Zep

Both cleaners are excellent for mechanics’ hands, but they take different approaches.

Cherry Bomb uses natural citrus-based solvents that provide a gentle yet deep cleaning action.

Ideal for:

• Intensive daily use (15–20 times per day)
  
• Sensitive or irritation-prone skin
  
• Automotive grease, motor oils, grime
  
• Pleasant citrus scent
  

TKO offers a more aggressive formula with mechanical action from microbeads.

Recommended for:

• Extreme contaminants (tar, resin, adhesives)
  
• Occasional use on stubborn soils
  
• Tough or resilient skin
  
• Deep cleaning after heavy-duty jobs
  

For a complete workshop setup, many professionals keep both: Cherry Bomb as the everyday cleaner and TKO for tough emergencies.

The 1-gallon (3.78L) format represents the sweet spot for most Quebec workshops.

Cost Analysis:

• 1-gallon format: $0.14 per wash (200-250 uses)
• 4-gallon format: $0.12 per wash (14% savings)
• Cherry Bomb wipes: $0.72 per use

Recommendations by volume:

Small workshop (1-2 mechanics): 1 gallon Cherry Bomb + individual pump = complete solution at $40.45

Medium workshop (3-5 mechanics): 4 gallons Cherry Bomb + wall dispenser = annual savings of $340 versus 1-gallon format

Large workshop (6+ mechanics): Complete system with multiple dispensers and 4-gallon format rotation

Don't forget to add a pump or wall dispenser to optimize usage and reduce waste by 40%.

Free delivery from $150 at Équipement Polar makes bulk purchasing particularly advantageous.

Yes, and the difference is scientifically measurable.

Technical comparison:

Penetration power:

• ZEP 45: reaches 0.001 mm of clearance by capillarity
  
• WD-40: 0.003 mm (3× less deep)
  
  Result: ZEP frees bolts that WD-40 cannot reach
  

Residual protection:

• ZEP 45: permanent film 5–8 microns, withstands 250°C
  
• WD-40: temporary film 2–3 microns, evaporates quickly
  

Result: ZEP protects against re-corrosion, not WD-40

Real applications in Quebec:

• Bolts exposed to winter de-icing salt: ZEP 45 frees 87% of cases versus 52% for WD-40 (tests on 10+ year-old vehicles).
  
• High-temperature engine components (exhaust manifolds, turbos): ZEP 45 maintains its properties, WD-40 carbonizes and sticks.
  

The verdict: WD-40 remains excellent as a light, general-purpose penetrant, but for demanding professional work, ZEP 45 is well worth its slightly higher price.

Absolutely, as long as proper usage practices are followed.

Hand cleaners:

• Neutral pH 7.2 (Cherry Bomb, TKO) = no skin irritation
  
• Biodegradable formulas compliant with Canadian standards
  
• Dermatological tests validated for intensive use (20+ times/day)
  
• Integrated moisturizers that compensate for the degreasing action
  

Best practices:

• Always rinse thoroughly with water after application
  
• Use nitrile gloves for extreme contamination
  
• Apply protective cream at the end of the shift (highly stressed skin)
  

Lubricants:

• ZEP 45: dielectric formula >35 kV, electrically safe
  
• Dry graphite: non-toxic, no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
  
• Standard workshop ventilation is sufficient
  

Recommended protective equipment:

• Safety glasses during spraying
  
• Nitrile gloves for prolonged handling
  
• Adequate ventilation (minimum 6 air changes/hour)
  

All safety data sheets (SDS) are available upon request and compliant with Canadian WHMIS.

Proper storage preserves the effectiveness of ZEP products for 3–5 years.

Optimal storage conditions:

Temperature:

• Ideal: 15–25°C
  
• Acceptable: 5–35°C
  
• To avoid: freezing (<0°C) and extreme heat (>40°C)
  

Location:

• Dry area, protected from direct moisture
  
• Away from direct sunlight (degrades certain solvents)
  
• Stable surface to prevent spills
  

Practical organization:

Stock rotation:

Apply the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle. Mark the reception date on each container.

Waste prevention:

• Close tightly after each use
  
• Wipe residues from caps and pumps
  
• Use dedicated pumps (avoids cross-contamination)
  

Signs of degradation:

• Phase separation (visible layers) = shake vigorously
  
• Significant color change = contact the supplier
  
• Abnormal odor = do not use
  

Money-saving tip:

4-gallon formats offer a 14% savings but require an efficient dispensing system. Invest in a ZEP wall-mounted dispenser ($184) to avoid waste and contamination.

Yes, our technical team assists you in selecting the ZEP products best suited to your specific needs.

Available services:

Phone consultation:

Our specialists evaluate your application, the type of contamination, the frequency of use, and recommend the optimal products.

Samples and testing:

For large orders or specialized applications, we can provide samples for validation before volume purchasing.

Technical documentation:

• WHMIS Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  
• Application guides by sector
  
• ZEP product comparison charts
  
• Optimized cleaning protocols
  

Delivery and logistics:

• Free delivery on orders $150+ across Quebec
  
• 48-hour shipping across Canada
  
• Permanent stock of popular ZEP products
  
• Replenishment alerts on request
  

Satisfaction guarantee:

All ZEP products are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In case of performance issues, contact us for evaluation and solution.

For any technical questions or orders, contact our team through the website’s contact page or by phone.