Safetykleen

Safetykleen: all-in-one parts cleaning for UK and Irish industry

Safetykleen provides parts cleaning services and parts washer hire to customers across the UK and Ireland, operating through a network of 19 branches. The company presents itself as the UK's number one parts cleaning specialist and describes its model as a full-service arrangement: machines, cleaning supplies, servicing, waste removal and compliance documentation are bundled into a single monthly fee, with no capital outlay for the equipment.

Founded in 1973, Safetykleen states it has more than 50 years of experience in parts cleaning and surface treatment. Its international arm reports operations in 11 European countries plus Brazil, China and Turkey, with almost 2,000 employees.

Equipment and cleaning chemistries

The product range covers automatic and manual parts washers, ultrasonic cleaners, specialist parts washers and spray gun cleaners. These are paired with a catalogue of cleaning chemistries that includes parts washer fluids, ultrasonic cleaning solutions, spray gun cleaner liquids, specialist cleaning fluids and purified cleaning technology. The company reports 13 different machine families and more than 300 cleaning chemistries.

A selection tool on the site asks about the material of the part (metal, rubber, plastic, ceramic, glass or other), its size and the type of soil to be removed, listing options such as grease, oil and coolants, rust, scale, tar or bitumen, dry and wet paints, inks and resins, adhesives, dust and NDT penetrants.

How the service is delivered

Safetykleen outlines a four-stage process. It begins with a cost-free survey to identify the appropriate cleaning solution, followed by a quotation for a pay-monthly service. The company then supplies and commissions the machine, provides the cleaning chemistry and trains the customer's staff. At agreed intervals it cleans and services the machine, removes used chemistry and replenishes it.

The company claims the arrangement can cut maintenance time by 70%, and cites a finding that top-performing plants spend 3.5 times less on maintenance. It also states that its best ultrasonic cleaning is now 57% more energy efficient.

Waste management, training and compliance

Alongside parts cleaning, the service portfolio includes waste management and training and compliance. Safetykleen describes reducing workplace hazards as one of its founding principles and frames customer compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation as central to its activity. Compliance documentation is included as standard in the service.

Industries served

The company lists the sectors it supports: general industry, metal working, manufacturing, construction, food and drink, rail, aerospace, automotive, and paint and body shops. It also refers to surface treatment and chemical application services for companies of all sizes.

Scale and track record

Safetykleen reports 110,000 installed machines, 92 locations across 14 countries, more than 750 certified service technicians and one million services performed each year. The site cites 2,387 reviews collected up to June 2025 and includes a testimonial attributed to Leonardo Helicopters referring to lower non-conformance and gains in productivity and efficiency. The company traces its origins to the invention of the first "sink on a drum" parts washer and links its current range to energy-efficient insulated machines and water-based chemistries.