Originally Posted by
danarello
What is the best solvent to use at home for cleaning bike parts like bottom brackets and such? I've see mechanics use paint thinner and heard other cyclist say they use diesel
fuel. What do the BF pros say?
This is a trick question... isn't it?
Mechanics use MEK: Methyl ethyl ketone (butanone), a solvent.
Not safe for use or storage at home.
Oderless Mineral Spirits
aren't safe either(<see the pdf safety sheet) although slightly better than MEK. No solvent is safe for use outside of the shop. Or... safe to be stored anywhere around a home.
I have used a little choke cleaner (from a spray can) to clean parts. The choke cleaner just melts the dry grease off. It must be used outside... ONLY.
Other than that... simple green in a spray bottle, rubber (dish washing gloves) and a stiff brush works great.