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, proudly made in Italy. It supports pressures up to 200 bar and a water flow of 11.5 l/min. Its 1,000 ml tank holds more than most foam cannons from other brands. Foam generation occurs via flow and suction through a precision brass and stainless steel foam head. The PF22.2 offers multiple adjustments: spray pattern from round to flat, flat spray direction horizontal or vertical, and water/chemical mixture concentration. This upgraded model is designed to be tip-resistant for stable use. Ultimate Foam for Car Care & Detailing: MTM Hydro PF22.2 at Chemical-Shark.de After thorough research and testing, we're proud to add MTM Hydro PF22.2—the first pressure washer gear from this Italian brand—to our lineup. It meets all key practical demands with adaptability for most hobby and professional pressure washers via available adapters we continue to expand. The PF22.2 produces outstanding foam even with low-viscosity APC cleaners, allowing versatile and eco-friendly vehicle cleaning. Minimal chemical concentration still creates rich foam, ensuring cost-effective, sustainable car care. Our tests also highlighted top-tier materials and craftsmanship, making it far superior to cheap Asian copies. Plus, matching spare parts ensure long-term service and easy maintenance. Various Versions of the MTM Hydro PF22.2 Foam Lance Available fully assembled with different adapters or adaptable by yourself using a 1/4 screw thread. Contact us for help choosing the right adapter. Premium foam lance made in Italy Patented foam generation technology Tip-resistant design with fill level scale Adapters 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.