Aqueous-Based Metal Cleaners Market Report 2026

The aqueous-based metal cleaners market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.97 billion in 2025 to $13.73 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in industrial manufacturing, rising equipment maintenance needs, replacement of solvent cleaners, tightening environmental regulations, expansion of automotive production.

The aqueous-based metal cleaners market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.86 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing automation in manufacturing, rising demand for sustainable cleaners, growth in electronics manufacturing, stricter workplace safety norms, advancements in aqueous cleaning chemistry. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of water based industrial cleaning solutions, rising demand for low hazard and non corrosive metal cleaners, growing use in precision component cleaning, expansion of environmentally compliant cleaning processes, higher focus on worker safety and regulatory compliance.

The growing preference for eco-friendly products is expected to propel the growth of the aqueous-based metal cleaner market going forward. Eco-friendly products are designed and manufactured to minimize environmental impact, often using sustainable materials and processes that reduce harm to the planet. Aqueous-based metal cleaners align with this trend by offering a sustainable, non-toxic alternative to traditional solvent-based cleaners, thereby reducing harmful chemical emissions and environmental footprint. For example, in April 2024, the National Association of Convenience Stores reported that 80% of consumers were very or somewhat concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, up from 68% in 2023 and 66% in 2022. Therefore, the rising preference for eco-friendly products is expected to drive the aqueous-based metal cleaner market.

Major companies in the aqueous-based metal cleaners market are focusing on developing innovative solutions such as eco-friendly, high-efficiency, and surface-protective cleaners to improve cleaning performance while minimizing environmental impact. High-efficiency and surface-protective cleaners are formulations that clean metal surfaces quickly and thoroughly while leaving a protective layer that prevents corrosion, tarnish, or damage. For instance, in May 2024, Quick Sheen, a US-based manufacturing company, introduced Maximum Strength All Metal Polish, an eco-friendly product designed for use on chrome, aluminum, stainless steel, and silver. The polish features a water-based, non-abrasive formula free from petroleum, wax, and harsh ingredients, providing a streak-free, high-gloss finish without residue. It removes tarnish, oxidation, fingerprints, and grime without scratching the metal surface and forms an invisible protective layer that guards against future oxidation and environmental damage, with protection lasting up to six months per application.

In January 2024, MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions acquired the surface-finishing and cleaning-chemical solutions business of All Star Chemical Company for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enabled MacDermid Enthone to expand its portfolio of cleaning and metal-preparation solutions, including aqueous and industrial cleaning chemistries, strengthening its position in the global metal-cleaning chemicals market. It also broadened the company’s capabilities in surface finishing, degreasing, and parts cleaning services. Startek Chemicals Ltd. is an India-based company that provides aqueous-based cleaners.

Major companies operating in the aqueous-based metal cleaners market are BASF SE, Aervoe Industries Inc., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Nouryon B.V., Stepan Company, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Quaker Chemical Corp, Zep Inc., CRC Industries Inc., Crest Industrial Chemicals Inc., KYZEN Corporation, PCC Chemax Inc., Hubbard-Hall Inc., Cavalier Chemicals Inc., Chautauqua Chemical Company, DST-Chemicals A/S, Rochester Midland Corporation, Spartan Chemical Company Inc., A.W. Chesterton Company, Dow Inc., Evonik Industries AG.

Asia-Pacificwas the largest region in the aqueous-based metal cleaners’ market in 2025. The regions covered in the aqueous-based metal cleaners market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the aqueous-based metal cleaners market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The aqueous-based metal cleanser market consists of sales of cleaning systems, detergents, surfactants and emulsifiers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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