How to Choose a Parts Washer Detergent: A Shop Owner's Guide

Answer first: For aluminum and soft-metal parts, choose a formula that is aluminum-safe and will not etch — like TurboKlean AS. For ferrous, mixed-metal, or heavy-grease applications, choose an alkaline, non-caustic concentrate — like TurboKlean AP. The right detergent matches your metal type, your equipment (spray cabinet vs. immersion), and your volume.

1. Start with Your Metal Type

The single most important factor is what you are cleaning.

Aluminum and soft metals (aluminum and soft alloys):

Alkaline formulas that are safe in general use may still discolor or lightly etch aluminum under extended exposure. If you run aluminum heads, cases, or other soft-metal parts, use a formula that is purpose-built for aluminum — one that explicitly will not etch. TurboKlean AS is formulated for this application and rated for heated high-pressure spray cabinets.

Ferrous and mixed metals (steel, cast iron, copper, brass):

For heavy grease, oil, and grime on engine blocks, transmission cases, brake shoes, alternators, clutch plates, and carburetors, you need an alkaline formula with strong grease-cutting performance. TurboKlean AP is alkaline, non-caustic, and rated for both spray-cabinet and immersion use. It is safe for steel, cast iron, Babbitt, aluminum and magnesium alloys, copper, brass, and pot metals — with one note: extended contact beyond approximately one hour may discolor white metal.

Rule of thumb: aluminum-only shop → AS; ferrous or mixed-metal shop → AP; mixed workload where some parts are aluminum → AP for most jobs, and test with AS on aluminum-heavy batches.

2. Match Your Equipment — Spray Cabinet vs. Immersion

Foam control is the hidden variable most shops overlook.

High-pressure spray cabinets agitate the wash solution at force. Excess foam in a spray cabinet degrades cleaning performance and can overflow. You need a low-foam or defoaming formula.

• TurboKlean AP defoams automatically at 140°F — no separate defoamer required.

• TurboKlean AS is rated for heated high-pressure spray cabinets (low foam).

Immersion washers (hot-tank / soak-tank): Foam is less critical because there is no pressurized spray. AP is rated for immersion use. AS is rated for spray cabinets; confirm with TEMCO before using AS in an immersion application.

If your shop runs both types of equipment, AP is the more versatile formula. If you run a dedicated aluminum spray cabinet, AS is the precision choice.

3. Alkaline vs. Neutral — Grease Cutting vs. Soft-Metal Gentleness

Both TurboKlean formulas are aqueous and solvent-free. The difference is alkalinity.

Alkaline formulas (like AP) are more aggressive on grease, oil, and carbonized deposits. The phrase "non-caustic" matters: AP is alkaline enough to cut grease but does not use harsh caustic (sodium hydroxide / lye) chemistry that would attack metal or create a hazardous-material handling problem.

Aluminum-safe neutral or low-alkaline formulas (like AS) dial down the alkalinity to protect soft-metal surfaces. You trade some raw grease-cutting power for the assurance that your parts come out dimensionally intact.

If you are cleaning heavily contaminated ferrous parts, the alkaline formula wins. If you are cleaning precision aluminum castings, surface safety takes priority.

4. Biodegradable and Environmental Compliance

Some states and municipalities have discharge rules or stormwater restrictions on shop wastewater. If your facility discharges spent wash water or is near a water table, biodegradability matters.

TurboKlean AP is biodegradable and non-caustic. For AS biodegradability and environmental data, consult the Safety Data Sheet.

Both formulas are aqueous and solvent-free, which eliminates the flammability and VOC concerns associated with solvent-based cleaners. If your shop has transitioned off solvent or mineral spirits for compliance or safety reasons, both TurboKlean formulas are drop-in aqueous replacements.

For specific discharge compliance in your state, consult your local environmental regulator or request an SDS: turboklean.com/sds-info.

5. Concentration, Cost-per-Wash, and Drum Economics

TurboKlean is sold as a concentrate. You add water; you are not paying to ship water.

Available sizes and list prices:

SKU	Size	AP Price	AS Price
APL-1	1 gal liquid	$35	—
AP-10 / AS-10	10 lb concentrate	$120	$145
AP-25 / AS-25	25 lb concentrate	$160	$200
AP-50	50 lb concentrate	$245	—
AS-45	45 lb concentrate	—	$265
AP-400 / AS-400	400 lb drum	$1,235	$1,530

Cost-per-wash math: The 400 lb drum delivers the lowest cost per pound of any size in the line — for a high-volume shop doing multiple wash cycles per day, that is a meaningful saving over re-ordering 10 or 25 lb sizes. The 45–50 lb size (AP-50 / AS-45) is the sweet spot for mid-volume shops that want concentrate economics without committing to a full drum.

The APL-1 1-gallon liquid is a practical option for new customers who want to trial AP before committing to concentrate, or for very low-volume applications.

Note on drums (400 lb): AP-400 and AS-400 ship LTL freight — they are too heavy for standard parcel carriers. Contact TEMCO for a freight quote: 1-800-245-1869 or temco@washparts.com.

6. Decision Tree — AP or AS?

Use this to land on the right formula before you order.

Question 1: What is the primary metal you wash?

• Aluminum or soft metals only → go to Question 2

• Ferrous (steel, cast iron), mixed metals, or unknown → Order TurboKlean AP

Question 2: What equipment do you run?

• Heated high-pressure spray cabinet → Order TurboKlean AS

• Immersion / hot-tank → Contact TEMCO to confirm AS compatibility; AP is the safe default

Question 3: How much volume do you run per month?

• Trial / very low volume → APL-1 1-gal ($35) for AP; AS starts at 10 lb

• Regular production → 25 lb or 45–50 lb concentrate (AP-50 / AS-45)

• High volume / daily use → 400 lb drum (LTL freight quote required)

Still unsure? Call TEMCO Industrial at 1-800-245-1869.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AP and AS?

AP (All-Purpose) is an alkaline, non-caustic formula for ferrous and mixed-metal parts with heavy grease loads. AS (Aluminum-Specific) is formulated to clean aluminum and soft metals without etching. Both are aqueous and solvent-free.

Can I use TurboKlean in any brand of parts washer?

Both AP and AS are aqueous concentrates compatible with standard heated spray cabinets and (for AP) immersion washers. They are not solvent-based, so they require a washer designed for aqueous chemistry. TEMCO builds its own line of spray cabinets — see TEMCO's full line of parts washers at washparts.com/parts-washers.

Does AP defoam on its own?

Yes. TurboKlean AP defoams at 140°F. No separate defoamer is required.

Is there a liquid option if I don't want to mix concentrate?

Yes. APL-1 is available as a 1-gallon liquid at $35. AS is currently available in concentrate only (10 lb minimum).

How do I get an SDS?

TurboKlean Safety Data Sheets are available at turboklean.com/sds-info.

Do you ship drums?

AP-400 and AS-400 (400 lb drums) ship LTL freight. Parcel-rated sizes (10–50 lb for AP, 10–45 lb for AS) ship by standard ground parcel. Contact TEMCO for drum freight quotes: 1-800-245-1869.

See TEMCO's full line of parts washers — including spray cabinets and immersion units that use TurboKlean detergents — at washparts.com/parts-washers.