All three products are used for removing heavy accumulations of oils, greases, and other substances that are difficult or impossible to remove with detergents. Each is a different blend of solvents suitable for the intended use; all contain emulsifiers to permit washing off with water. They are very effective on these kinds of dirt because of the two chemical processes involved:
1. The solvents penetrate and dissolve the dirt; the result is a fluid mixture.
2. The emulsifiers make the mixture soluble in water. When water is applied, the dirt-solvent mixture dissolves in the water and is washed away.
Typical Applications
Engines
Office Machines
Tanks
Parts in Process
Machinery
Oil Filters
Vats
Transmissions
Conveyors
Air Filters
Bearings
Fifth Wheels
Oil Sumps
Concrete Floors
Housings
Chassis
Bilges
Wood Block Floors
Gear Cases
Greasy Walls
CAUTION! See reverse for recommended uses on paints, rubber and plastics.
To Use As Solvent Degreasers
Use cold. Use full strength or diluted as below.
Apply degreaser by any convenient method: spray, brush, pour, or immerse. Let stand long enough to dissolve the dirt. To speed dissolving action, circulate, scrub, or use any other mechanical action that will help disperse the dirt in the solvents. Wash off with water. Use pressure washer or steam cleaner if available; if not available, use hose and tap water at maximum pressure.
Dilutions: Use full strength for greatest efficiency on very dirty surfaces. For moderate or light dirt dilute with up to 20 parts of water, kerosene, stoddard solvent, diesel fuel, etc. However, all these diluents decrease the solvent power and all except water increase the fire hazard.
Machinery with Electric Components: In addition to the above: Turn power off. Tie plastic bags or other waterproof material over electric components and air intakes. If waterproofing fails, dry electric components with forced warm air; for small controls, a hair dryer is adequate.
To Use As Emulsion Cleaners
Dilute in hot or cold water. Use in parts washers, soak tanks, floor machines, pressure washers, steam cleaners. The dilution required varies from 1:50 water for moderate dirt up to 1:5 water for greasy parts on floors. Alternative Products & Optional Methods
Where only moderate quantities of oil and grease must be removed, the job can frequently be done with heavy duty detergents such as Atlas, Titan, Cardiblast, Steamterj, Pentaterj, Cardite #422, Metalterj #286. If surface is to be repainted, a better paint job can be secured by cleaning first and then using a strong alkaline detergent such as Steamterj to reduce the gloss.
Comparative Cleaning Properties
Cardisolv #CKE
Most powerful of the three products. Dissolves many substances not affected by #RTU or #RSE; dissolves all substances faster. Recommended for fastest removal of petroleum oils and greases, tar, vegetable oils, animal fats, carbon deposits, all asphalts, all metallic soap lubricants, many resins, many other liquids, gels, and solids.
Cardislov #RTU
Very effective on petroleum oils and greases, tar, vegetable oils, animal fats, some asphalts, some metallic soap lubricants. Less effective than #CKE on carbon deposits. Not effective on most resins. Dissolves some other liquids, gels, and solids, but far fewer than #CKE.
Cardisolv #RSE
Very effective on petroleum oils and greases, tar, vegetable oils, animal fats, some asphalts, some metallic soap lubricants. Not effective on carbon deposits or most resins. Dissolves some other liquids, gels, and solids, but far fewer than #CKE or #RTU. #RSE is very effective for degreasing engines, automotive parts, and many other uses where conditions are not severe. It is recommended for economy where conditions do not require the use of stronger and more expensive degreasers. Trial is recommended wherever a low-cost, low-odor, emulsion degreaser is desired.
Use on Materials Shown
Bare
Glass & Concrete & Painted
Rubber &
Product
Metals
Wood
Similar
All Masonry
Surfaces
Plastics
Neoprene
Cardisolv #CKE
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Cardisolv #RTU
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note4
Note 3
Cardisolv #RSE
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note 1: #CKE on painted surfaces: Use on high-gloss, oil base enamels and concrete seals; use on other paints and metal coatings of the type intended for permanent protection. Make trial application before use on water base latex paint or shellac.
Note 2: #CKE on plastics: ALWAYS make trial application before use on plastics; they vary greatly in properties. If #CKE affects the plastic, try #RTU or #RSE.
Note 3: #CKE or #RTU on rubber and neoprene: AVOID exposure of rubber or neoprene for more than 5 minutes; #CKE or #RTU may cause swelling of these materials. Use #RSE if rubber or neoprene must be exposed for more than 5 minutes. For example: OFFICE MACHINES should be immersed in #RSE ONLY unless all rubber and plastic parts are removed.
Note 4: #RTU on plastics: Use on the following common plastics: polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, teflon, bakelite, acrylic, polycarbonate. Test before use on others.
ALL: If spilled on waxed or other sensitive surfaces, remove at once with water.