Best Solvents of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Solvents are essential products for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike. These powerful liquids are designed to dissolve and remove grease, oil, and other stubborn substances from car parts and surfaces. They are commonly used in automotive repair shops for cleaning engine parts, carburetors, and other components. Solvents come in various types, such as mineral spirits, acetone, and brake cleaner, each with its unique properties and applications. They are also available in different sizes and packaging, making it easy to find the right solvent for any automotive cleaning task.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meguiar's Ultimate Iron Remover 24 Oz Cover #TOP 1
Meguiar's Ultimate Iron Remover 24 Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
LiME LiNE Wax and Grease Remover Cover #TOP 2
LiME LiNE Wax and Grease Remover
ftb score rating icon 9.7
LAUCO Wax and Grease Remover 1 Gallon Cover #TOP 3
LAUCO Wax and Grease Remover 1 Gallon
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Solvents

#TOP 1

Meguiar's Ultimate Iron Remover 24 Oz

G250524
Meguiar's Ultimate Iron Remover 24 Oz Cover
Meguiar's Ultimate Iron Remover - Quickly Remove Embedded Iron Particles and Industrial Fallout That Impair Paint Color, Clarity, and Paint Smoothness - Chemical Contaminant Remover - 24 Oz

Meguiar's Iron Remover is designed to effectively clear away stubborn iron particles and industrial contaminants that can dull your vehicle's paint. This product targets embedded iron that typical clay bars often miss, helping to restore your paint’s smoothness and vibrant color. It also prepares your vehicle’s surface perfectly for further detailing steps like polishing or applying protective coatings. The formula is gentle yet powerful, safe to use on paint, glass, and chrome. Simply spray it on, let it sit briefly, agitate with a wash mitt, rinse, and dry to keep your vehicle looking its best without water spots.

What We Like
Effective iron particle removal
Prepares surface for detailing
Safe for multiple surfaces
Easy spray and rinse use
#TOP 2

LiME LiNE Wax and Grease Remover

Paint Suit
LiME LiNE Wax and Grease Remover Cover
LiME LiNE Wax and Grease Remover – Multi-Surface Paint Prep Cleaner for Auto Body, Metal, Plastic, Fiberglass – Fast-Drying Solvent Degreaser Removes Wax, Tar, Adhesive & Contaminants (1 Gallon)

The LiME LiNE Wax Remover is designed to help you easily clean your vehicle or project surfaces by getting rid of wax, grease, oil, and other sticky substances. This cleaner dries quickly without leaving any leftover residue, so you don’t have to wait long before applying paint or other coatings. It works well on many materials like metal, plastic, and fiberglass, making it versatile for cars, motorcycles, boats, and more. Using this product ensures that your surfaces are perfectly prepped for painting, giving you a smooth and professional finish every time.

What We Like
Effective wax and grease removal
Fast-drying, no residue
Multi-surface compatibility
Prepares surfaces for paint
#TOP 3

LAUCO Wax and Grease Remover 1 Gallon

33080/36060
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
LAUCO Wax and Grease Remover 1 Gallon Cover
LAUCO Wax and Grease Remover 1 Gallon Multi-Surface Paint Prep Cleaner for Auto Body, Garage | Works On Plastic, Metal, Fiberglass Powerful Solvent Degreaser (33080)

The LAUCO Paint Prep Cleaner is a powerful solution designed to remove wax, grease, oil, and other contaminants from surfaces like plastic, metal, and fiberglass. This makes it ideal for preparing your car or other items before painting. It dries quickly without leaving any oily residue, so you get a clean surface that helps paint stick better and last longer. The cleaner works on many different materials, so whether you're working on automotive panels, bumpers, or marine parts, it gets the job done efficiently. Using this product ensures smooth and professional paint results by improving adhesion and preventing issues like flaking or uneven finishes.

What We Like
Strong solvent degreaser
Fast-drying, no residue
Multi-surface compatibility
Improves paint adhesion
#TOP 4

B'laster - 5-PWS - Parts Wash Solvent

5-PWS
B'laster - 5-PWS - Parts Wash Solvent Cover
B’laster Parts Washer – Parts Cleaner Solvent – High Flashpoint Formula Cleans Oil, Grease & Grime, No Residue, Works on Metals, Most Plastics & Painted Surfaces – 5‑Gallon

B'laster Parts Wash Solvent is a high-quality solvent developed to outperform traditional mineral spirit-based solvents commonly used in recirculating parts washers. It is designed to safely and quickly remove oil, grease, and grime from metals, most plastics, and painted surfaces. With its residue-free formula, it is perfect for use on parts that will be painted. The solvent's high flashpoint makes it easier and safer to use compared to its competitors. B'laster Parts Wash Solvent offers exceptional value and unparalleled performance, making it an excellent choice for those in need of a reliable and effective solvent.

What We Like
Outperforms traditional solvents
Safely removes oil, grease, and grime
Leaves no residue
#TOP 5

3M Adhesive Remover 12 oz (6-Pack)

3M
03618VOC20-6
Clear
6 Count (Pack of 1)
3M Adhesive Remover 12 oz (6-Pack) Cover
3M Adhesive Remover 12 oz (Pack of 6) – Low VOC, CARB Compliant, Fast-Acting Residue-Free Solvent Removes Adhesives, Stickers, Tape, Tar & Wax – Safe on Automotive Paint, Glass & Vinyl

The 3M Adhesive Remover is a powerful solution that quickly breaks down sticky residues like tape, tar, and wax, saving you from tough scrubbing or scraping. It’s gentle enough to use on various surfaces such as automotive paint, glass, vinyl, and metal, making it a versatile choice for both your vehicle and household projects. Its low VOC formula means fewer harmful fumes and less odor, creating a safer and more comfortable experience while you work. Plus, it leaves no greasy residue or strong scent behind, so your surfaces stay clean and fresh after use.

What We Like
Fast-acting solvent
Safe for multiple surfaces
Low VOC, less odor
No residue or scent
#TOP 6

Plane Perfect Buddha Belly Cleaner

‎Plane Perfect-17
16 oz
Plane Perfect Buddha Belly Cleaner Cover
Plane Perfect Buddha Belly Oil & Grease Cleaner - 16oz, Aviation Grade Degreaser Cleaner Heavy Duty, Automotive Engine Cleaner and Degreaser Spray, Multi Surface Cleaner for Airplanes, Trucks & Cars

Plane Perfect Degreaser is a powerful, aviation-grade cleaner designed to tackle tough oil, dirt, and grime. Its citrus-based formula ensures a deep clean, making it perfect for both aircraft and automotive engines. You can easily apply it by spraying on the surface, allowing it to penetrate, and then wiping it off—no need to worry about drying out. This versatile cleaner is safe for various surfaces, from metals to plastics, and it won't damage existing protections. With its eco-friendly and biodegradable properties, you can clean confidently, knowing you're making a responsible choice for the environment.

What We Like
Effective citrus-based formula
Safe for multiple surfaces
Easy spray-and-wipe application
Biodegradable and non-toxic
#TOP 7

Install Bay P20005 ACRYSOL 1 QT

Install Bay
INSTALLBAYP20005
Install Bay P20005 ACRYSOL 1 QT Cover
INSTALLBAY P20005 - Kent Spray Products - ACRYSOL 1 QT (INSTALLBAYP20005)

The Install Bay ACRYSOL Solvent is a reliable product designed for use as a solvent, making it a handy addition to your toolkit. It comes in a convenient 1-quart size, perfect for various applications without being bulky. This product is part of the Install Bay brand, known for quality and dependable performance. However, please note that it is not available for sale in California, New Hampshire, or Utah, so make sure you are in an eligible state before purchasing. Overall, this solvent offers a practical solution for your cleaning and preparation needs.

What We Like
Solvent for cleaning
Convenient 1-quart size
Trusted Install Bay brand
Restricted sales for compliance
#TOP 8

Conserv Safe Coin Solvent - 8oz

865890000215
Clear
8 Ounce
Conserv Safe Coin Solvent - 8oz Cover
Conserv Safe Coin Solvent - 8 Ounce Bottle

Conserv Solvent is a solvent that helps lift away surface dirt, impurities, gums, grease, varnish, inks, etc. It ensures the surface toning remains intact while easily rinsing off contaminants. The small and portable size allows you to treat several coins with ease. Additionally, it safely removes impurities from plastic and metal surfaces, making it a convenient solution for cleaning and maintaining your coins.

What We Like
Surface dirt removal
Toning preservation
Portable size
#TOP 9

Miracle Sealants 511 Sealant Residue Remover & Cleaner Quart

RESREMQT6
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Miracle Sealants 511 Sealant Residue Remover & Cleaner Quart Cover
Miracle Sealants 511 Sealant Residue Remover & Cleaner, Quart

The Miracle Sealants Residue Remover is designed to make your cleaning tasks easier and more efficient. This professional-grade cleaner ensures you get top-quality results, helping you tackle tough sealant residues with confidence. Its user-friendly formula means you won’t need special skills or tools, so you can quickly and easily restore surfaces to their original condition. Plus, the fast-acting nature of this product saves you time by breaking down residues quickly, allowing you to finish your project without long waits. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this cleaner offers the convenience and effectiveness you need for your sealing jobs.

What We Like
Professional-grade quality
Easy to use
Fast acting formula
#TOP 10

SEM Solve 38374 1 Quart

SEM
38374
1 Quart
SEM Solve 38374 1 Quart Cover
SEM 38374 Solve - 1 Quart

SEM Solve Cleaner is designed to help you prepare vehicle panels before refinishing or repairs. It effectively removes sticky residues like adhesives, making surfaces clean and ready for the next steps. The solvent also breaks down wax buildup, which can interfere with paint adhesion. If your vehicle has road tar spots, this product safely dissolves them, saving you time and effort. Additionally, it tackles grease and paint overspray, ensuring a smooth, clean surface for a professional finish. Using SEM Solve Cleaner means you get a thorough clean that helps your repair or refinish work look its best.

What We Like
Removes adhesives
Eliminates wax buildup
Cleans road tar
Removes grease
Clears paint overspray
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are examples of solvents?

Solvent Examples. Common examples of solvents include water, ethanol, methanol and acetone. The term 'solvent' can be defined as a substance that has the ability to dissolve a given solute to form a solution with it.

2. What are the 10 examples of solvent?

8 Solvent Examples in Everyday Life. Water (The “Universal Solvent”)Acetone.Acetic acid.Ethanol.Chloroform.Solvents in Everyday Cooking.Solvents in Paints.Solvents in Aerosols.

3. What products are solvents?

Products containing solvents include oil-based paints, paint strippers, adhesives, wood finishes, shoe polish, cosmetics, markers, aerosols, nail polish remover, garment dry cleaning, sealants, and household cleaners.

Editor's Notes

During our solvent research, we found 24 solvent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,705 customer reviews through our big data system to write the solvents list. We found that most customers choose solvents with an average price of $23.43.

The solvents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of solvents, including Meguiar's, LiME LiNE, LAUCO, Blaster, 3M. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.