MA5X Heavy-Duty Degreaser Black | 55-Gallon Drum | Alkaline Industrial Degreaser pH 12–13
For facility managers, fleet maintenance operations, industrial service yards, marine engine rooms, and cleaning contractors that need maximum-strength degreasing performance across multiple surface types and soil loads. Available in a 55-gallon drum for centralized storage, drum pump dispensing, and pallet delivery.
MA5X Heavy-Duty Degreaser Black in the 55-Gallon Drum is a strongly alkaline (pH 12–13) water-based concentrate formulated with sodium metasilicate, sodium hydroxide, 2-Butoxyethanol, and corrosion-inhibiting surfactants to cut through heavy grease, oil, adhesives, industrial soils, and carbon deposits within 2–6 minutes contact time. One drum yields 550-1,100 gallons of working solution at $0.16-$0.33 per gallon, delivering direct-manufacturer cost economics for high-frequency degreasing programs at scale.
Key Features & Benefits
- Maximum-strength alkaline formula - pH 12–13: Sodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide chemistry aggressively breaks down heavy petroleum grease, carbon buildup, industrial oils, adhesives, and compacted soils that lighter-duty degreasers cannot penetrate, delivering consistent results on the heaviest contamination loads in commercial environments.
- 550-1,100 gallons yield per drum: At 1:10 dilution for heavy contamination, one 55-gallon drum yields 550 gallons of working solution. At 1:20 for routine maintenance cleaning, it yields 1,100 gallons at $0.16–$0.33 per gallon of working solution at the current drum price.
- Corrosion inhibitors protect metal surfaces: Formulated with corrosion-inhibiting chemistry that protects ferrous metals, aluminum, stainless steel, and engine components during degreasing, preventing the surface damage that unprotected high-pH cleaners can cause on metal equipment and machinery.
- Fast-acting within 2-6 minutes: Surfactant system begins emulsifying grease and oils on contact, allowing short dwell times and fast rinse cycles, maintaining throughput in fleet wash bays, engine rooms, and production floor maintenance programs.
- Multi-surface industrial compatibility: Effective on engines, concrete floors, fiberglass, aluminum equipment, appliances, stainless steel surfaces, and industrial machinery. One drum product covering the full range of degreasing tasks in a facility without stocking separate SKUs for each surface type.
- Built for bulk handling: Standard 55-gallon drum with 2" and 3/4" bungs integrates with drum pumps, proportioning systems, and pallet storage for continuous operations across multiple bays, service areas, or facility locations.
Dilution & Application
For heavy grease, carbon buildup, and industrial soil loads, dilute at 1:10 (1 part concentrate to 10 parts water) and apply by spray, brush, or pressure washer. Allow 2-6 minutes of dwell time, agitate on compacted soils if needed, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. For routine maintenance cleaning on lightly soiled surfaces, dilute at 1:20 for lower cost-per-application. Always use in well-ventilated areas and test on a small inconspicuous area before broad application on sensitive coatings or specialty finishes. Do not mix with acidic cleaners - incompatible with acids and oxidizers.
Facility Use Guide - Surface Compatibility & Best Practices
Confirmed applications:
- Concrete floors and shop floors: Apply diluted at 1:10 via mop, brush, or floor scrubber. Allow dwell time and scrub for compacted oil and grease. Rinse with clean water and capture wash water per local environmental regulations, do not allow runoff to reach floor drains connected to untreated waterways.
- Engine cleaning and fleet degreasing: Apply diluted to cool engines using acid-resistant sprayers or brushes. Allow 2-6 minutes dwell on heavy grease deposits, then pressure wash. Ensure runoff is captured per your facility's wash water management procedure.
- Industrial equipment and machinery: Effective on compressors, conveyors, production equipment, and fabrication machinery for routine and deep-clean maintenance cycles.
- Appliances and commercial kitchen equipment: Compatible with stainless steel commercial appliance surfaces for exterior degreasing. For food-contact surfaces, rinse thoroughly and follow applicable food safety protocols after treatment.
- Marine engine rooms and bilge areas: Effective on heavy petroleum contamination in engine bays and bilge areas. Capture and dispose of wash water per applicable clean water and port regulations, do not allow direct discharge overboard.
Surfaces and situations requiring caution:
- Aluminum - limit contact time: While corrosion inhibitors protect aluminum during normal contact, prolonged soaking (beyond stated dwell time) of uncoated aluminum in pH 12–13 solution can cause surface etching. Apply, dwell as directed, and rinse promptly.
- Painted or coated surfaces: Test in an inconspicuous area before treating painted surfaces, as high-pH formulas can dull or lift some paint finishes with extended contact. Rinse immediately and thoroughly after the dwell period.
- Do not mix with acidic products: This product is strongly alkaline and incompatible with acids and oxidizers. Never combine in the same container or spray line with acidic cleaners such as hull cleaners, barnacle removers, or vinegar-based products, mixing will cause a violent neutralization reaction and can generate heat and fumes.
- Enclosed spaces - ensure ventilation: 2-Butoxyethanol, an active ingredient in this formula, has a NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 5 ppm TWA. Always use in well-ventilated areas. In enclosed engine rooms, bilge spaces, or confined industrial areas, ensure adequate air circulation before and during application.
Commercial Specifications
- Drum size: 55 gallons with standard 2" and 3/4" bungs
- Drum weight: Approximately 550 lbs (product + container)
- Pallet: 4 drums per pallet, forklift-accessible
- Shelf life: 36 months from manufacture date in proper storage
- pH: 12–13 (strongly alkaline)
- Color: Transparent Red
- Flash point: >212°F — non-flammable
- Yield: 550 gallons at 1:10 / 1,100 gallons at 1:20
- NFPA rating: Health 2 / Fire 0 / Reactivity 0
Shipping & Fulfillment
55-gallon drums ship via LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight, rates are calculated at checkout based on pallet weight and delivery destination. Up to 4 drums fit on a single pallet at approximately 2,200 lbs total; ordering a full pallet reduces your per-drum freight cost. This product is not regulated for DOT, IMDG, or IATA transport despite its strongly alkaline pH, simplifying receiving, storage, and compliance documentation at your facility. Local pickup is available at no charge from our Coral Springs, FL facility (4105 NW 124th Avenue) Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm, allow up to 2 business days for drum preparation. For recurring orders, contract pricing, or multi-pallet arrangements, contact our sales team directly.
Storage: No special storage conditions required. Keep away from children. Store separately from acids and oxidizers - incompatible materials that can cause dangerous reactions. Do not allow spills to reach waterways or drains - the formula contains ingredients with aquatic toxicity data.