DMF 

The problem with boiling water is that it melts the grease, it doesn't dissolve it. The melted grease will get all over everything it comes in contact with. Fine if you're working over an open fire outside, but really messy in a kitchen.

Big_knob

Nothing cuts the crap better than Gasoline.

Bikedued

There are chemicals made for this purpose, without using engine fuels? Engine fuels are for engines. As I said before, I use Berrymans chem tool Carburetor and parts cleaner. One gallon container will do hundreds of bearings before it loses it's effective ability to remove grease. The only bad part is that they recently changed their formula, and the new one sucks. Look for the gallon cans in red white and blue, with NO orange coloring. The new formula is like a super concentrated 409 in a thick motor oil looking carrier. It takes twice as long to do the same thing. I have yet to find a suitable replacement. Meanwhile I will buy all the red/white/blue cans I can find.

I guess I have unrefined senses or something. I have never felt a real difference between loose and caged, unless the cage is somehow distorted, then I feel a roughness or grabby feeling.,,,,BD

tellyho

Put the cages in a small container of degreaser, put the lid on and shake. Let them sit for a couple of days, toothbrush should get the rest when they're out. Make sure you rinse whatever solvent you use off and dry before repacking. Just did the same with a Varsity, and decided new loose balls weren't worth the hassle.

tuckervill

Any good reason not to use Simple Green? Worked within an hour or so on the bearings of my son's bike. I used it to clean a popcorn kettle from the little league field that had years of baked on popcorn oil. I wasn't afraid to get it on my hands, either.

If there's not a good reason to use it on bikes, I'd like to know before I start on the old Fuji.

Karen

Bikedued

Use it all you want full strength on bare or plated metal, but if you plan to use it on painted areas, definitely dilute it. Like half and half or more water. That stuff is pretty strong, despite it's biodegradeable
value.I imagine it could soften paint if left on too long in full strength. Simple green also sold an all purpose cleaner that I can't seem to find again. It was amazing for dried up grease and road grime on paint. Even the old gummy stuff came off with ease.,,,,BD

Bikedued

Found it. This stuff is great for cleaning up old grungy frames and components. Test it out in a
hidden area first, so you can be sure it won't eat your paint. I used it on a 1960's vista muscle bike
without hurting the paint, so I imagine it will do okay on newer finishes.

https://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons_prod_pro.php

tuckervill

Thanks, dude! I use Simple Green for everything!

Karen