Bike Repair Safety - A Warning Against Gasoline as a Cleaning Agent

I occasionally see people advocating the use of gasoline as a cleaning agent for de-greasing, washing parts, cleaning up old oil stains, etc. I counsel against using gasoline as a cleaning agent. Gasoline releases strong vapors that are both toxic and explosive. A single gallon of gasoline has the explosive potential of about 14 sticks of dynamite*. 

There are numerous safety warnings from industry, enthusiast groups, and government agencies against the use of gasoline as a cleaning agent, including government authorities in North Carolina, Sunoco fuel company,  motor sports enthusiast organizations, the state of Illinois, and many others.

There are alternatives to gasoline for de-greasing. Some are solvents such as Goof-Off (be careful around painted surfaces), Mineral Spirits, and Acetone (not to be used on painted surfaces).  These also release fumes and are flammable, though not quite as explosive as gasoline.

Even better, there are also non-solvent type alternatives that do away with the nasty fumes and flammability. For example, warm water and Simple Green cleaner in an ultra-sonic wash tub can work nicely. Dawn Power Wash dish soap also can break down grease without dangerous chemicals. Orange or Purple Degreaser also can do a good job without risk of fire (be careful on paint with these though - some paints are damaged by these two). 

The bottom line is - yes, gasoline works as a de-greaser and parts cleaner. But the risks of toxic fumes, fire, and explosion are too great. There are better alternatives. Be safe when you clean and repair your vintage bicycle. 

 

[*Side note: I recall the late Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert had a famous TV science demonstration act he would occasionally perform. He would agitate a very small amount of gasoline or lighter fluid in a closed paint can, then touch a match held by a long stick to a hole in the bottom of the can, ignite the small amount of fuel, which in turn would pop the lid off the top of the can with considerable force. He would always end the demonstration by warning against fooling around with gasoline, which he would describe as "powerful stuff".]