1 or 2 "Must Haves" for General Interior Carpet Cleaning?

Here's another vote for APC+. You can still get it at Lynn Palmer's Dealer Goodies.

I used it for the first time today on my wife's car's carpet, and it lifted off a 2 year old stain that I was sure had affected the dye; over the last 2 years I'd tried absolutely every carpet cleaning product on that stain, and now it's gone, thanks to APC+.


Tom
 
JaredPointer:
I would highly recommend being careful if youre using 409, I know a guy who ruined a windshield with that stuff. You may have another opinion, but I wouldnt use it
 
Thanks a bunch guys....I think the consensus is

(1) Folex -- I'll check Target, never heard of this thing in my life.
(2) 303 -- ditto, will check Target
(3) Megiars APC -- hopefully Autozone, Wal-Mart, or Target has it otherwise I'll place a special order through our sponsors (damn, just ordered from Dwayne! ARGGGHH!!!)
(4) Woolite -- this is regular Woolite...just dilute it 6:1 in a spray bottle, right??
 
I think the good thing is this: on all the stuff I am experimenting with, it's still a Honda Civic I'm using it on. Granted, it's new and I'm overly protective...but at least I'll have lots of experience when I slide into something a bit more upscale!

That's the good thing about this site...you can learn on your own, trial and error on your own, and also learn from others who have been there.

Thanks again!
 
Folex and Woolite, you should find at Target or Wal*Mart.
The 303 products and the Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner may not be that easy to find.
PAC will probably be able to supply the 303 products and the Meguiar's products. You will likely spend more than the shipping trying to find it locally.
:dunno
Charles
 
409 ruining a windshield? I have never had any problems with it. I am no professional detailer, so I may use a lot of non-professional detailing products, but I have been cleaning cars for family members since I was about 8. I have used a variety of cleaners. I still use 409 to this day and have never once had it stain or ruin anything. I would like to hear about what happened with it ruining the windshield so I can take some precautionary measures if need be. Thanks!!
 
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Some time back, I posted this information.
It was recently posted on a boating web-site that a manufacturer of boats recommended using Fantastic for cleaning vinyl upholstery. 409 was definitely not recommended.
The mfg. also recommended using 303 after using the Fantastic.

Right now, I use either Meg's APC+ (12:1) or a Woolite solution )6:1) for vinyl. Switching to Fantastic has one major benefit. I could steal it from my wife's cleaning products and thereby remove it from my detailing budget.
It was interesting to me that a manufacturer would recommend not using a product by brand name.

I purposely did not include the boat manufacturer name.:)

Anyway, they evidently were not impressed with 409.

Charles
 
Good info Charles, I remember that post. If someone does not like it and has had a bad run-in with it I guess I can see their point. I don't think 409 recommends it to be used on autos, but I really don't know. I just know I have never had any problems with it. It's good to know what others think about it!! :)
 
JaredPointer said:
If someone does not like it and has had a bad run-in with it I guess I can see their point. I don't think 409 recommends it to be used on autos, but I really don't know. I just know I have never had any problems with it. It's good to know what others think about it!! :)
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Just to clarify. I haven't personally had any problems with 409. The cleaner of choice for my wife has been Fantastic so we/I haven't used the 409.
I do think quite a few cleaners, (including APC+) are stronger than we realize and need to be used with care.

Charles
 
D'OH!!:wall I wrote Dri-Wash! I meant Dri-Clean by Blue Coral! (Those who remember my post on my experience with Dri-Wash vendors would know I'd not recommend it!)
You can find it (Dri-Clean) in the States at Wal-Mart for under $3.00 a can, or in Canada at Canadian Tire (Simonize label, considerably more).

I've looked at the can, but don't see anywhere stating to rinse after. The last direction says to wipe or vacuum when dry. :confused:


As to the 303, I've read that the carpet cleaner is just the industrial cleaner diluted. On the Industrial concentrate bottle it shows a 30:1 dilution for spot removal. This would be far more economical to buy.

I've tried the 303 carpet & upholstery cleaner, and it works very well. Agitation is key!
 
Big Leegr said:
...I wrote Dri-Wash! I meant Dri-Clean by Blue Coral! ...

I've looked at the can, but don't see anywhere stating to rinse after. The last direction says to wipe or vacuum when dry. :confused:
Click to expand...

Big Leegr, yes you did and I followed right behind you and called it the same thing :) I too stand corrected. It is Dri-CLEAN and is in a Blue aerosol can.

So does anyone (besides me) rinse following the use of the foaming type products? What about the Prestone product? I fear the left over residue which attracts even more dirt and creates a bigger mess later. Obviously rinsing hasn't hurt anything, but it is an additional step. Is it an unecessary step? Time is money.
 
I wouldn't call it unnecessary if it makes you feel better. I have never rinsed and have never noticed it attracting more dirt. I think I may try the rinsing though. I can't get it too wet as I only have a Wet-Dry Vac though.
 
JaredPointer said:
... I can't get it too wet as I only have a Wet-Dry Vac though.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. (that reference is for CharlesW :) ) One day...perhaps a hot water extractor or even a spotter is in my future.
 
I didnt see it, but I was warned about 409, because it damaged the plastic coating on the windshield. This was just a tip from a friend. I would never try it to clean windows, because of its agents. As far as carpets and seats go, I bet it works pretty well
 
Hey Hondaman.....you've been pretty helpful with my questions.....my .02cents worth. I always used Resolve until I found Folex, still not sure I dont like Resolve better. I bought a little green machine from target a few years ago and now they make Resolve for the bissel cleaners. I like the foaming Resolve in a can as to the spray of Folex. Before I found this site I always figured what was good for your house carpet has got to work on cheap auto carpet. At least I never owned a vehicle with 30 or 40 dollar a yard carpet. Both these products you can find at grocery stores, Target and Wal-Mart (where america shops...haahaha)
 
I forgot to include good ol 50/50 white vinegar and water! Dupont recommends this for carpet cleaning and I've used it for years in my cleaning duties for home and auto.
 
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