Safest type of APC

[Kean]

Ya know, for some reason I never seem to use detailing stuff like APCs around the house..always seems like a pricey way to go. Might oughta rethink that :think:

About a year or two ago, my wife used the last of the usual kitchen degreaser we had on hand I and figured I would give Meguiars APC+ a shot. I was actually amazed at how well it worked on cutting through grease vs. other kitchen-specific cleaners I have tried over the years. It's not something I like to use all of the time because of the fumes (I only apply when the family is away from the area, window open and the hood on full), but it works good for periodic deeper cleanings.

 

[Dan]

About a year or two ago, my wife used the last of the usual kitchen degreaser we had on hand I and figured I would give Meguiars APC+ a shot. I was actually amazed at how well it worked on cutting through grease vs. other kitchen-specific cleaners I have tried over the years. It's not something I like to use all of the time because of the fumes (I only apply when the family is away from the area, window open and the hood on full), but it works good for periodic deeper cleanings.

Yeah, APC+ is awesome, I use it only outdoors, but it is indeed some good stuff. Its also my de-facto wheel cleaner.

 

[tom p.]

I don't see how you could go wrong with Meg's APC+. I used it for a number of years and keep it mixed around 1:4. It's truly a universal product. WTS, the Optimum product is excellent, too. I'll continue to purchase both.



I like the HD TOTAL a lot on interiors and under the hood. It leaves just the slightest patina which I prefer in some applications. I keep a small bottle of it in each car. It's real handy. Previous write-up: http://www.autopia.org/forum/3d-hig...-total-automotive-degreaser-soil-remover.html



I've got loads of other APC-type products...most were not terribly memorable.

 

[Accumulator]

..I like the HD TOTAL a lot on interiors and under the hood. It leaves just the slightest patina ..

Ah, didn't realize that, thanks for mentioning it.

 

[BklynRX7]

So, I looked into the malco products I listed and they all contain the chemicals you suggested I stay away from. For the time being I found something called Maintex Orange oxy in Home Depot. Its advertised as a safe environmentally friendly cleaner. It was $4 for 32oz and I diluted it 1:2 and tried it out today. It worked on everything I needed it too, but my car wasn't filthy so i don't know how it will hold up to dirtier vehicles.



Is this Omni a commercial product or something you make for personal use? Im considering the HD total once this orange stuff runs out, it seems to have very good reviews.



Thanks for the info.

 

[Ron Ketcham]

ValuGard Omni is available in 1 pt RTU, 1 gal concentrate, 5 gal concentrate and 55 gal concentrate.

Grumpy

 

[Accumulator]

.. i don't know how [my APC of choice] will hold up to dirtier vehicles.



Is this Omni a commercial product or ..[what]?

Here's the website for Automotive International/ValuGard: Automotive International > Home



For those "really filthy" vehicles, I'd probably be leaning towards a least the first step (i.d., "A") of their decontamination system (which is called "ABC").

 

[duke4ever]

I've used, Simple Green, 1Z Plastikreiniger, the Maintex Bklynrx7 talks about, Megs QID. What I have found is that, it just all depends what strength of APC you want. The 1Z stuff is expensive, it works well but I can do just as well with the Maintex diluted or Simple Green. Now If you're dealing with something very dirty that you need to use a harsher degreaser, you can always rinse it with a damp towel and, what I've done is, follow that up with Megs QID. I don't think you need to spend an inordinate amount of money on interior cleaners. It is pretty standard stuff, plastics, carpets etc... I don't dress my interiors because I don't feel it's necessary. I use 303 AP for exterior trim like wiper arms, running boards etc... I don't consider Megs QID to be a dressing really so much as it's is an extremely weak cleaner, thats why I said you can always rinse the harsher stuff and follow up with that if you're worried. I will say the 1Z is a very nice product and a little bit has gone a long way but is it worth it's price tag when you can pick up the Maintex Orange stuff at Home Depot for about $4 - $5 for 2 bottles and use it on all sorts of things?