Choosing the right parts washer fluid is essential to ensure effective cleaning, prevent corrosion, and protect sensitive metals during production, maintenance, or storage. ZERUST® has solutions that are aqueous-based, non-flammable, and environmentally responsible. Our solutions are engineered to meet the performance demands of spray, immersion, and ultrasonic systems. This guide outlines how to match the right parts washer fluid to your equipment type, metal substrates, and cleaning requirements.
Explore ZERUST® Parts Washer Fluid Solutions
Discover ZERUST® aqueous parts washer fluids engineered for spray, immersion, ultrasonic, and rotary basket systems. These industrial cleaning solutions deliver powerful soil removal while protecting metal components from flash rust and corrosion.
Aqueous parts washer fluid systems require different water-based solution fluid characteristics, especially when it comes to foam levels, rinse needs, and application method. Choosing based on machinery will help create a more efficient system.
Spray Part Washers:
Spray washers rely on high-pressure nozzles to clean parts, so parts washer fluids must remain low-foam to prevent interference with spray performance.
KF-121 delivers consistent low-foam cleaning for medium-duty soils. It’s an ideal cleaner when a low application temperature is desired.
KF-122 delivers consistent low-foam cleaning for heavy-duty soils and is compatible with very hard water.
KMS-305AL and KMS-310 are designed for spray applications operating between 115°–150°F, combining detergency with flash-rust protection. KMS-310 has a hardier detergency potency for moderate to heavy-duty hydrocarbon soils and particulates.
KF-123 and KF-124 add extended flash-rust resistance, useful where parts undergo short-term handling before further processing.
As no to low foam solutions – DA-23C and DA-24C are specifically Spray system compatible solutions.
DA-23C pairs spray cleaning with up to three months of corrosion protection, supporting both cleaning and storage requirements.
DA-24C pairs low foaming spray cleaning with up to three months of corrosion protection while also being yellow metal friendly.
Immersion Part Washers:
Immersion parts washer fluid systems submerge parts for full coverage cleaning, making them suitable for complex parts and heavy soil loads. Depending on the formulation, ZERUST® immersion-compatible parts washer fluids are engineered to work effectively in heated tanks as well as at room temperature.
KF-121 and KF-122 provide medium to heavy-duty cleaning for tough soils.
KF-123 and KF-124 support medium-duty soil removal in immersion baths, maintaining stability in demanding shop environments, whilst offering extended flash-rust protection for additional handling time.
NW-10C and NW-12C operate effectively between 77–140°F, reducing energy consumption while cleaning light to medium to heavy duty soils while offering extended flash-rust protection for additional handling time.
Rotary Basket Part Washer Systems:
Rotary basket parts washer fluid systems combine immersion, spray, and agitation, making them highly effective for cleaning small or intricate parts in high volumes. These systems demand low-foam, durable parts washer fluid formulations that withstand continuous operation.
KF-121 and KF-122 provide low-foam cleaning to medium to tough soils.
KF-123 and KF-124 provide low-foam detergency for medium-duty soils, leaving behind a flash rust-resistant coating for additional handling time.
KMS-305AL and KMS-310AL deliver consistent cleaning in elevated temperature ranges (115–150°F), specifically designed for aluminum.
KMS-220 has a special edge for Rotary Basket systems; not only does it provide effective cleaning for light to medium duty soils, but also oil-splitting capabilities. These oil-splitting features allow for a longer bath part and cleaner parts.
Ultrasonic Part Washer System:
Immersion parts washer fluid systems fully submerge parts in the cleaning solution, ensuring complete coverage for complex shapes and hard-to-reach areas. Fluids used in immersion systems must maintain stability across a range of temperatures and soil loads, delivering strong detergency while protecting against flash rust and corrosion during and after cleaning.
NW-10C provides light-duty cleaning at room temperature (77–140°F), reducing energy consumption, with high-foam properties that support ultrasonic agitation.
NW-12C extends versatility, compatible with ferrous and non-ferrous metals, stable in hard water, and effective in ultrasonic tanks requiring broader substrate coverage.
KF-121 and KF-122 are excellent for cleaning medium to heavy-duty soils where emulsification is needed to help clean the parts.
KF-123 and KF-124 can provide flash corrosion inhibition while tackling light and medium-duty soils in ultrasonic systems.
KMS-310AL is designed to clean medium to tough soils from aluminum surfaces and has excellent emulsification ability.
Learn More About Aqueous Parts Washer Systems
Understanding how aqueous parts washers work can help you improve cleaning efficiency, extend bath life, and reduce corrosion risks. Explore our comprehensive guide to aqueous parts washers, including system types, sustainability benefits, and performance considerations.
Compatible with sensitive aluminum surfaces, these products prevent etching and offer corrosion protection during or after cleaning in the parts washer fluid system.
These parts washer fluids remove light contaminants efficiently, with options like DA-23C, DA-24C, KMS-220, KMS-305AL and DA-40AL providing additional rust protection for storage.
A key advantage of ZERUST® fluids is their built-in corrosion protection, ranging from immediate flash-rust prevention to extended protection for storage and shipping.
Flash-Rust Protection (during and immediately after cleaning)
These parts washer fluids contain corrosion inhibitors to protect ferrous parts during cleaning in the parts washer and short-term handling.
Choosing the right parts washer fluid depends on your washer type, the materials you’re cleaning, and the level of protection you need after washing. ZERUST® solutions are engineered to deliver performance, safety, and sustainability—helping you keep operations efficient and compliant.
Add Flash Rust Prevention to Your Parts Washer
Flash rust can form quickly after cleaning if metal parts are not properly protected. Learn how ZERUST® AxxaWash™ solutions combine powerful aqueous cleaning with built-in corrosion protection to keep parts clean, dry, and rust-free after washing.
If you’re still unsure which option is best for your application, try our quick quiz below or Contact a ZERUST® representative for a specific, tailored recommendation.
Which ZERUST® Parts Washer Fluid Could be Right for You?
Need Help Selecting the Right Parts Washer Fluid?
Choosing the right parts washer fluid can improve cleaning efficiency, extend bath life, and prevent costly corrosion issues. ZERUST® corrosion experts can help you select the best aqueous cleaning solution for your equipment, metals, and soil conditions.
Andrea Catarino specializes in translating complex corrosion prevention solutions. Her professional focus includes highlighting ZERUST®’s role in advancing sustainability by extending equipment lifespan, reducing material waste through innovative corrosion control and contributing to long-term environmental and operational efficiency.
AxxaWash™ KF-121 is a low foam, alkaline, water-based metal cleaner that effectively removes light to medium-duty hydrocarbon soils from ferrous substrates. Additionally, it also serves as the ideal metal cleaner for applications requiring low temperatures.
AxxaWash™ KF-122 is a low-foaming, heavy-duty alkaline, water-based cleaner compatible with very hard water in a wide range of operating temperatures. Additionally, it also maintains low foaming under spray conditions.
ZERUST®/EXCOR® AxxaWash™ KF-123 is a low-foaming, mildly alkaline, high-performance water-based industrial parts washer that is designed for cleaning ferrous substrates. In addition, AxxaWash™ KF-123 provides flash-rust inhibition.
AxxaWash™ KF-124 is a low-foaming, mildly alkaline, water-based degreaser & cleaner with low operating temperatures. In addition to cleaning, AxxaWash™ KF-124 provides flash-rust inhibition.
AxxaWash™ KMS-220 is a low foam, low temperature, mildly alkaline water-based part cleaner with excellent oil-splitting capabilities. In addition, AxxaWash™ KMS-220 provides flash-rust inhibition.
AxxaWash™ KMS-305AL is a low foam, low temperature, alkaline water-based aluminum part cleaner designed for use with aluminum and ferrous metals in spray systems with its excellent oil-splitting capabilities.
AxxaWash™ KMS-310AL is a low-foaming, alkaline, water-based aluminum and ferrous cleaner that’s designed to be used in immersion, ultrasonic, spray, or drum washer processes.
AxxaWash™ NW-10C is a mildly alkaline, water-based preservation cleaner with a wide range of operating temperatures. In addition to flash-rust inhibition, it also removes and deactivates sources of corrosion such as chlorides, oils, and contaminants.
AxxaWash™ NW-12C is a mildly alkaline, water-based ultrasonic cleaning solution with a wide range of operating temperatures. In addition, it can be used in immersion and spray cleaning modes.
Axxatec™ DA-23C is a dual-action water-based rust preventative and cleaner with low or no foaming that is designed to provide short-term rust protection and light-duty cleaning.
Axxatec™ DA-24C is a dual-action water-based yellow metal rust preventative and cleaner with low or no foaming that is designed to provide short-term rust protection and light-duty cleaning.
Axxatec™ DA-40AL is a dual-action aluminum rust preventative and cleaner with low foaming that is designed to provide short-term rust protection and light-duty cleaning.
Axxatec™ 30C is a water-based rust Inhibitor designed to provide short-term indoor storage and in-transit protection. In addition to the corrosion protection offered, Axxatec™ 30C may also be used as a light-duty cleaner-rust preventative combination product.
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