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.

Meguiars All-Purpose Cleaner APC 3780ml

Meguiars

Meguiars All-Purpose Cleaner APC 3780ml

Meguiar’s® All-Purpose Cleaner is perfect for detailing all interior surfaces. Its unique foam lifts dirt gently, while the special blend of softeners and optical brighteners enhances the appearance and texture of carpets, upholstery, vinyl, and leather. The fresh scent makes application pleasant. Mixing ratio: 10:1 for light cleaning | 4:1 for heavy cleaning.

Content: 3.78 Liter (€7.38* / 1 Liter)

€27.90*

Variants!

MTM Hydro PF22.2 1/4 Quick Connect Adaptation Professional Foam Canon

MTM Hydro

MTM Hydro PF22.2 1/4 Quick Connect Adaptation Professional Foam Canon

The MTM Hydro PF22.2 is a professional foam cannon for pressure washers, made in Italy. The lance can be used with up to 200 bar and a water flow of 11.5 l/min. With a tank volume of 1000 ml, the MTM PF22.2 has a larger capacity than most foam cannons from other manufacturers. Foam generation and dispensing occur through flow and suction via the brass and stainless steel foam head. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 offers a variety of adjustment options, allowing you to set the spray angle from round to flat, the direction of the flat spray horizontally or vertically, and the concentration of the water/chemical mixture. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 is a tilt-proof design and an advancement over the PF22. Perfect Foam for Car Care & Detailing: MTM Hydro PF22.2 at Chemical-Shark.de After extensive product research and intensive testing, we proudly present the MTM Hydro PF22.2, the first product from this Italian manufacturer of pressure washer technology in our range. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 meets all practical requirements we consider essential. With suitable adapters, which we will continue to expand, the MTM Hydro can be adapted to most hobby and professional segment pressure washers. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 delivers excellent foam formation even with thinner APC cleaners and can thus be used universally. Even with a low concentration, the PF22.2 foam lance perfectly foams the mixture, allowing for economical and environmentally friendly vehicle cleaning. The MTM Hydro PF22.2 has proven itself in our tests due to the quality and craftsmanship of the materials, which are of the highest standard and thus superior to Asian imitations. And if anything breaks or wears out, we supply the appropriate spare parts. Various Versions of the PF22.2 Foam Lance from MTM Hydro The MTM Hydro comes pre-assembled with various adapters and is ready for use or can be adapted using a 1/4 screw thread. If you have questions about the right adapter, we are happy to assist. High-quality foam lance made in Italy Patented technology for foam generation Tilt-proof with filling scale Various adaptations for Kränzle, Nilfisk, and Kärcher

€71.50*

Variants!

Nanolex Professional PreWash Concentrate Pre-Cleaner 5l

Nanolex

Nanolex Professional PreWash Concentrate Pre-Cleaner 5l

Nanolex Professional PreWash Concentrate is an alkaline pre-cleaner that generates strong foam. Designed for car and truck pre-washing, the formulation is based on high-quality complexing agents and special surfactants that quickly and thoroughly dissolve stubborn residues such as insects, bird droppings, and environmental and wheel dirt. Special corrosion inhibitors ensure excellent material compatibility with sensitive components like anodized aluminum. Nanolex Professional PreWash Concentrate: Professional Cleaning Power Removes dirt from insects, bird droppings, and other stubborn stains Gentle on materials due to corrosion inhibitors Suitable for paint, wheels, plastics, glass For optimal results, depending on the level of soiling: Pre-cleaning: 1:30 to 1:250 Wheel cleaning: 1:5 to 1:10 Self-service high-pressure washing: 1:250 Apply evenly, let it sit briefly, and rinse thoroughly with a high-pressure cleaner. Do not allow to dry on the surface and avoid working in direct sunlight.

Content: 5 Liter (€7.50* / 1 Liter)

€37.50*

Variants!

Gtechniq Citrus All Purpose Cleaner W5 500ml

Gtechniq

Gtechniq Citrus All Purpose Cleaner W5 500ml

Gtechniq Citrus All Purpose Cleaner W5 is a biodegradable all-purpose cleaner that reliably removes road dirt despite being pH-neutral. W5 is versatile and can be used for cleaning the engine bay as well as for removing stains from upholstery and carpets. The cleaner can be used diluted or undiluted depending on the application. The formula has been developed with a focus on effective cleaning without attacking sensitive areas. All-purpose cleaner for effective cleaning of oily and dirty areas 100% biodegradable strong against dirt, gentle on delicate materials

Content: 0.5 Liter (€17.00* / 1 Liter)

€8.50*

SONAX PROFILINE MultiStar Universal Cleaner 1000ml

Sonax

SONAX PROFILINE MultiStar Universal Cleaner 1000ml

A true all-round star, suitable for all conceivable areas in both interior and exterior. MultiStar from Sonax PROFILINE is a strong cleaner that is free from nitrilotriacetic acid and NTA, offering exceptional cleaning power while being gentle on materials. Dirt is lifted by microactive surfactants, as known from many Sonax PROFILINE products. Usable with high-pressure, hot water, and steam cleaners, as well as manually with sponge, brush, and microfiber cloth MultiStar is used diluted from 1:5 to 1:50 depending on the level of dirt and material sensitivity. Maximum cleaning power is achieved after 3 minutes of exposure time, so MultiStar should be wiped off with water or a damp microfiber cloth afterward. Universal cleaner for exterior and interior Dilute for use from 1:5 to 1:50 Free from nitrilotriacetic acid Cleaning with microactive surfactants

€8.50*

Variants!

Koch Chemie Green Star Multi-Purpose Cleaner 1000ml

Koch Chemie

Koch Chemie Green Star Multi-Purpose Cleaner 1000ml

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.

€7.50*