All Purpose Cleaner Opinions

G

grambow

Member
Joined
May 20, 2006
Messages
176
Reaction score
0
Need to buy an All Purpose Cleaner (APC) for cleaning vinyl cladding on my X3 as well as the inner wheel wells etc. Not really looking to spend a ton on money I feel it is more wisely spent on waxes, polishes etc. So what do you recommend as a general APC? I have seen some posts that are pro Simple Green. I would like to use something that is available locally (Lowes, HD, whatever). Dont worry, I spend plenty of money on other things at AG...just ask my wife. Thanks!
 
well I use dilluted Simple green. It's cheap and effective I dillute it like 20:1 with distilled water and use it on lots of stuff even interior panels and what not. Some people probably more experienced than me have experienced problems with SG on aluminum or other sensitive materials but i haven't.

If you want to do it the right way, I would suggest meguiar's APC+. It's very popular. Also try Optimum Power Clean. Those 2 always get props.

Or be cheap like me and buy a gallon of concentrated simple green. I have a bottle 10:1 I use on wheel wells, engine grime, tires etc and you can mix one 20:1 or even 30:1 for interior. I probbaly would avoid letting it sit too long on painted plastics, wood trim and things like that. Might not want to spray it on those things at all actually...LOL
 
OTC: Simple Green, Purple Power. AutoGeek: Amazing Roll Off.
 
I have always used purple power and it has never let me down. You can get it at lowes, walmart, autozone, and many other stores for very cheap ($5 a gallon). Just make sure you top it with a protectant since it will take all the oils out of whatever you use it on. Hope this helps. Goodluck
 
What would you dilute Purple Power to? I'm assuming it's pretty strong and would need something like 10:1 or so.
 
Here's one overlooked but will do it all, 303 Cleaner. The dilution rates make it cost effective. I keep a bottle of 20:1 and 30:1 and mix others as needed.
Note: I think the bottle says a 5:1 for cleaning out oil tankers. Didn't check.
 
I use purple power full strength on real dirty tires but I don't know. Simple Green is my dilluted APC so to speak so I just keep full strength PP on hand but don't use it too often.

Heard great things about Amazing Roll Off too as well as TAW but I think those are more paint safe cleaners. I wouldn't use APC type degreasers on paint in most circumstances.
 
I keep 3 bottles with me one 10:1 for wheel wells and engine compartments, one 15:1 for stubborn stains on interior plastic and vinyl, and one 20:1 for door jambs and lightly soiled interior.
 
I use Megs APC as my general purpose cleaner - works very well. I also use Simple Green, Purple Power, and Megs Super Degreaser for more heavy duty cleaning and more greasy type areas like engine bays, filthy door jamb hinges, etc
 
Megs APC+ and Amazing Roll-Off are great choices. :cheers:
 
I've been using Amazing Roll Off (stuff is truly amazing), and Charlie's Soap APC mostly.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I have decided to go with the Meg's gallon APC due to the great price.
 
Little trick with APC, before washing towels/micros. I put some in buckets and fill with hot water and leave towels to soak for day or two. You would not believe the gunk that comes out and for the most part floats to the top (and water turns murky). Then I wash the towels.
 
Surfer said:
Little trick with APC, before washing towels/micros. I put some in buckets and fill with hot water and leave towels to soak for day or two. You would not believe the gunk that comes out and for the most part floats to the top (and water turns murky). Then I wash the towels.
Click to expand...
good idea, Surfer. What APC are you using for this?
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
Optimum Power Clean™ All Purpose Cleaner
Click to expand...

I did a side by side test this week between Opt. PC 1:3 and Meg's APC 1:4. They seemed to be able the same in terms of cleaning medium dirty tires. I need to use it more to see how it responds to different situations.

By I would like to know from others about how long you can leave either on the tires as a pre-soak -- 30 secs, 1 min, 5 min, etc. I am having difficulty getting really clean tires.
 
Last edited:
simple green because its simple to use and readily available.ive never had any problems on any part of a car with it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top