a) · GHS H317LungsSituationalMfr. SDS §8Ventilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H319 (serious eye irritation Cat 2A) is in the SDS §2 mixture classification. Safety glasses are recommended for the overhead spray scenario.”
— Zep
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
“H317 (skin sensitizer Cat 1) is in the SDS §2 mixture classification. Sensitization can develop with repeated skin contact. SDS §8 lists nitrile or latex gloves as required protection.”
— Zep
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.138(a); 1910.132(d)
“appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances.”
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
“No respiratory H-code (H331, H334, H335) is present at mixture level and VOC is estimated below 51 g/L. The enclosed_space trigger applies for engine-bay use in a closed garage.”
— Zep
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.
The Podium · Top 3 in Engine Degreaser
See the full ranking →This product ranks #7 of 9 in Engine Degreaser.Three above it ↓
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 26, 2026
TL;DR Citrus-based alkaline degreaser at RTU concentration — effective on moderate engine grime, shop tools, and concrete at 4.5 stars from over 1,800 buyers. The WARNING classification includes a skin sensitizer (H317), so wear nitrile gloves. Read the label before engine-bay use: plastics, auto paint, and glass are explicitly off-limits.
What it is and how it performs
A ready-to-use 32 oz trigger spray. Spray on, dwell 2–5 minutes, agitate on heavy deposits, rinse. Amazon reviews confirm it cuts baked-on kitchen grease and shop grime with minimal effort. The surface restriction is the real catch for engine bays: the label prohibits use on plastics, painted surfaces, leather, glass, and natural stone — modern engine bays are full of all of these. No concentrate option means no per-ounce value advantage over concentrate competitors. California purchase is prohibited under state VOC rules.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
Best for metal shop tools, concrete floors, or an older engine with mostly bare metal and no plastic covers. Anyone detailing a modern engine bay with plastic valve covers, painted surfaces, or rubber hoses should choose a formula with fewer surface restrictions — Simple Green Pro HD or Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser both work here and come in concentrate form.
Safety and environmental impact
WARNING signal word with H317 (skin sensitizer) and H319 (eye irritation). H317 is a real classification, not boilerplate: repeated contact can cause progressive sensitization. SDS §8 directs nitrile or latex gloves; safety glasses are warranted for overhead spray use. The product carries a Prop 65 label warning; the specific substance is not identified in the 2018 SDS. The citrus-terpene content has documented aquatic toxicity at the ingredient level; the formula is drain-destined on rinse. California-prohibited.
Frequently asked questions
Can this degreaser be used on a car engine bay?▾
It can be used on metal engine surfaces, but the label explicitly prohibits use on plastics, auto paint, glass, plexiglass, leather, and natural stone. Modern engine bays contain plastic electrical connectors, plastic valve covers, and painted surfaces — test on a hidden area first and keep dwell time short on those surfaces.
Why is this product banned in California?▾
The product label states it cannot be purchased or used in California under Title 17 C.C.R. Section 94509, which governs consumer-product VOC limits. The prohibition appears to be driven by the citrus-extract content in the formula, which triggers California's terpene-based VOC rules for this product category.
Does this product carry a Prop 65 warning?▾
Yes. The Amazon listing and product back label both carry a Prop 65 warning. The SDS (Version 3.0, 2018) does not identify any specific Prop 65 substance — the SDS predates the warning by several years, and the specific chemical triggering the warning is not named in the current SDS. The Prop 65 warning is reflected in the health score.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Zep, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •ZEP HEAVY-DUTY CITRUS DEGREASER: Natural citrus solvents remove adhesives, grease and oil from most surfaces
- •NO FUMES: Comes in fresh citrus scent
- •HOUSEHOLD DEGREASER: Cleans stainless steel, appliances, kitchen surfaces, grills, stovetops, concrete, tools, engines, fiberglass, aluminum and stainless steel
- •BEST CITRUS DEGREASER: Strong enough to remove grease from engines and tools
- •Not for use on glass, plexiglass, plastics, auto paint, leather or natural stone surfaces
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Manufacturer videos
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Brand
- Zep
- Item Form
- Spray
- Scent
- Citrus
- Specific Uses For Product
- Glass
- Material Feature
- Natural
- Surface Recommendation
- Countertops,Stove
- Special Features
- Antibacterial
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Cleaning Agent Formulation
- Degreaser
- Material Features
- Natural
- Item Volume
- 2491.88 Milliliters
- Unit Count
- 32.0 Fluid Ounces
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
Definitely works for the inside of your stove
This worked like a charm! I shldve took a before pic and after but once the oven grease was coming off so easily I got excited and forgot. It’s very easy to use! It DOES remove grease!! I didn’t let it set that long and it still worked. Definitely worth the money and the scent for me wasn’t overwhelming