The Best Hand Cleaners for Mechanics and Industrial Workers

Cracking, dryness, and aching — your hands have had enough of them. You put your hands through hours of hard labor daily, and even though you feel good about the work you accomplish each day for your customers, your hands don’t.

The good news? Your hands no longer have to suffer constantly from degreaser irritants and harsh oil chemicals thanks to the high-quality cleaners available today. Not all cleaners are alike, though.

What’s the best hand cleaner for mechanics and industrial workers? Let’s explore what you need to know about heavy-duty hand cleaners, including what a solvent cleaner is, how it compares with a non-solvent cleaner, and why the solvent-free hand cleaner, NatureGrit, is the best choice for mechanics.

Best Hand Cleaner For Mechanics: What are Solvent Cleaners vs. Non-Solvent Cleaners

A non-solvent cleaner is a cleaning solution that doesn’t depend on solvents (liquids that dissolve other substances) or harsh chemicals to eliminate grime, dirt, and stains. Instead, the cleaner’s chief components are water and natural ingredients. On the other hand, a solvent cleaner contains chemicals that dissolve a substance like paint or grease. Solvent cleaners are often used for heavy-duty degreasing or cleaning. 

What Is a Non-Solvent Cleaner’s Main Draw?

Non-solvent cleaners are usually more eco-friendly than solvent cleaners. They are also ideal for use in a poorly ventilated area where you might be concerned about air quality because they don’t release harmful gasses from harsh chemicals. These benefits make a non-solvent cleaner the best hand cleaner option for many mechanics, and those concerned about their environmental impact.

Non-solvent cleaners are also less harsh when compared with solvent cleaners, decreasing your chances of experiencing skin damage or irritation when you use them repeatedly. Mechanics appreciate non-solvent cleaners because they can feature moisturizers like vitamin E to keep your hands hydrated after cleaning.

What Is a Solvent Cleaner’s Primary Challenge?

Solvent cleaners might contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which may be hazardous to inhale. Heavy-duty solvent hand cleaners can also be hard on your hands — another reason why they may not be the best hand cleaners for mechanics and industrial buildings. Regularly using them may lead to dermatitis which may result in dry, itchy, and swelling skin. 

Another challenge with solvent cleaners is that they may ruin your drain. A solvent will remove most of the greasy residue from your hands but will also remove your hand’s natural oils due to penetrating deep into the skin. It will then leave a film of sticky dissolved grease that you may have to remove with water and plain soap. The water and grease will separate upon entering your drain, which may cause the grease to build up and clog your plumbing system. Given solvent cleaners’ challenges, non-solvent cleaners are the best choice for today’s industrial facilities and auto repair shops.

What Is the NatureGrit Non-Solvent Cleaner?

NatureGrit is among the best non-solvent hand cleaners for mechanics and workers. As one of the top heavy-duty hand cleaners, NatureGrit is effective at eliminating tough soils and is environmentally friendly. It’s made with a biodegradable walnut shell scrubber, a cleaning substance made using walnut shell pieces. These shells are abrasive enough to remove grime while also being gentle on hands. The cleaner also contains soybean oil, which offers additional cleaning power. 

Mechanics appreciate the fact that NatureGrit is moisturizer-enriched and dye-free which may help protect their hands. Keep in mind that this cleaner doesn’t produce a lather, as it’s not a traditional soap. Various sizes are available to meet your unique needs and preferences.

NatureGrit vs. the Competition

Those seeking the best hand cleaner for mechanics and industrial settings may also consider competitors’ products, like Zep, Permatex, and Lava products, but NatureGrit still comes out on top for multiple reasons. Let’s take a look at the drawbacks of competing heavy-duty hand cleaners.

Permatex

Permatex produces Fast Orange, a hand cleaner designed to remove tough grease and grime without abrasive chemicals. But, it might not be the best hand cleaner for your shop’s mechanics for several reasons. Although it features skin conditioners like lanolin and aloe, you may still experience allergic reactions or skin sensitivity, especially if you use it frequently. It also doesn’t hold up in freezing temps, limiting its storage and use to warmer temperatures.

Zep

Zep manufactures Shellshock, another industrial hand cleaner designed for professionals like mechanics. The challenge with Shellshock is that even though it’s described as biodegradable, concerns remain regarding the packaging materials’ and ingredients’ environmental effects. Some ingredients, such as benzalkonium chloride, may hamper algae growth, negatively affecting aquatic environments. That’s because numerous aquatic animals consume algae, and these organisms also produce the oxygen that aquatic organisms need. Algae further benefit the environment by helping maintain a nutrient balance in water and providing a habitat for a variety of species.

Shellshock may not be the best hand cleaner for mechanics because it may be more suitable for use at home instead of in a professional setting.

Lava

Lava and many other industrial-level products use pumice stone to help remove grime from mechanics’ hands. They’re popular because they’re generally cost-effective. The problem with pumice is that this rock doesn’t biodegrade, so it’s not an eco-friendly option. It may also clog your facility’s drains.

NatureGrit 3,000 mL Bottles, 3-Pack

The NatureGrit cleaner is among the best heavy-duty hand cleaners for mechanics due to its ability to remove stubborn soils quickly, fully, and effortlessly, combined with its satisfying grapefruit scent. This product comes in a convenient 3-pack of 3,000-milliliter bottles that can be placed in a wall-mounted dispenser at your facility. The dispenser design is simple to use and can help ensure the appropriate portion control.

NatureGrit Half Gallon Pump Top, 4-Pack

Another popular NatureGrit product for those searching for the best hand cleaner for mechanics can take advantage of is NatureGrit’s Half Gallon Pump Top heavy-duty cleaner. This award-winning solvent-free hand cleaner is one of the top heavy-duty hand cleaners since it’s Environmental Protection Agency certified. The half-gallon pump top design is a great alternative to the 3,000 mL bottles. Each one holds about 1,892.71 milliliters and a case comes in a pack of 4.

Choose Unisan For the Best Hand Cleaner For Mechanics and Workers

At Unisan, we take pride in offering the best hand cleaners for mechanics and workers, including NatureGrit products! We’re always happy to help if you have additional questions about these hand cleaners so you can make the best purchase for your automotive repair business.

We also distribute personal protective equipment and supplies to businesses in numerous industries, including hospitality, manufacturing, medical, and education. We exclusively distribute in the Southern California area and have our own delivery trucks and warehouse in Bell, California. We additionally maintain an expansive network of partners throughout North America for warehousing and deliveries for our highly valued national clients.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, we have developed a strong inventory and supply chain you can count on when you need to replenish your facility’s cleaning supplies and essentials. Our quality products deliver top-tier results time after time. Get in touch with the pros and order today!