Hey guys and gals, let’s get straight to the point here. I know I’ve explained this so many times in various places, but I’m still seeing people recommend this bad practice again and again. So, let me state this as clearly as possible:
Do NOT use APC (All-Purpose Cleaner) on interiors.
Listen, I’m not here to argue with experienced pros. If you’ve been detailing for years, know exactly what you’re doing, and have had success using APC on interiors, then fine—you do you. But this message isn’t for you. This is for “beginners.” which this board is dedicated to. Too often, I see seasoned detailers steering beginners toward APCs for interior cleaning, and I just can’t let it slide. That advice is risky, and it’s not fair to newcomers who lack the experience and technical knowledge to handle APCs safely.
Why Beginners Should Drop APC from Their Interior Cleaning Arsenal
Is it technically possible to use APC on interiors and not cause damage? Sure, if you know the exact dilution ratios, procedure, surface type, rinse method, and follow-up conditioning steps. Does that mean you should recommend it to someone just starting out? Absolutely not. Trust me on this one—it’s a bad idea, and here’s why:
Reason #1: APC Can Damage Interior Materials Over Time
- APCs, especially degreaser-type ones like Super Clean or Purple Power, strip oils from surfaces. This isn’t just dirt and grime—it’s the natural oils in plastics, vinyl, and leather that keep them flexible, soft, and vibrant. Once those oils are gone, you’re left with cracked, faded, brittle surfaces that age prematurely.
- Many beginners don’t understand the exact dilution ratios or the consequences of letting APC dry on a surface or using it in hot conditions. This misstep can cause irreversible damage.
- Just because you’ve “gotten away with it once or twice” doesn’t mean it’s a reliable or smart practice. Over time, consistent use of APCs on interiors leads to visible wear and tear—guaranteed.
–> Picture this: A year into using APC on your dashboards or other plastic trim, you start seeing noticeable fading and cracking. Now, those materials are prematurely and permanently damaged.
Reason #2: APC Leaves Residue – Dirt Magnet Alert!
APCs leave a residue behind unless thoroughly rinsed. And by “thoroughly rinsed,” I mean treated with water repeatedly or neutralized entirely—steps many beginners overlook (and frankly, don’t always have the tools for).
Let me break it down this way:
- After you clean something with APC, you might think it looks great. But that residue stays behind, and here’s the kicker: that leftover APC actually attracts dirt.
- For example, spray some APC on a floormat, scrub it out, and wipe it down. It looks clean, right? Well, once dry, that residue will become a dirt magnet. Add a little moisture—like shoes with wet soles, or high humidity—and you’ll quickly find dirt clinging to the surface like a magnet.
Pro Test:
Try this out if you’re skeptical. Clean a floor mat with APC, then wait until the next day. Spray some water on the mat and scrub it with a brush or microfiber towel. That white foam you see? That’s reactivated APC residue, and it’s a dirt-attraction nightmare.
Are you really saving time or money when your “clean” surface gets even dirtier in a few days? Short answer: No.
Reason #3: APC Is a One-Way Ticket to Damage on Delicate Surfaces
Not all interiors are created equal. Different cars have different materials—leathers, plastics, vinyls—and some are far more sensitive than others.
One of the most common horror stories I’ve seen involves people using APC to clean leather without fully understanding that not all leather is created equal. Some, like Lexus leather, aren’t sealed the same way as other brands, and APC can strip or stain that surface almost instantly.
–> Lesson: That mistake isn’t fixed with another scrub—it means expensive repairs, reupholstering, and/or an unhappy customer. As well as an expensive insurance claim.
While many APCs have warnings on the label to “test on an inconspicuous area,” this isn’t just a CYA (cover your assets) clause from the manufacturer—it’s a serious warning for detailers. Take it seriously—especially as a beginner.
Reason #4: Risk vs. Reward—Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, the question is about risk vs. reward.
Sure, APC is cheap, and it’s tempting to use “one bottle for everything.” But when there are safer, purpose-designed products available for interior cleaning—at the same price point, no less—why take the risk?
- Products like P&S Express Interior Cleaner or DIY Details Clean and Protect are far safer and more effective for interior jobs. These products are designed to clean without the risk of damage or buildup.
- And here’s the thing: you don’t need harsh chemicals to achieve great results. Even something as simple as a rinseless wash solution can work wonders on interiors without putting delicate materials at risk.
Will cleaning with safer products take more effort than APC? Maybe. But weigh that against potentially damaging a customer’s car or your personal vehicle—and then you tell me which one is “worth it.”
APC Is for Exteriors—Period.
Can APC be a powerful tool for detailing? Yes—but it belongs almost exclusively in your exterior detailing arsenal.
- Degreasing engines? Sure.
- Stripping stubborn grime off tires? Perfect.
- Cleaning wheel-wells? Absolutely.
For interiors, this kind of aggressive cleaning isn’t necessary. Use products specifically designed for safe, effective interior cleaning and avoid the risks that come with APC misuse.
Final Thoughts for Beginners
Look, I get it—APC seems like a magic all-in-one solution. It’s cost-effective, widely available, and promises to clean everything. But when it comes to interiors, APC is not your friend—not unless you are highly experienced, skilled, and prepared to take every precaution (dilution, testing, rinsing, neutralizing, reconditioning).
Beginners simply don’t have the knowledge or experience to identify the many risks APC poses to delicate interior surfaces. Stick to safe, proven interior-specific cleaners until you’ve built up your skills and understanding.
And to the pros recommending APC use to newbies: stop. Seriously, stop. You might be confident in your abilities, but beginners don’t have the same depth of knowledge, and the damage they can cause is costly and completely avoidable.
There are tons of safer, better, and equally affordable options out there. So kick APC to the curb when it comes to interiors— If you trust me at all on advice, please trust me on this one, and you won’t be sorry.
My2CentsWorth
–Bobby
Addendum: The term APC gets tagged to a lot of products. Even some dedicated interior cleaners can be labeled as APC’s. It’s a confusing term, thus this clarification. I’m mainly speaking specifically about APCD’s APC degreasers with the warning. Although some of my concerns listed above can still apply even to interior APC’s (mainly the residue issue). So do your research and be cautious. The easiest way to test for residue is after a surface has dried, reintroduce some moisture, and scrubb with a brush or microfiber towel. If you see suds or foam of any kind, you know it’s leaving residue behind, which can complicate things. So test unknown products out. Hope this helps –Bobby.
