If you’re a car owner, keeping your car clean and shiny is probably high on your priority list.
You may have heard about Simple Green APC (All-Purpose Cleaner) and wondered, “Does Simple Green APC remove contaminants from car paint?” After all, finding the right cleaning products for your vehicle’s paintwork is crucial to maintaining that beautiful shine.
In this post, you will know whether Simple Green APC is safe and effective for cleaning car paint, how it works, and whether you should use it on your car or not.
So, let us get started right away.
Table of Contents
What is Simple Green APC?
Before we get into its effectiveness on car paint, let’s start with a quick overview of what Simple Green APC actually is.
Simple Green APC is a versatile cleaner designed to tackle various cleaning tasks. It’s a non-toxic, biodegradable formula that can be used on a range of surfaces.
You might have seen it used for cleaning carpets, walls, floors, and even greasy tools. It’s marketed as an all-purpose cleaner, which means it’s designed to handle a wide variety of cleaning jobs.
But what about your car’s delicate paint? Let’s find out.
Does simple green apc remove contaminants from car paint?
Now, when it comes to contaminants on car paint, we’re talking about things like –
- Dirt
- Grime
- Tree sap
- Bird droppings
- Bug splatters
These contaminants can dull your car’s shine and even damage the paint if left untreated. So, the big question is, Can Simple Green APC remove these contaminants from your car’s paint without causing harm?
The Good News
Yes, Simple Green APC can remove contaminants from car paint, but there’s a catch. While Simple Green APC is effective at breaking down and lifting dirt, grease, and other debris, it is a powerful cleaner.
This means it’s strong enough to clean most surfaces, but it could also strip away important protective layers on your car’s paint if not used correctly.
How to Safely Use Simple Green APC on Car Paint
If you’re considering using Simple Green APC on your car’s paint, it’s essential to take some precautions. Here’s how you can do it safely:
1. Dilute the Cleaner
Simple Green APC is concentrated, so it’s important to dilute it before applying it to your car’s paint. A good rule of thumb is to mix 1 part Simple Green APC with 10 parts water.
This dilution will still provide you with cleaning power but will be gentler on the car’s surface.
2. Test on a Small Area First
Before applying it to the entire car, it’s always a good idea to test the cleaner on a small area of your car’s paint. This helps you see if there are any negative reactions, such as fading.
3. Avoid Letting It Sit Too Long
Once you apply the diluted Simple Green APC to your car, make sure you don’t let it sit on the paint for too long.
Work in sections and rinse the cleaner off with water within a few minutes.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
After cleaning a section of your car, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any leftover cleaner. You don’t want any residue sitting on your car’s paint.
5. Follow Up with a Wax or Sealant
After using Simple Green APC, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of car wax or sealant to restore the protective layer on your paint. This will help prevent future contaminants from sticking to the surface and keep your car looking shiny.
What Contaminants Can Simple Green APC Remove?
So, what exactly can Simple Green APC help with when it comes to your car’s paint? Here are a few common contaminants that it can tackle:
1. Dirt and Road Grime
If your car has built-up dirt from driving around, Simple Green APC can break it down and remove it effectively, especially from those hard-to-reach areas like wheel wells and bumpers.
2. Bug Splatter
Bugs can leave behind sticky residues on your car’s front end. Simple Green APC is strong enough to lift off these splatters, especially when diluted and used with a microfiber cloth.
3. Bird Droppings
Bird droppings are acidic and can damage your car’s paint if left for too long. Simple Green APC can help clean it off before it has a chance to cause harm.
4. Tree Sap
Tree sap can be a bit trickier, but Simple Green APC can soften the sap and help remove it. You may need to follow up with a clay bar treatment if the sap is stubborn.
When to Avoid Using Simple Green APC on Car Paint
While Simple Green APC can be useful, there are some situations where you might want to avoid using it on your car’s paint –
- On a freshly waxed car: Simple Green APC can strip wax off your car’s paint, so it’s not recommended to use it after waxing.
- For delicate finishes: If your car has a specialty or custom paint job, it’s best to use a cleaner specifically designed for automotive surfaces.
- Under direct sunlight: Always avoid using any cleaner on your car’s paint when it’s hot or under direct sunlight. The heat can cause the cleaner to dry too quickly and leave spots or streaks.
Other Alternatives for Cleaning Car Paint
If you’re not sure about using Simple Green APC on your car, there are other products specifically designed for automotive surfaces that you might want to consider:
- Car wash soap: This is the safest and most commonly used product for cleaning car paint.
- Detailing sprays: For light contaminants like dust or fingerprints, detailing sprays work wonders without the need for heavy-duty cleaners.
- Clay bar kits: If you want to remove deep contaminants like sap, tar, or road grit, a clay bar treatment is a safe and effective option for your car’s paint.
Final Thoughts
The answer is yes, but with caution. Simple Green APC can remove contaminants from car paint, but it’s important to dilute it properly and follow safe cleaning practices.
If used correctly, it can help you tackle dirt, bug splatters, and bird droppings without damaging your paint.
However, if you want to play it safe, sticking with car-specific cleaners is always a good option. They’re designed to be gentle on your car’s paint while still effectively removing contaminants.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Just remember to be careful, test a small area first, and keep your car protected with wax or sealant afterward.
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