Kevin Post, an auto repair technician  with Ringwood based Performance  Unlimited, cleans a part in their new SmartWasher parts cleaning  system.

For as long as auto repair technicians can remember they’ve had to hold automotive parts under a stream of somewhat toxic parts cleaner. That’s all different now; today, there’s a parts cleaner and fluid that is safe for auto repair technicians and the environment.

The product is called SmartWasher and is know in the industry as a “bioremediating parts washer.” The company describes “bioremediating” as a natural process that “eliminate(s) liquid hazardous waste streams.” The SmartWasher actually uses a powerful water-based degreaser. It’s a solution they call “OzzyJuice®.”

“OzzieJuice®” is a degreasing solution that is pH neutral, is not caustic and doesn’t cause skin irritations. It doesn’t even have a flash point where the old solvents were flammable at some point.

“The system turns harmful contaminants into non-toxic substances,” said Denny Norton, the owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited. “The best part is that it’s safe to handle for employees and it doesn’t pollute the environment. Many of the old parts cleaners used a toxic liquid; you didn’t want to hold your hands in there too long.”

Auto repair shops have used the old parts cleaners, and their toxic liquids, for decades. It was a necessary evil since, in the process of repairing a vehicle, it’s important to clean parts before they are reassembled in the car or engine.

“The SmartWasher is not only safe but it also gets parts clean,” said Norton. “If it didn’t do that, we wouldn’t be able to use it.”