The all-purpose cleaner, or APC, is the workhorse of any detailing set: a cleaner you dilute to the job and use on almost any surface. The secret is in the right strength and the right dilution. This guide explains what an APC is, when to choose alkaline or neutral, how to dilute and which APC suits which job. You will find all all-purpose cleaners in the all-purpose cleaner (APC) category.
What is an all-purpose cleaner
An APC is a water-based cleaner with surfactants that emulsify grease and dirt. Most are a concentrate that you dilute with water to the weight of the job; some are ready-to-use and you use them neat. With one bottle you tackle a wide range of work: interior, plastic, wheels, tires, wheel arches and the engine bay.
Alkaline or neutral
The main choice is the pH. Alkaline APCs (often pH 9 to 13) break down grease and oil faster and are therefore more powerful, but they are riskier on sensitive or unprotected surfaces like untreated leather, matte paint and uncoated aluminium, certainly neat or with long contact. Neutral APCs (around pH 6 to 8) are milder and safer on sensitive surfaces, but less powerful against heavy grease. So choose the strength that suits the surface and the dirt.
Which APC to choose
We sell several all-purpose cleaners, from strongly alkaline to near-neutral and from concentrate to ready-to-use. The table below helps you choose.
All-purpose cleaner | pH | Dilution | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
12.5 (alkaline) | 1:5 to 1:120 | Universal; safe on aluminium | |
12.5 (alkaline) | 1:5 to 1:50 | Carpet, upholstery, stubborn grease | |
Alkaline | 1:100 to neat | Heavy degreasing, broad use | |
Mild (not stated) | up to 5:1 / 3:1 | Colourless, interior and exterior | |
6-8 (neutral) | Ready-to-use | Sensitive smooth surfaces, leather | |
10.3-10.7 | Ready-to-use | Quick interior, no mixing |
Diluting to the job
With a concentrate you work with a dilution ratio: 1:X means 1 part cleaner to X parts water. A higher number, for example 1:50, is more diluted and therefore for light, interior jobs and more sensitive surfaces. A lower number, for example 1:5, is more concentrated and for heavy, exterior dirt. Measure the concentrate first and then add the water, and mix gently rather than shaking so you do not get too much foam.
How to tackle it step by step
Choose and dilute. Choose the APC for the surface and dilute a concentrate to the weight of the job.
Apply to a cool surface. Apply the solution to a cool, not hot surface, in the shade.
Dwell and agitate. Let it dwell briefly, work stubborn dirt with a brush, and do not let it dry.
Wipe off or rinse. Wipe off with a clean cloth, or on exterior work rinse thoroughly with water.
Common mistakes to avoid
Working in the sun or on a hot panel. The product evaporates too fast and leaves streaks; work cool and in the shade.
Letting it dry. Wipe off or rinse before the cleaner dries in.
Not testing first. On a new or sensitive surface, test on a hidden spot first.
Too strong for the job. An alkaline concentrate is corrosive neat; always dilute to the work.
Mixing with other chemistry. Do not combine an APC with strong acids or oxidisers.
Where yes and where no
Inside you use an APC on plastic, fabric and carpet, alkaline and well diluted on alkali-resistant material. Outside a stronger concentration tackles wheels, tires, wheel arches and the engine bay, with thorough rinsing. Do not use a strongly alkaline APC without a test on untreated leather, sensitive gloss or matte paint or uncoated aluminium; choose a mild, neutral cleaner there.