Keeping food facilities spotless is more than just good practice—it's a strict requirement. You need industrial-strength cleaning power that never compromises safety.
As a specialist supplier of food grade lubricants and chemicals, Davor provides solutions that meet these demanding standards. We offer high-performance products like the CRC Food Grade Bio Degreaser and the NT-450 Alkaline Degreaser to help you keep your processing lines clean and fully compliant.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using a food grade degreaser, what makes it safe, and why the NSF A1 rating is so important.
What Makes It "Food Grade"? The NSF A1 Standard
A food grade degreaser is designed to cut through tough grease and oil in areas where food is present, but without leaving behind dangerous residues.
This is where third-party certification comes in. The NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation) is the global organization that vets these products, and you need to look for the NSF A1 label.
What Does NSF A1 Mean?
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NSF A1 products are certified as General Cleaners for use on all hard surfaces throughout food processing areas.
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The key point is that this category is not for direct food contact.
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The Golden Rule: Any surface cleaned with an NSF A1 product must be rinsed thoroughly with potable (drinkable) water afterward. This rinse step completely washes away the cleaning agent before the surface touches any food, ensuring safety.
Is It Safe and What's Inside? Understanding the Content
When you choose a professional food grade degreaser, you're selecting a product engineered for high performance with minimal risk. Safety is always the top priority.
What are Food Grade Degreasers Made Of?
The best food grade cleaners rely on smart chemistry to get the job done:
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Water-Based Formulas: Many modern solutions, including the CRC Food Grade Bio Degreaser, are water-based, which means they are non-flammable and safe for use even in tight or enclosed working spaces.
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Gentle pH: The CRC degreaser, for example, is pH Neutral (7.5-8.0). This is a huge benefit because it is non-corrosive to your valuable metal equipment and much easier on skin than strong acids or caustics.
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Non-Toxic Components: The NT-450 Alkaline Degreaser is certified to contain Non-Toxic or Non-Hazardous Ingredients, making handling and storage safer for your team.
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Biodegradable: Both recommended products are formulated to be readily biodegradable, which is better for the environment when disposed of correctly.
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Surfactant Power: They use powerful cleaning agents called surfactants, which work by creating a barrier between the surface and the grease, lifting heavy soil off the equipment quickly and efficiently.
How to Use Your Food Grade Degreaser
Getting the best results depends on applying the correct concentration. Always refer to the product's technical data sheet for exact instructions.
Option 1: CRC Food Grade Bio Degreaser (pH Neutral Cleaner)
This formula is highly concentrated and safe for use on most materials, including painted surfaces and glass.
| Application Method | Dilution (Degreaser:Water) | Use Case |
| Full Strength | Undiluted | Very heavy soil, thick grease, sludge, and cleaning tools. |
| General Degreasing | 1:10 | Standard daily or weekly cleaning of moderately soiled areas. |
| Hard Surface Cleaning | 1:20 | Light grease removal and wiping down hard surfaces. |
Usage Steps:
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Apply to the area. You can soak parts, pre-wash, or spray directly.
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Give the degreaser a moment to work through the soil.
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Wipe or rinse the surface with clean, potable water. This is a necessary step for compliance.
Option 2: NT-450 Alkaline Degreaser & Carbon Remover (Heavy-Duty Concentrate)
The NT-450 is a super-concentrate that’s certified for both general cleaning (NSF A1) and deep degreasing/carbon removal (NSF A8).
| Application Method | Dilution (Degreaser:Water) | Use Case |
| Heavy Cleaning | 1:1 up to Full Strength | Removing burned carbon, thick lubricating greases, and engine degreasing. |
| Average Cleaning | 1:5 | Oily floors, general shop equipment, and mechanic work areas. |
| General Manufacturing | 1:10 | Removing machining oils, waxes, and polishing compounds from parts. |
Usage Steps:
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Apply the solution using a brush, spray, or by soaking parts.
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Allow time for the powerful alkaline solution to penetrate the soil.
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Ensure a thorough rinse with potable water on all surfaces that might interact with food products.
If you're looking for expert guidance on selecting the best food grade degreaser or other specialty chemicals for your facility, Davor is here to help. We are the specialist food grade lubricants and chemical supplier you can rely on for certified products and trusted service. Partner with us to keep your operations compliant and running smoothly.
