Originally Posted by
pierce
< pedantic mode>those degreasers aren't solvents, they are detergents. a detergent molecule has a hydrophilic side (likes water) and an oily side, and chemically bonds to the oils so they can be carried off by the water in suspension. a solvent dissolves the material in question, and mixes with it in solution.
</pedantic mode>
Almost correct. The detergents don't chemical bond to the oil molecule. The oils dissolve in hydrophobic part of the detergent micelles. It's only a physical change and is reversible using purely physical means. It's not easy to reverse but it is reversible.