While hardcore automotive enthusiasts might shudder at the phrase “all-purpose car cleaner,” not everyone is interested in building a complete detailing arsenal. For those who need to streamline the process and find one product to carry them from dash to door, multitasking products are a must-have in any garage.
While specialized cleaners can provide professional-grade results, they also tend to come with professional-grade price tags. Plus, who needs all those individual bottles, tubs, and containers cluttering up the garage?
All-purpose automotive cleaners are budget-friendly, time-saving, and ideal for routine cleaning tasks, like removing everyday dust, dirt, and grime. While it’s true that there really isn’t an ALL purpose, one-stop magical cleaner capable of tackling every component of your car at once, modern multi-purpose automotive cleaners are more versatile than you might expect. Do yourself a favor and check out some of the safe and effective options below.
Griot’s Garage Citrus All Purpose Cleaner
With a reputation for reliability, Griot’s Garage specialized cleaning and detailing solutions are a go-to for many car-care enthusiasts. Just as effective however, are the brand’s all-in-one cleaners.
Griot’s Citrus All Purpose Cleaner is a particularly versatile option that not only cleans but also degreases, making it a great choice for both exterior and interior surfaces. Use it on engines, tires, wheel wells, and door jambs, as well as vinyl, plastic, and upholstery – the formula’s non-caustic degreasing agents combine with D-limonene to remove stubborn filth and rinse clear without leaving behind any annoying residue.
The concentrated, non-foaming cleaner features a pleasing citrus scent and three dilution ratios, allowing you to adjust the formula’s strength and ensure you get the most economical use-cost per ounce.
Mothers Speed All-Purpose Cleaner
Another trusted name in the automotive industry, Mother’s Speed All-Purpose Cleaner packs a high-performance cleaning punch. Comprised of a carefully crafted blend of efficient cleaners and non-ionic surfactants, it provides potent cleaning and stain removal without damaging delicate surfaces and materials.
Apply it to some of the dirtiest parts of your car and watch it work its magic, from factory-coated wheels, hubcaps, and fender wells, to neglected engine compartments with caked-on oil deposits. Once you’re done, use it on your ride’s interior messes too, as it’s safe and effective for dissolving embedded stains and grease on delicate upholstery, carpet, and vinyl.
Even better, it comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that’s ready to work when you are – no dilution required.
Meguiar’s Citrus Power Cleaner Plus
Available in a 1-gallon jug, Meguiar’s Citrus Power Cleaner Plus is one of the most economical concentrated multi-purpose automotive cleaners you can buy. It’s a low-foaming, solvent-free concentrate that is ideal for interior detailing, but can also be used to effectively remove grease, grime, and stains from plastic trim, engines, tires, and more. It leaves behind a fresh, pleasant scent and no sticky residue.
If you’re looking for a quality product that’s also ideal for your hot/cold extraction machines or air-powered cleaning tools in addition to hand application, then this is your pick to click. It’s even safe for leather, plastics, and more. Not to mention it works as an excellent bug remover when diluted at a 20:1 ratio. Really, what more could you ask for?
303 Products Multi-Surface Cleaner
While this product is specifically formulated for marine applications, it’s got a solid online fan club among car enthusiasts and DIY detailers. It’s especially useful at restoring showroom shine and brightness to classic vinyl car tops and convertible tops.
While safe for all types of vinyl and upholstery, the robust cleaning agents might not be the safest for your ride’s exterior paint job. However, 303’s Multi-Surface Cleaner is highly effective at removing salt and road grime on your stainless steel and chrome, as well as your aluminum wheels, rubber tires, and plastic accents.
Ready-to-use and available in a convenient spray bottle, 303’s solution leaves no greasy residue and is fragrance-free, making it a great option for anyone sensitive to strong cleaner smells. It is somewhat pricier than the other options on this list, but the fact that you can use it on your car, truck, or boat makes it a true multi-purpose winner in our book.
Permatex Spray Nine Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Another economical choice, Permatex’s 1-gallon concentrate is one of the OG multi-purpose, ready-to-use automotive detailing products available. It features a water-based cleaning solution, made without any harsh petroleum-based solvents that not only cleans and degreases, but also disinfects.
Use Spray Nine Multi-Purpose Cleaner to remove bug splatter, grease, brake dust, oil, dirt, salt, and even tar and light rust. It’s also ideal for cleaning smoke stains, mildew, mold, and carbon deposits from carpets and upholstery. It’s truly one of the most versatile multi-purpose cleaners on this list, as you can use it on your car, RV, boat, and even around the house.
Protect All All-Surface Care Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Another product that’s a little bigger on the RV and marine sides of the market, Protect All’s All-Surface Care has built up a fan base among automotive enthusiasts. (In fact, it seems to be a particular sleeper favorite among motorcyclists.)
Great for getting that coveted show-room finish on paint, chrome, stainless steel, fiberglass and more, the unique formulation not only cleans, but also leaves behind a protective water-repellent carnauba wax coating that creates a lustrous and durable shine. For extra points, it also features UV protection and helps to guard against oxidation and rust.
While not the ideal option for carpet and upholstery, Protect All’s solution is fantastic for treating vinyl, rubber, plastic, and finished leather to a clean, dry natural appearance. It leaves no oily film and creates an incredibly slick, anti-static surface that repels dirt and grime.
Don’t Forget Your Tools!
Now that you’re geared up to try one or more of these impressive and practical multi-purpose automotive cleaners, don’t forget to arm yourself with the proper cleaning accessories. Equipping yourself with essential tools ensures you'll achieve a thorough and pristine clean that even professional detailers will be impressed by.
By investing in cleaning accessories like mitts, microfiber towels, chamois, sponges, buckets, brushes and more, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any detailing task with confidence and achieve showroom-quality results every time.