APC's

[D]

I replied in the other one.

 

[Bunky]

From the autopia guide...

• Organic soil is cleaned with alkaline cleaners.
• Non-organic soil is removed with acids.
• Petroleum soil must be removed with a petroleum-based cleaner.
• Never use a cleaner that is too strong for the soil you're trying to remove.

I think most crud on leather is carbon-based. I believe that higher alkaline (pH) cleaners can be used on leather and then replaced with conditioner depending on what you want. I suspect it is the amount of time in contact with the leather is the real problem but in some cases some stuff will not come out unless you really use a strong agent. Obviously the safest stuff is the milder cleaners but most auto leather is coated so it does not absorb stuff to quickly like uncoated leather. If you do use something stronger just be sure to clean it off and use a conditioner.

 

[D]

Lets direct leather stuff to the leather thread I just made.

 

[mg6045]

remember for finished leather, you are actually cleaning vinyl. Finished leather is real leather with a vinyl coating on it. which is why its safe for alkaline cleaners to be used on them. not very alkaline, but moderately alkaline.

 

[BobbyG]

I've read where some have had issues using an all purpose cleaner on leather and now I think I'm beginning to understand why.

This is a great thread for those not in the know.....like me! rops:

 

[DLB]

A little late to the original start of this thread - but for future reference, Meguiar's does not recommend the use of APC+ to clean leather.

DLB

 

[clintb]

I found this...I cannot explain it...describes a leather cleaner..maybe automotive leather is different but i sounds right. I read that Woolite diluted to 7 ot 10:1 is supposedly near neutral.

snip it....

Leather has an isoelectric point around a pH of 5.2 and in its completed state is typically below a pH of 4. Highly alkaline cleaners (pH over 9) work well for hard surfaces but not for leather. Continued use of high alkalinity will shift the pH higher and allows the lubricating fat-liquor components and dyes to migrate out of the leather. The leather therapy combination of the present invention gives cleaning and lubrication properties without introducing harsh pH changes.

The leather laundry solution is an emulsion that contains a unique combination of "anionic" (strongly negatively charged ions) and "nonionic" (neutral) fatty surfactants and fatty acid esters in a pH balanced (pH 6+/-) formula. The solution has a golden brown appearance with a pleasing odor.

The ideal pH range of the compositions is between 6 & 7. Variability due to water pH is insignificant since components are pH balanced at the manufacturing source and are stable across a wide pH and water hardness range

Al

i think they are talking about washing leather clothing.

Sounds more like a product advertisement to me. Nobody in their right mind would wash leather.

 

[jfelbab]

A little late to the original start of this thread - but for future reference, Meguiar's does not recommend the use of APC+ to clean leather.

DLB

Really?

Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner Plus is ideally suited for today's fast paced, high volume, detail operations where one simple solution is needed for a variety of cleaning needs. All Purpose Cleaner Plus provides mixtures for heavy cleaning of engines and tires, fast interior cleaning, as well as low foam ratio for use in carpet and upholstery extraction machines. APC+ Leaves carpet clean, smelling pleasant, and the fibers soft with no sticky residue. Safe for clear plastic, glass and leather.

 

[D_Nyholm]

Really?

Haha, was going to say the same thing.

Could someone post up a link to the 'other' leather thread talked about above? Would make it a lot easier to keep things all in one place...

 

[DLB]

Really?

Haha, was going to say the same thing.

Yes, really.

Hello. I was looking for more information on D103 - All Purpose Cleaner Plus.

Specifically, I would like to know what Meguiar's recommendation is for using APC+ to clean leather (if it is recommended at all). What dilution is safe, what dilution isn't safe, what type of leathers are safe, etc.?

I didn't see the product page for it on your site, but I could have overlooked it. I have been using it for a couple of years now and love it, but there are some competing APC's that can safely clean leather (namely, Optimum Power Clean).

Thank You.

Dear Customer
I first want to thank you for your interest in Meguiar's products and I hope your experience is a pleasant one.

We do not recommend using APC Plus on leather. It is too strong and could stain or damage the leather. We Always suggest using an actual leather cleaner for leather to get the best results.

Once again thank you for your interest in Meguiar’s. If there is anything else we can do for you please let me know. Also, if you get the chance to send any pictures of the car you are working on I would love to see them.

Tim Larson
Meguiar’s
Customer Care Rep
1-800-854-8073 #3869
[email protected]

ADS (where it seems you copied your little snippet above from) is not Meguiar's, so on the authority of Tim Larson with Meguiar's, I will again say, they do not recommend using it on leather.

DLB

 

[D_Nyholm]

That snippets is from autogeeks product page. And I've been using it on leather for at least 2 years now. Never once had a problem, but I could see it causing a problem over time if it is used too much. I guess I'm going to have to switch over to opc!

 

[jfelbab]

Yes, really.



ADS (where it seems you copied your little snippet above from) is not Meguiar's, so on the authority of Tim Larson with Meguiar's, I will again say, they do not recommend using it on leather.

DLB

This quote was copied verbatim from the label on the product and is also printed in their Professional Detailer Catalog, page 4. You might want to consult with your product specialist again given that all the documentation Meguiar's publishes says it is ok for use on leather and is in conflict with his comments.

Again here is the APC Plus description:

Meguiar’s® All Purpose Cleaner Plus is a true all surface cleaner ideally suited for today’s fast paced, high volume, detail operations where one simple solution is needed for a wide variety of cleaning needs. It provides mixtures for heavy cleaning of engines and tires, fast interior cleaning, as well as a low foam ratio for use in carpet and upholstery extraction machines. Leaves carpet clean, smelling pleasant, and the fibers soft with no sticky residue. Safe for clear plastic, glass and leather.
PART #: D10301 D10305 D10355 D20103
SIZES:1 gallon, 5 gallon, 55 gallon, 32 ounce (empty bottle)
METHOD OF USE: Spray or Wipe
DILUTION: 4: 1 Heavy Duty, 10:1 Medium Duty, 20:1 General

Source: http://www.meguiars.com/catalog/Professional_Detailer_Catalog.pdf

And FWIW, here is the description from the label on their APC product which is also shown on page 4 of their Professional Detailers Catalog:

Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner is a versatile cleaner for both exterior and interior surfaces. It is ideal for reconditioning most interior surfaces. The superior foaming action gently lifts the dirt away while its unique blend of fabric softeners and optical brighteners enhance the look and feel of carpet, upholstery, vinyl and even leather.
PART #: D10101 D10105 D10155 D20101
SIZES: 1 gallon, 5 gallon, 55 gallon, 32 ounce (empty bottle)
METHOD OF USE: Spray or Wipe
DILUTION: 4:1 Heavy Duty, 10:1 Light Duty.

 

[D_Nyholm]

Phew, I feel a little better now!

 

[DLB]

Then go for it. What dilution is recommended officially?

When a company representative says not to do it, I would say that at the VERY least, there is some doubt. Since you suggested it, I will e-mail him back and give him the references you have given me here and post back.

In the meantime, I will continue using OPC as there is no doubt that it can be used on leather, and everyone that has spoken on their behalf has indeed recommended it.

Just a thought - Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound says it can be used on paint. Is that a good idea? No sarcasm, just honestly provoking some thought for you.

Edit: Also, my apologies for not knowing that was from the product label or their catalog.

DLB

 

[DLB]

That was faster than I expected:

From: "dalton@"
To: [email protected]
Date: 09/10/2011 11:49 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Product Feedback / Tech Question

Hello again Tim -
It seems that there is still some confusion on the issue of the use of APC+ on leather.
Per you Professional Detailer Catalog found here [same link as given above], leather is in the listed use of APC+. The product label also states this:
http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/IMG_2183.JPG

While I fully trust your comments to me previously on the direct questions I asked, I just wanted to try and clarify this issue, and see if the label is incorrect.

Thank You.

Dalton Blevins

I did some more checking into it. and it turns out that the product IS safe for leather, however with leather being so sensitive we always recommend doing some testing for color fastness before you use it. Its also a good idea to use it at medium strength, Some leather it may be too strong for depending on how its treated from the factory. In other words, should be safe in most cases, but test to be sure.

So there you go. I was misinformed, by a Meguiar's Rep.

I will again say though - there is sense in using a product that is questionable when you can use a product that is recommended (OPC).

I would still like to know if you find out what the official dilution ratio is for APC+.

DLB

 

[jfelbab]

That was faster than I expected.

So there you go. I was misinformed, by a Meguiar's Rep.

I will again say though - there is sense in using a product that is questionable when you can use a product that is recommended (OPC).

I would still like to know if you find out what the official dilution ratio is for APC+.

DLB

Your contact suggested medium strength which is 10:1. I have all three dilutions (4:1, 10:1 and 20:1) in spray bottles and as with any APC product, I'd suggest starting with the weakest dilution and only move up if needed.

I'd also recommend, regardless of the cleaning product you use on leather, that you wipe the leather down with a clean, wrung out, towel to remove all traces of the cleaner/detergents after cleaning.