Degreaser strips baked-on chain grime, engine grease and road grit before you relube. Putoline Chain and Engine Degreaser lifts oily buildup off drive chains and casings, while concentrate options dilute down for workshop-scale cleaning. Spray, let it dwell, agitate with a brush, then rinse and dry fully before you re-oil the chain for proper protection.
Pick the right degreaser for the job
Ready-to-use sprays suit fast chain cleaning between rides, while concentrates earn their place in a busy workshop. The choice comes down to dilution, volume and how aggressive the buildup is.
| Type | Best for | Dilution | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-use spray | Drive chain and engine casings | 0% (use neat) | Putoline Chain and Engine Degreaser |
| Concentrate | Workshop and bulk cleaning | Up to 1:20 ratio, 20L drum | KK Degreaser Concentrate |
How to use it correctly
Apply degreaser to a cool engine, never above roughly 40C, to stop it flashing off before it works. Let it dwell 3 to 5 minutes so the solvent penetrates 100% of the grime layer, then agitate with a brush. O-ring and X-ring chains need a chain-safe formula because harsh solvents attack the rubber seals that hold 70% to 90% of the factory lubricant inside each link.
Finish the job
Always rinse with low-pressure water, not a 1500 PSI jet that forces water past chain seals. Dry the chain fully, then relube within 10 minutes while the rollers are still warm. A clean, well-lubed chain can add 5,000 to 15,000 km of service life and recover up to 3% of drivetrain efficiency lost to friction. Keep a 20L concentrate on hand if you service multiple bikes weekly.
Frequently asked questions
Is motorcycle degreaser safe for O-ring and X-ring chains?
Use a chain-specific formula like Putoline Chain and Engine Degreaser on sealed chains. Harsh general solvents can swell or attack the rubber O-rings and X-rings, letting the factory grease escape from the link and shortening chain life.
Should I buy a ready-to-use spray or a concentrate?
Choose a ready-to-use spray such as Putoline for quick single-bike chain and engine cleaning. Pick a concentrate like the KK 20L drum if you service several bikes and want to dilute down for bulk workshop cleaning.
How do I use degreaser without damaging my bike?
Apply to a cool engine, let it dwell 3 to 5 minutes, then agitate with a brush. Rinse with low-pressure water rather than a high-pressure jet, dry the chain fully, and relube straight away while the rollers are still warm.