Follow-up on Alternatives to APC and the Art of Choosing the right Chemicals for the Job!
Hey guys, if you’ve landed here, you’re probably looking for ways to improve your interior cleaning game without risking damage to those delicate surfaces. Interior detailing can seem tricky, especially when there’s so much noise out there about what products you should or shouldn’t use. My previous article on avoiding APC (All-Purpose Cleaners) for interiors stirred up a lot of questions, which is great—it means you’re thinking critically! So, let’s dive deeper and address those concerns in a way that’s clear, thorough, and practical.
If Not APC, What Are Good Alternatives?
First off, let’s clarify why I advise against APC for beginners when tackling interiors: It’s all about minimizing risk. APCs can often be too strong or caustic for interior surfaces and increase the likelihood of damage, especially if not diluted properly or used without experience. They also leave residue behind, which leads to re-soiling immediately after cleaning, which I covered in the previous post. That said, here are my safer and more effective alternatives:
Rinseless Wash Solutions
I know, I know—you’re probably tired of me singing the praises of rinseless washes by now. But listen, they’re fantastic for interiors and are completely safe for all surfaces, from dashboards to leather seats and everything in between. A quality rinseless wash, like DIY Detail, Mckees 37 N-914, or even ONR (among many others) cleans effectively and will surprise you with just how much grime it can lift, even in really dirty cabins. I’ve used it on cars you’d think were ready for the scrap yard, and the results were incredible. I’ve been able to use rinseless on almost any interior except “True disaster details.” with great results.
You might be hesitant because a rinseless wash seems more like a traditional or fad exterior product, but don’t underestimate it! It’s gentle, versatile, and doesn’t leave behind harsh chemical residues, or smells, making it ideal for interior use.
Dedicated Interior Cleaners
Products specifically formulated for interiors are another excellent choice. Brands like P&S Express Interior Cleaner and DIY Detail’s Clean & Protect or Armour Detail Supplies Pilot are safe for virtually all interior surfaces. These products are designed for precisely this purpose—cleaning without the risks associated with harsher chemicals.
While they might not give you the instant gratification of obliterating heavy grime in one swipe, they’re practical and much safer for long-term use. Most of the time, using a dedicated interior cleaner and simply performing 1-2 extra passes will achieve the same or better results than a harsher chemical—and it’s worth the effort to preserve the materials.
My Philosophy for Beginners: Least Aggressive First
There’s a golden rule in detailing (and a personal mantra of mine):
“Use the least aggressive method possible that will still get the job done.”
Why this approach?
- Overly aggressive tools or chemicals can lead to irreversible damage.
- Interiors consist of various delicate materials—vinyl, leather, cloth, plastic, and more—each with different tolerances to tools and chemicals.
Many beginners fall into the trap of seeking shortcuts, grabbing the strongest cleaner they can find, and going to town. But that method can (and often will) backfire, damaging materials and causing fading, cracking, or even permanent staining. Using strong chemicals incorrectly can significantly reduce the life expectancy of your interior surfaces.
By being gentle and focusing on preservation, you maintain the original look and feel of a car’s interior while protecting its value. Don’t trade long-term durability for short-term convenience.
Understanding pH Levels and Why They’re Not the Whole Picture.
The term “pH neutral” gets thrown around a lot in detailing. While pH-neutral products tend to be safer, focusing solely on the pH scale isn’t enough to make an informed decision. Here’s why:
- pH Neutral Doesn’t Always Mean “Safe.” Just because a product falls around 7 (neutral on the pH scale) doesn’t automatically make it safe for every surface. For example, certain “neutral” products could still contain solvents or other agents that might damage specific materials.
- pH and Dilution Can Change Things. When you dilute a product, its pH might shift, sometimes substantially. A concentrated cleaner with a high or low pH can become far less aggressive once diluted properly—so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions!
- Understanding Causticity. A product’s chemical makeup matters as much as (or more than) its pH. Products can be caustic—meaning they react aggressively with surfaces and soils—without being overly acidic or alkaline.
Here’s a quick tip for beginners: Want to check if a product you’re using might be caustic?
- Mix the chemical with a small amount water at the same temperature at the recommended dilution ratio.
- Use a thermometer to measure the mix’s temperature.
- If, after adding the chemical, you see a rise of more than 1-2ºF (indicating an exothermic reaction), the product likely contains caustic agents.
This isn’t foolproof, but it’s an easy test to give you a baseline idea of whether a product may be too strong for delicate materials.
Don’t Be Fooled by the APC Label
The term “APC” (All-Purpose Cleaner) is a bit of a catch-all. Not all APCs are created equal, and the label can apply to a wide range of products, from mild interior-safe options to exterior-use-only degreasers. While the warnings I posted in the previous article can apply to lots of APC’s, I was mainly focused on APCD’s (degreaser types)
Avoid APC Degreasers on interiors.
APC Degreasers (APCDs) are formulated to cut through grease and heavy grime, which is great for tires, engines, and other exterior areas—but disastrous for interiors. Used on sensitive surfaces like leather or vinyl, or even many plastics. APCDs can cause drying, discoloration, or staining, especially if they’re allowed to dry without rinsing. Some caution is even needed on exterior surfaces, as I’ve seen many instances where an APCD causes chemical burns or streaking. Particularly if diluted incorrectly or allowed to dry on the surface.
While experienced detailers with proper knowledge might occasionally use these products for spot treatments on interiors, beginners should steer clear altogether. Trust me when I say it’s not worth the risk—one mistake with an overly aggressive APC can cost you hundreds in damages and possibly hurt your reputation.
Chemistry: You Don’t Need to Be an Expert, But Knowledge Helps
Chemicals and their interactions are complex. Formulating a product involves so much more than just pH or active ingredients—it’s about the synergy of those components and how they work together on specific surfaces and soils. Why do you think companies sometimes spend millions of dollars developing these products? You don’t need a chemistry degree to detail a car, but spending time researching and familiarizing yourself with SDS (Safety Data Sheets) can help you make smarter choices. After 25yrs+ in this industry, I am still learning and wish this was an area I focused on learning more about earlier.
Quick Tips on Chemical Safety:
- Always test new products in an inconspicuous area before full use.
- Use proper protective equipment (gloves, goggles) when working with unfamiliar chemicals.
- Stick to trusted brands and avoid mixing multiple products together unless you know EXACTLY how they’ll interact.
Wrapping It Up
Detailing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time and experience to gain mastery. When it comes to interior cleaning, prioritizing safety and preservation will always serve you better than chasing faster results. My business’s motto is *Clean *Protect *Preserve; while what I do might not fit into your business model its a good starting point to build a solid foundation. As you build your confidence and learn more about how different products work, you’ll start to understand where you can and should possibly take risks.
Lastly: while I am listed on the board as a Group expert in Car detailing, and I have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I enjoy teaching and that I can share with you all. I’m NOT, I repeat NOT, a “true expert.” I’m not a chemist or some infallible product guru—I’ve just spent 25+ years on this journey, learning from hands-on experience (and mistakes). My goal here is to save you from some of those harder lessons. Over time, you’ll develop your own system and preferences, but starting out with safe, gentle practices will build a solid foundation.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’m happy to help however I can!
As Always, this is just My2CentsWorth.
