How to Clean an Engine Bay 

Washing your vehicle regularly will keep it in excellent condition and help maintain its resale value – not to mention looking great! But don’t forget to wash under the hood. Keep your engine looking cool and help your vehicle live a longer life by periodically cleaning your engine bay. It’s easier than you’d think with Oil Eater® All-Purpose Cleaner and Oil Eater® Cleaner Degreaser. They are powerful, easy-to-use, non-corrosive formulas that are completely biodegradable.  

Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done: 

• Non-metallic scrub brush or pressure washer with foam cannon (if available) 
• Garden hose 
• Plastic bags, twist ties, and tape 
• Clean towels or air compressor 
• And Oil Eater® All Purpose Cleaner (if cleaning manually) or Oil Eater® Cleaner Degreaser (if using a pressure washer)

Before you start: 

Position the vehicle in an area that won’t be harmed by rinsed grease and grime from the engine, or cover the area under the car with a plastic drop cloth or other protective material. Start with a cool engine, and check for oil leaks before you start. Open the hood and brush out any loose dirt or leaves inside or under your windshield wipers. Protect all the electrical parts with the plastic bags and tape or twist ties. This includes the battery, alternator, distributor and air intake system. 

 If you’re cleaning manually: 

Spray Oil Eater® All Purpose Cleaner over your entire engine bay. After thoroughly covering the area with cleaner, let it soak for five minutes.  

Scrub down the bay with a non-metallic brush to loosen the greasy build-up. 

Then rinse everything off thoroughly with a hose. 

Remove the plastic bags carefully, and then dry the engine with a towel or compressed air. 

If you’re using a pressure washer: 

Prepare your pressure washer by filling its chemical tank (if equipped) with Oil Eater® Cleaner Degreaser, being sure to dilute with water per your manufacturer’s directions. If no dilution instructions are available, use 10 parts water to 1 part cleaner as a starting point. If your pressure washer does not have a chemical tank, apply the cleaner to the surface being cleaned using a garden spray tank and a dilution ratio of 10:1.  

Apply the cleaner to the entire engine bay using a low pressure setting or, if available, a foam cannon. Start approximately five feet away to avoid damage, and move closer as needed. 

Let it soak for five minutes, and then rinse with clean water and a high-pressure nozzle. Again, start at a safe distance so you don’t force water where it doesn’t belong. 

Dry off your engine with a clean towel or compressed air, and you’ll be ready to roll.