Can you Use the Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner on Car Paint? 

Manufactured by Sunshine Makers Inc., Simple Green is an all-purpose cleaning solution that is designed to remove grime and dirt from any surface. But is Simple Green really safe to use on car paint? Or will it end up harming your car’s paintwork? 

Well, read on as we look at some of the effects of using Simple Green to clean your car. In addition, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to safely use this versatile product to wash your car without damaging the paintwork. 

So, let’s get right into it! 

Is Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner safe to use on car paint? 

According to the manufacturer, Simple Green all-purpose cleaner is safe for car paint, meaning you can use it to wash your car. More importantly, its formula doesn’t have any ingredients that will react or damage the car paint.

On the same note, it doesn’t contain abrasive agents that can leave scratch marks on the car’s surface when using it. 

However, this cleaning solution has a concentrated formula that can slowly eat off your car’s clear coat. For that reason, you should be very cautious when using this solution to wash your car’s exterior.

For instance, you should wash your car out of direct sunlight so that the Simple Green cleaner doesn’t dry on the car’s surface before you wash it away. 

Alternatively, you should consider diluting Simple Green cleanser instead of using it in an undiluted form as it may be too harsh for your car paint. The only issue with diluting the solution is that it will do an excellent job of removing tough stains and grime on your car’s surface.

To avoid these problems, consider using Simple Green as an alternative to specialized car wash soap due to its long-term effects. 

Does Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner leave residues on the car’s paintwork? 

Another drawback of using Simple Green to wash your car is that it may leave a light residue on the car’s paint. So, while Simple Green is generally safe to use on your car when you add it to water, you should not let the soapy water dry on your car’s surface.

This prevents the formation of oily residues that are extremely difficult to remove. 

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, you should wash the car under a shade if you’re planning to use the Simple Green all-purpose cleaner. That’s because water evaporates quickly under the sun, causing the solution to leave residues on the car’s surface.

All in all, Simple Green cleaner will not affect the color of your car paint, unless you leave it on the car’s body for a prolonged period on several occasions. 

Can you use a Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner in a pressure washer for washing cars? 

Seeing that Simple Green is safe to use on car paint, it’s an excellent cleansing solution to use with the best electric pressure washers for washing cars.

However, it’s recommended that you dilute it with water when using it with pressure to remove the grit, tough stains, and grease in your engine bed.

More importantly, you should choose a suitable nozzle for your pressure washer. 

To wash your car with Simple Green and a pressure washer first, rinse the car with the machine and normal water using a 25 deg nozzle tip. Then dilute the simple Green solution in a foam cannon at a mixing ratio of about 10 parts water and 1 part cleanser. 

Next, use the pressure washer to apply the cleaning solution to the car’s surface. Let the solution settle for about 2 – 3 minutes before using a car brush to remove the grit from the car’s surface.

Finally, use the pressure washer to thoroughly rinse the car surface using a 40 deg nozzle tip. However, avoid using the pressure washer to wash components that are vulnerable to water damage especially when cleaning the engine bed.

Lastly, dry the car immediately after rinsing it with a clean chamois or non-abrasive, clean microfiber towel. 

How to safely wash your car with Simple Green All-purpose Cleaner by hand (Step-by-Step Guide)

Washing your car with Simple Green cleanser is relatively easy, even if you don’t have the best pressure washer for washing cars yet. Here are the steps you need to follow if you’re using Simple Green cleaning solution to wash your car for the first time; 

• Rinse the entire car’s exterior with a garden hose or by pouring water from a large bucket. 
• Next, mix the Simple Green all-purpose cleaning solution with water in a large bucket following the mixing ratio recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions guide. 
• Dip a clean sponge or towel in the solution and use it to clean the car’s exterior. 
• Wash a section of the car at a time and rinse it thoroughly before you move on to the next area. Don’t let the foamy water or dirt dry on the car surface as this may leave residues that are difficult to remove on your car’s paintwork. 
• Once you’re washing and rinsing the entire car, use the best car-drying microfiber cloths to dry the car surface instead of leaving it to air dry under the sun. 

Conclusion 

Simple Green all-purpose cleaner is an effective household product that you can use to safely clean your car without damaging the car’s paintwork.

However, you should only use it as an alternative to your specialized car soap as it may slowly eat away the clear coat, especially when used in its concentrated form.

Alternatively, you can just buy the Simple Green Car Wash soap that is specifically formulated for washing cars! 

Read next: Is rubbing alcohol safe to use on my car’s paint?