A practical guide to workshop hand cleaner.

How do I choose an industrial hand cleaner?

Start with the contamination, then check the cleaner’s stated removal range. MACO Hand Cleaner Special is formulated for medium to heavy dirt in automotive, construction and metalworking settings. Its removal range includes grease, oils, brake fluid, cement, rust, ink, tar, bitumen and lime dust. A description such as “heavy duty” is not a guarantee that a product removes every paint, adhesive or coating.

1. Match the cleaner to the work. For mechanics and fleet servicing, check the listed oils, grease and brake fluid. For construction and fabrication, check cement, lime dust and rust. Do not assume suitability for an unlisted substance.
2. Check the formula and safety together. Solvent-free, approximately pH 6–6.5 and skin refattening agents are product characteristics. Read the eye hazard, preservative and fragrance information before choosing it for your workplace.
3. Choose the dispensing format. A personal bottle, shared pump and wall-mounted cartridge system serve different wash points. Check what is included and which refill fits before comparing prices.
4. Check supply before committing. Include the format, quantity, wash stations and delivery postcode in your enquiry. Confirm stock, delivery arrangements and the current Australian SDS with the supplier.

Does solvent-free mean there is no grit?

No. MACO Special is solvent-free and contains a 100% natural walnut-shell scrubber. These describe different parts of the product. The natural claim applies to the scrubber, not every ingredient in the formula. Read our walnut-shell grit explanation for the distinction and the safety information to consider.

For the full list of eye and allergy hazards and the scope of the available manufacturer document, see safety information and SDS downloads.

Choose by the wash station, not just the bottle size.

A mobile worker may want a personal bottle, while a workshop or transport depot needs a shared cleaning point. For several stations or regular site supply, request a quote with your team size and quantities.

The 4 L pump bottle includes a hand pump. The CX-4 dispenser is sold separately from its sealed 4 L cartridge: a new station costs $169.00 including GST for the two items at the displayed prices. Reorder the compatible $60.00 cartridge for an existing CX-4; the pump bottle is a different format.

The CX-4 uses a closed-bottle system, patented dual-valve dispensing and a cartridge design intended to leave no residue behind. The approximate yield is 800 washes per 4 L cartridge.

What does MACO Special remove?

Hand Cleaner Special is a professional, premium solvent-free cleaner for medium to heavy dirt in automotive, construction and metalworking settings. It removes brake fluid, grease, lubricants, oils, cement, rust, ink, tar, bitumen and lime dust.

Its 100% natural walnut-shell scrubber works through dirt, and the formula contains skin refattening agents. It is approximately pH 6–6.5, has a thick liquid feel and a fruity scent, and is completely water-soluble for rinsing.

These are hand-cleaning benefits. They do not make the product a disinfectant or remove the eye and allergy hazards described below.

Dry hands. Work in the scrub. Rinse.

1. Dispense a small amount onto dry hands. Use the bottle, pump or compatible CX-4 station.
2. Work the cleaner through the dirt. Massage the walnut-shell scrub over the dirty areas, avoiding eye contact.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water. The water-soluble formula rinses away easily.

Follow the product label and applicable safety data sheet. Do not eat, drink or smoke while using it, and wash hands after handling.

Choosing cleaner for a mobile crew? Read whether MACO Special needs rinse water before deciding on the wash location and bottle format.

Why the cost per wash stays the same.

At the approximate CX-4 dose of 5 mL, a 4 L cartridge supplies about 800 washes. A $60.00 refill therefore costs $0.075 per wash — 7.5 cents. Changing the number of workers increases monthly consumption; it does not change the price of each wash.

Whole-cartridge purchases are rounded up, so some cleaner remains for the next month. Actual consumption varies with dirt and dispensing. At 10 mL per wash, the same refill provides about 400 washes and costs $0.150 per wash. A different cartridge price also changes the unit cost. Dispenser cost is separate.

Read the hazards before putting it on site.

Causes serious eye damage. If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing and call a doctor immediately.

The CMIT/MIT preservative may produce an allergic reaction. Fragrance allergens include benzyl alcohol, linalool and d-limonene. Solvent-free and pH-neutral do not mean hypoallergenic or non-irritating.

Store cool and well-ventilated and dispose of the product according to local rules. It is not classified as dangerous goods for transport and has no UN number.

The downloadable manufacturer SDS is a European document revised in 2020. It is not a verified current Australian SDS. Request the current Australian supplier/importer SDS for workplace use.

Read the complete safety and document information

Free local delivery within Perth metro.

Include your suburb, postcode and quantities with your enquiry. Contact us for delivery options outside Perth metro, including regional WA and interstate. Stock and delivery arrangements are confirmed with your enquiry.

For multi-carton orders, several wash stations or repeat supply, ask about trade pricing. Account applications and net-30 terms are subject to approval.

Finish the workshop setup.

Hand cleaner tackles dirt on hands. For tools, machinery and workshop surfaces, explore industrial cleaning rags from Perth Rag Supplies.