Metal Parts Washing & Degreasing

A high-performance parts washer fluid and metal degreaser that removes grease, oil, dirt and polyurethane residues — then leaves a protective corrosion-inhibiting coating on mild steel parts during storage.

• Cleans grease, oil, dirt and uncured polyurethane residues from metal parts
• Leaves a water-soluble corrosion-inhibiting coating that protects mild steel during storage
• Is highly concentrated, diluting 1:24 with water for exceptional cost-in-use
• Works in ultrasonic baths, immersion tanks and spray cabinet washers
• Makes an ideal follow-up cleaner after polyurethane flushing agents EN705, EN706, EN710 and EN720
• Suits all metal parts — mild steel, aluminium, cast iron and more

About EN740 Inhibited Parts Washer Fluid

EN740 is a premium inhibited parts washer fluid, developed for industrial and engineering environments that need to thoroughly clean and protect metal components in a single operation. To achieve this, its advanced surfactant formulation combines surface-active agents, inhibitors, sequestrants and alkaline builders to chemically lift and remove unwanted residues, including grease, oil, machining fluids, dirt and uncured polyurethane.

What sets EN740 apart from standard industrial degreasers is its built-in corrosion inhibitor. After cleaning, EN740 leaves a water-soluble protective coating on the surface of mild steel parts, which significantly reduces the risk of oxidisation and rust formation during storage or wherever parts haven’t fully dried. As a result, EN740 suits production environments that store cleaned components before assembly, or that require rust-free presentation.

The polyurethane processing industry relies on EN740 extensively, yet the fluid suits any metal parts cleaning application just as well — from automotive engineering and hydraulic component servicing to general workshop maintenance.

Key Benefits

Cleans and protects in one step

Most degreasers clean the part but leave it vulnerable to flash rusting, especially if it doesn’t dry immediately. EN740 tackles this problem directly: after cleaning, its inhibitor chemistry deposits a thin protective layer on mild steel surfaces, which guards against corrosion during the period between cleaning and use or assembly. In short, one product delivers two functions.

Highly concentrated and cost-effective

EN740 comes as a concentrate that dilutes at a ratio of 1 part EN740 to 24 parts water. Because of this high dilution ratio, a single container goes a very long way — making EN740 one of the most cost-effective parts washer fluids available for workshop and industrial use.

Also Effective on polyurethane residues

EN740 particularly excels as a follow-up wash after polyurethane cleaning operations. Once PU cleaning agents such as EN705, EN706 GEL & EN710 soften and turn cured PU into sticky residues which can cling to machine parts and tooling, along with traces of the cleaning agent itself. Fortunately, EN740 quickly and effectively removes these combined residues, leaving parts clean and ready for reassembly or storage.

Suitable as a leak detection fluid

EN740’s surfactant chemistry also makes it an effective leak detector for metal pipework and assemblies. Apply it to a pressurised system, and the fluid will foam or weep visibly at the site of any leak — making it straightforward to identify fault points without specialist detection equipment.

Versatile — works in multiple washer types

EN740 works with all common parts washing methods, including ultrasonic cleaning baths, immersion soak tanks and spray cabinet washers. What’s more, you can use it for hand cleaning individual components with a brush or cloth.

How to Use EN740 Parts Washer Fluid

Immersion tank or ultrasonic bath

1. Always wear gloves when handling EN740 and preparing the wash solution.
2. First, dilute 1 part EN740 with 24 parts clean water in your tank or ultrasonic bath.
3. Next, submerge the parts you want to clean in the solution.
4. Then, agitate manually or run the ultrasonic cycle to loosen and lift residues from the part surfaces.
5. Once the parts are clean, remove them and lightly wipe away loose residue. The inhibitor coating will remain on the surface to protect mild steel parts during storage.
6. Finally, store or reuse the parts as required. You can reuse the wash solution until it becomes heavily contaminated.

Spray cabinet washer

1. First, dilute 1 part EN740 with 24 parts water and add it to the spray cabinet reservoir.
2. Next, load parts into the cabinet and run the wash cycle as normal.
3. Finally, remove the parts once the cycle finishes. Mild steel parts that need corrosion protection don’t require a rinse — the inhibitor coating stays active.

Tips for best results

• For heavily contaminated parts, allow a longer soak time before agitating.
• If you’re using EN740 after PU flushing agents, first flush softened residues from the pipework before introducing EN740 as a final wash.
• Avoid over-diluting beyond 1:24, since higher dilution reduces cleaning performance and corrosion inhibition.
• Store unused EN740 in the original sealed container, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Compatible Metals and Materials

EN740 suits a wide range of metal parts for washing and degreasing, including:

• Mild steel and carbon steel (the corrosion inhibitor benefits these most)
• Aluminium and aluminium alloys
• Cast iron
• Stainless steel
• Copper and brass
• Mixed metal assemblies and components

Industries and Applications

Workshops and industrial sites use EN740 across a broad range of environments, including:

• Polyurethane processing and foam manufacturing — as a follow-up wash after PU flushing operations
• Automotive engineering and vehicle maintenance workshops
• Hydraulic system servicing and component reconditioning
• CNC machining and precision engineering — removing cutting fluids and machining oils
• General fabrication and metalworking workshops
• Maintenance and repair operations (MRO), where components need cleaning before storage
• Aerospace and defence component cleaning, where rust-free storage is critical

Product Specifications

• Type: Inhibited surfactant parts washer fluid and degreaser
• Key actives: Surface-active agents, corrosion inhibitors, sequestrants, alkaline builders
• Dilution ratio: 1:24 (1 part EN740 to 24 parts water)
• Corrosion inhibitor: Yes — water-soluble, protects mild steel during storage
• Compatible washer types: Ultrasonic bath, immersion tank, spray cabinet, hand cleaning
• Suitable metals: Mild steel, aluminium, cast iron, stainless steel, copper, brass
• Additional use: Leak detection fluid for metal pipework and assemblies4