APC Common Dilution Ratios

[AustrianOak82]

I ran a search and couldn't find anything pertaining to my exact question. I have a gallon of APC on the way and I was wondering what dilution ratios you guys are using for different scenarios. It looks like mostly 10:1 and 4:1 but I wasn't sure if people had luck with any other ratios and also full concentrate. I will be using it for pre-soaking and also cleaning for these uses:

Carpets/upholstery
Wheels (all types, including plastidipped)
Tire cleaning
Wheelwells
Front bumper covers
Rocker panels
Exhaust tips
Engines

[Eldorado2k]

I use it 10:1 for carpets/upholstery
10:1 front bumper covers
10:1 rocker panels
4:1 works ok for wheel wells

I preffer using a different product for wheels & tires as it seems APC can really only handle the really dirty jobs full strength. But it comes at the cost of what seems like toxic fumes to breath and it still doesn't do the proper job like D143 can do on both wheels & tires.

D108 Super Degreaser at 4:1 is a considerable step above those 2 and saves you time, extra work and the nasty fumes by working ideal on wheel wells, exhast pipes, and heavy duty engine degreasing. It's also delivers a reliable extra punch whenever APC can't fade a tough stain on interior.

You'll thank yourself for not skimping on the proper chemicals for the job.
Just my 2 cents.

[The Guz]

Re: APC Common Dilution Ratios

10:1 will serve you well. If you need it a little stronger then go with 4:1.

[STRIFE]

Re: APC Common Dilution Ratios

I originally used APC at 4:1 on various parts of my cars in the early days but since my cars are generally "cleaner" than most ...i find going down to 10:1 perfect.

I know there was a member here that used APC undiluted on his tires....he made a video and posted on youtube i think?

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: APC Common Dilution Ratios

Hey Austrian
Like the Guz mentioned, 10:1 should be your first Go To! Least aggressive product/s and technique should always be the first method of use!


Carpets/upholstery: 10:1 or Folex

Wheels (all types, including plastidipped) 10:1 but my Go To is Meguiars D143 non-acid wheel cleaner and even then have it diluted 50/50 with water, if I need stronger then go full strength with D143> I see and read all the time where guys are saying "D143 is to weak" I've never had a problem doing a second application with D143 full strength if the first application isn't doing the job! And if that isn't doing the job go D140 Wheel Brightner but go easy!! and make sure your NOT! using on Polished Aluminum or Annodized Wheels!!

Tire cleaning:10:1 or 4:1 your call? I have been using Purple Power for the last 10+ years and @50/50 with water and scrub tires vertical on the outer edges and horizontal on side wall very well and then rinse completely before moving on to next tire.

Wheelwells: 4:1 is what I would use but use Purple power instead also diluted 50/50.

Front bumper covers: 10:1 and I always have a small bucket with soap solution mixed for this area as well as the rocker panels just for the extra lubrication and always use the blue bug scrubbers that you can get at wal mart in the detail isle where the towels and brushes are. $4.59 each. Have several and even have one dedicated for just scrubbing leather seats.

Rocker panels: 10:1 Same process as front bumper covers

Exhaust tips: 4:1 Also on alot of dirty/nasty black sot on the chrome tail pipes I will often use Meguiars Hot Rims Mag & Aluminum Polish with a 0000 steel wool pad soaked with product so as not to apply fine scratches!! and lightly rub.

Engines: 4:1 or RTU / Full Strength your call, depending on how nasty, Do cover all electrical connectors and openings, and always spend the extra time to go over everything to make sure there's no openings or cracks in anything. And I never spray any dressing on the engine compartment! Used to use M40 very lightly and then wipe any excess off but keeping an eye on how the engine compartment looked after a few months later I just stick with APC or Purple Power diluted 50/50 and go back over a second application after dried if it doesn't have that new matte finish. I am not a fan of artificial glossy/shiny look on engines, dashes or tires or any rubber trims. I want the attention to be focused on the paint and rims!!!

These are my thoughts and techniques of how I use these products and Dilution ratio's but remember how ever you use them ALWAYS! use the least aggressive method for products and application's! You can always apply a second application or mix stronger but once the damage is done often times you have to apply way more work to undo if even possible or replace or a repaint!

For years no matter what I was doing or trying I always went and got a test panel or material and tested/tried out different techniques out because if I messed something up it wasn't on my car or a clients car and I also believe you don't get good by never going to far or mess something up to learn from your mistakes or testing what can or can't be done. And I don't believe that Practice makes perfect! But Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!! You don't know what you can do until your try!!! And most Important Have Fun!!!!!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: APC Common Dilution Ratios

Excellent responses from guys who apparently really know APC quite well!!