# TLDR Review: Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser

*Published: 2025-06-06 | Updated: 2025-07-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/rust-oleum-cleaner-and-degreaser*

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## Product: Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser
**Brand:** Rust-Oleum

## Pros
- Effectively breaks down surface grime on garage floors and driveways.
- Removes oil stains, tire marks, and other residues efficiently.
- Leaves a cleaner feel and smell, helping to reduce tracked-in dirt.
- Highly recommended for preparing concrete for painting or priming.
- Ideal for general cleaning and prep before epoxy floor coating or painting.
- Easy-to-follow application instructions provided.
- Best results are seen on minor stains, tape residue, and general dirt buildup.
- Noticeable improvement in surface cleanliness enhances paint adhesion.

## Cons
- Requires significant effort, including agitation and use of a pressure washer.
- Ineffective for major oil stains, brown stains, or changing the concrete's appearance.
- Leaves some grease areas leading to epoxy finish defects ('fisheyes').
- Ineffective for removing tire marks from fresh concrete and requires extensive scrubbing.
- Causes discomfort such as stinging and dry mouth; requires a respirator due to Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate.
- Results in residue that necessitates sanding to remove.
- Only effective outdoors or in well-ventilated areas due to safety concerns.

## Bottom Line

The Rust-Oleum 301243 Cleaner and Degreaser is a powerful option for general cleaning and surface prep for painting on concrete floors. While it excels in removing minor stains and preparing surfaces for further treatment, it may demand substantial scrubbing and rinsing efforts, and it may not be the best choice for severe oil stains or changing the concrete's appearance. Use with caution due to chemical safety considerations, such as the need for a respirator and proper ventilation.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Effectively breaks down surface grime on garage floors and driveways. | Requires significant effort, including agitation and use of a pressure washer. |
| Removes oil stains, tire marks, and other residues efficiently. | Ineffective for major oil stains, brown stains, or changing the concrete's appearance. |
| Leaves a cleaner feel and smell, helping to reduce tracked-in dirt. | Leaves some grease areas leading to epoxy finish defects ('fisheyes'). |
| Highly recommended for preparing concrete for painting or priming. | Ineffective for removing tire marks from fresh concrete and requires extensive scrubbing. |
| Ideal for general cleaning and prep before epoxy floor coating or painting. | Causes discomfort such as stinging and dry mouth; requires a respirator due to Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate. |
| Easy-to-follow application instructions provided. | Results in residue that necessitates sanding to remove. |
| Best results are seen on minor stains, tape residue, and general dirt buildup. | Only effective outdoors or in well-ventilated areas due to safety concerns. |
| Noticeable improvement in surface cleanliness enhances paint adhesion. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| North 40 Outfitters | $21.99  | Check |
| Instacart | $24.39  | Check |
| The BuildClub | $24.80  | Check |
| Fleet Farm | $27.99  | Check |
| Summit Racing -> eBay | $31.99  | Check |
| Walmart | $44.96  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*