What is an All-Purpose Car Cleaner (APC)?
Various cleaners are used when cleaning vehicles. An APC (All-Purpose Cleaner) is a liquid cleaner with degreasing properties. APCs are usually highly concentrated and are diluted with water before use. They can be used both on the interior and exterior of a vehicle. Compared to car shampoos, APCs typically produce less foam and have a more aggressive pH level. Well-known APC products include Koch Chemie Green Star, Sonax Multistar, and Meguiar's Detailer All Purpose Cleaner.
What Can an APC All-Purpose Cleaner Do for Car Cleaning?
All-purpose cleaners are stronger than car shampoos but weaker than engine cleaners. They typically have an alkaline pH level above 10, though acidic variants also exist. Common applications include removing heavy contamination and general dirt films (Traffic Film Remover). APCs can be used with brushes, sponges, wash mitts, or clay bars. In the interior, they can be applied using cleaning guns, spray extraction devices, or steam cleaners. When using APCs, protective gloves, safety glasses, and, if necessary, respiratory protection should be worn.
Gtechniq W5 Citrus APC – The Perfect Pre-Cleaner
The Gtechniq W5 Citrus APC is a pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner that, despite its gentle formulation, effectively dissolves protein-based, fat-based, and inorganic contaminants, as well as dirt films. Its versatility makes it an ideal pre-cleaner, whether used with a spray bottle or a foam cannon. Additionally, Gtechniq W5 is fully biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Applications of an APC All-Purpose Cleaner
- Cleaning door handles, hinges, and recesses
- Pre-cleaning with a sprayer or foam cannon
- Removing stubborn dirt from tires and wheel wells
- Engine cleaning
- Removing insect residues
- Cleaning plastic, rubber, and glass surfaces
- Removing polish residues
- Cleaning polishing pads and microfiber cloths
- Cleaning fabrics and upholstery
- Cleaning convertible fabric tops
- Post-cleaning after using solvent-based cleaners
Environmental Protection When Using All-Purpose Cleaners
When using all-purpose cleaners, it is essential to prevent cleaning liquids from entering groundwater. Products like Gtechniq W5 are biodegradable and therefore environmentally friendly. APCs are typically applied with pressure sprayers or spray bottles, left to act for a few minutes, and then rinsed off with water or wiped away with microfiber cloths.
Leading All-Purpose Cleaners (APCs)
- Koch Chemie All-Purpose Cleaner Green Star
- Gtechniq W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner
- Sonax PROFILINE MultiStar All-Purpose Cleaner
- Meguiar's Detailer All Purpose Cleaner
While APCs have a broad range of applications, specialized cleaners can sometimes be more effective and gentle on materials. It is important to note that APCs can degrade waxes and basic sealants. For waxed and sealed surfaces, pH-neutral car shampoos are a better choice, whereas APCs are ideal for preparing and cleaning ceramic coatings.
The MTM Hydro PF22.2 is a professional foam cannon for pressure washers, crafted in Italy. It supports up to 200 bar pressure and water flow of 11.5 l/min. Boasting a 1000 ml tank, it holds more foam liquid than most competitors. Foam generation and output rely on flow and suction via a brass and stainless steel foam head. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 offers multiple adjustable settings: spray pattern (round to flat), flat spray direction (horizontal or vertical), and water/chemical mixture concentration. Built as an improved version of the PF22, it features a tip-proof design.Perfect Foam for Car Care & Detailing: MTM Hydro PF22.2 at Chemical-Shark.deAfter extensive research and testing, we proudly introduce our first Italian pressure washer product: the MTM Hydro PF22.2. It meets all practical demands we value. With compatible adapters (and more coming), it fits most hobby and professional pressure washers. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 delivers exceptional foam even with low-viscosity APC cleaners, making it highly versatile. Even in low concentration, it foams perfectly, enabling economical and eco-friendly vehicle cleaning.In tests, the MTM Hydro PF22.2 impressed with top-tier material quality and craftsmanship, outperforming Asian clones. If parts wear or break, replacements are available.Various Versions of the MTM Hydro PF22.2 Foam LanceThe MTM Hydro is available pre-assembled with different adapters or can be customized with a 1/4" screw thread adapter. Need help with the right adapter? Contact us anytime.Premium Italian-made foam lancePatented foam generation technologyTip-proof design with fill level scaleAdapters for Kränzle, Nilfisk, and Kärcher included
A true all-round star, suitable for all conceivable areas in interior and exterior cleaning. MultiStar from Sonax PROFILINE is a powerful cleaner free from nitrilotriacetic acid and NTA, offering high cleaning power and material compatibility. The dirt is removed using micro-active surfactants, as is common with many Sonax PROFILINE products. Can be used with high-pressure, hot water, and steam cleaning devices, as well as manually with a sponge, brush, and microfiber cloth MultiStar is diluted depending on the degree of soiling and material sensitivity, from 1:5 to 1:50. Maximum cleaning power is reached after 3 minutes of action time, so MultiStar should be wiped off with water or a damp microfiber cloth afterward. Universal cleaner for exterior and interior To be used diluted from 1:5 to 1:50 Free from nitrilotriacetic acid Cleaning using micro-active surfactants
The highly concentrated, phosphate and solvent-free alkaline universal cleaner. Due to its enormous dirt and oil-carrying capacity, it is universally applicable for workshop floor and industrial cleaning, both interior and exterior cleaning of passenger cars and trucks, as well as engine washing. Special corrosion inhibitors ensure high material compatibility with sensitive components such as anodized aluminum. For use in spray extraction and other carpet cleaning machines, we recommend adding the foam inhibitor Kocentschäumer. Also optimal for biological wastewater treatment plants. Fast separating and tested according to ÖNORM 5105 (test concentration 10% solution). VDA-compliant Class A: Maximum exposure time 5 min, maximum application concentration 1:3 Application Areas Passenger Cars, Camping and Commercial Vehicles, Workshop and Industrial Floors, Machines, etc.