All Purpose Cleaner

[vctrku]

Hi, I have been reading through the forums and learn that APCs are very important in cleaning and taking care of the car especially since I am planning on doing my first engine detail soon, I am in need for looking for some APC now. Since I live in Canada, it is hard for me to get many Meguiar's products especially the ones offered in gallon sizes.

Now, as I cannot get a hold of Meguiar's APC, what are your thoughts on other branded APCs for our automotive purposes? I have read bad things about Simple Green being too strong but what about the others such as Spray Nine? What dilution ratios do you guys use for different applications? I am eying Spray Nine at the moment.

[Detailing by M]

Just get any kind of "automotive cleaner". Purple power is a good one.
I don't like Simple Green. It just doesn't do the job, especially on an engine.
As far as a dressing. I use hyper dressing 2;1. But you can just a cheap one. Its an engine so you don't need a "top of the line" dressing.

[Tuco]

Re: All Purpose Cleaner

OP, I'm in your situation too, trying to get a hold of Meguiar's APC+. It is not available anywhere in Canada, unfortunately. My guess is that it's not yet met regulatory approval for sale here. I was considering Spray Nine until its label explicitly stated that it is not to be used on leather, while Meguiar's APCs are safe for use. Furthermore, in Spray Nine's larger 2L and 4L jugs, no dilution is being indicated on the labeling (nor on its website, either); it is assumed, therefore, that this product is meant to be used full-strength. Meguiar's APCs can be diluted in 1:4 or 1:10 solutions, based on your cleaning needs, which means that these APCs offer better value. Our only recourse to procure this product might be to contact Meguiar's Canada directly and arrange a direct order; some Canadian forum members here have mentioned success doing this on other threads. If you live close to the US border, you may hop over to readily find these products at more specialized automotive retailers over there that cater to body shops and detailers.

[STRIFE]

Re: All Purpose Cleaner

Ordering in the US and shipping to a border town saved me lotsa cash, though it's a 40 min drive one way...well worth it
Maybe have your orders shipped to Ogdensburg ?

http://shippingtoogdensburg.com/

Lotsa people in the greater Vancouver area have their US online orders shipped to Point Roberts WA or Blaine WA.....Customs hardly ever care to pull you inside to pay duties or taxes.
I've brought in $200-250 orders of detailing supplies, clothes, tools...etc

Btw...I have both APC/APC+....best muilti use item I have in my arsenal, interiors, wheels,tires, engine...etc, love it!

[tjimmyv]

Now, as I cannot get a hold of Meguiar's APC, what are your thoughts on other branded APCs for our automotive purposes? I have read bad things about Simple Green being too strong .

Simple green is probably my favorite APC. It is VERY strong stuff in my opinion.. But you can always dilute it down .. I never use it full strenght.... I keep a bottle diluted 7:1 for heavier duty and 15:1 for interiors