What is a solvent recommended for removing grease and light rust?

The recommended solvent for removing grease and light rust among the options provided is mineral spirits. Mineral spirits are a petroleum-derived solvent commonly used in cleaning and degreasing applications. They effectively dissolve grease, oils, and light rust, making them a versatile choice for cleaning metal surfaces before further treatment or painting.

Understanding the properties of mineral spirits helps to appreciate their effectiveness; they are less aggressive than stronger solvents like acetone, which can damage certain finishes or leave residues. Additionally, mineral spirits evaporate relatively slowly, allowing for thorough wetting and cleaning of surfaces.

While other solvents such as acetone have their uses—primarily for removing adhesives or paint due to their strong solvency—they are not as effective for light rust. Turpentine and Varsol have specific applications as well, with turpentine being more commonly used in art and home improvement projects, and Varsol being a mineral spirit variant but not as universally recognized in degreasing. Therefore, mineral spirits stand out as the ideal choice for effectively handling both grease and light rust.