Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

[William_F]

Today I was working on cleaning up the new used car I got. It was a real mess. Ok by the average person's standards I suppose but a real mess by most MOL members.

Anyway, as I was going around the car, I kept seeing dirty things here and there and since I had the APC in hand, I just kept spraying and wiping. I cleaned every hard surface inside, the outside of the windshield, the exterior of the back glass, the mirror housings, all the rubber trim around the doors plus carpets and floor mats.


This was my first time using it and I was amazed at how well it works. Most of the crud I was cleaning up took very little scrubbing. I sprayed on the APC and let it dwell for a for a little and then used a terry towel to wipe it up.

That just got me wondering short of using it to clean paint (ie substitute for QD or GC etc) is there anything APC really shouldn't be used for?

[Murr1525]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

It wont damage paint if used at a low concentration, and only left briefly, but wont have the lubrication for proper car washing.

I'd also be carefull on clear plastic.

[agp423]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

People say it's safe on Leather, but I'd stay away from using concentrated APC on high quality leather. Just my personal opinion.

[Matt Majeika]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

I just bought some and am interested in the versatility/limitations as well.

Matt

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Depending on the dilution ratio used APC can be safe and effective on a wide range of surfaces. At 1:1 it can do wonders on really messed up wheel wells, under carriage, etc. Diluted down to 10:1 it is commonly used on leather, with excellent results. On vinyl and plastic trim it is a great cleaner/prep before applying Ultimate Protectant or other dressings.

[imacarnut]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Depending on the dilution ratio used APC can be safe and effective on a wide range of surfaces. At 1:1 it can do wonders on really messed up wheel wells, under carriage, etc. Diluted down to 10:1 it is commonly used on leather, with excellent results. On vinyl and plastic trim it is a great cleaner/prep before applying Ultimate Protectant or other dressings.

Mike, isn't the dilutions for both APC/APC Plus 4:1 and 10:1?

[William_F]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Mike, isn't the dilutions for both APC/APC Plus 4:1 and 10:1?

It is, but I what Mike is saying is that the stronger concentration of 1:1 can be used to clean up really tough messes on wheels even though the label directions for dilution are 10:1 for normal cleaning and 4:1 for heavy duty. The 1:1 would be like extra super strength.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Probably wouldn't want to use it on your dog

[William_F]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Probably wouldn't want to use it on your dog

No worries there. I don't have a dog

[ColonelCash]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Hippies.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Mike, isn't the dilutions for both APC/APC Plus 4:1 and 10:1?

Yes and....

It is, but I what Mike is saying is that the stronger concentration of 1:1 can be used to clean up really tough messes on wheels even though the label directions for dilution are 10:1 for normal cleaning and 4:1 for heavy duty. The 1:1 would be like extra super strength.

Yes.

Honestly, people use it all sorts of dilution ratios for all sorts of work. General rule of thumb: the more delicate and expensive the surface, the lower dilution ratio and the more stout the surface or worse the stain (within reason, of course) the stronger the concentration.

[imacarnut]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

Yes and....


Yes.

Honestly, people use it all sorts of dilution ratios for all sorts of work. General rule of thumb: the more delicate and expensive the surface, the lower dilution ratio and the more stout the surface or worse the stain (within reason, of course) the stronger the concentration.

It's good to know that you could use it at 1:1. I've had good luck with it at 4:1 and haven't had to go any stronger. Thanks for the clarification.

[ripple_effect]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

I used 4:1 for cleaning the engine bay and under hood of a teenaged car- voila! the soot went away. Just remember not to smear the glass or clear plastic.

[Murr1525]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

I use ~7-8:1 for everything.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Anything APC shouldn't be used on?

I use ~7-8:1 for everything.

I agree. That is about the same ratio that I use it at. So far, no problems at all.