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Cleaners and Degreasers

Cleaners and Degreasers

There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based cleaners and degreasers available.

  • SUPER-O: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Removes grease, tar, oil, gum, wax, and cosmoline, as well as large areas of decal adhesives from painted surfaces.
  • SUPER SOL: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Easily dissolves and removes label and sticker adhesive from painted surfaces. Dissolves tar, grease, and oily soil deposits on carpets, upholstery, and exterior paint.
  • HERC: a ready to use, environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Free of chlorinated solvents. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
  • OUST: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
  • SAP REMOVER: specifically formulated to penetrate, lift, and dissolve sap and organic resins. Safe to use on glass, metal, and painted surfaces; without scratching or scuffing. Ready to use, body shop safe, and environmentally friendly.

Yes, all of Auto Valet’s solvent based cleaners and degreasers are safe for body shop applications. Includes: SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.

SAP REMOVER is formulated specifically for penetrating, lifting, and dissolving sap and organic resins. SAP REMOVER is safe to use on exterior vehicle surfaces, and is the recommended product to remove tree sap.

There are currently five (5) Auto Valet water based cleaners and degreasers available.

  • PURPLE POWER: a concentrated, versatile, muscle-based cleaner and degreaser. Heavy duty, dilutable, and is free-rinsing with controlled foam.
  • TRANSPORT: a concentrated cleaner degreaser. Tough on grease and grime, it is  designed for transport trucks, new vehicle transit coating remover, and an overall vehicle cleaner and degreaser.
  • D’LIMOKLEEN PLUS: a non-corrosive and non-toxic, concentrated, and versatile cleaner and degreaser. Use to emulsify and suspend substances such as oil, grease, fat, rust stains, carbon, and dirt from most surfaces.
  • GREASE TERMINATOR: an economical, proficient, concentrated cleaner degreaser. General purpose and versatile in both exterior and interior applications. Dilute to a strength appropriate for the application.
  • ULTRA KLEEN: a ready to use spray cleaner and degreaser, that may be diluted further for lighter applications. Used to easily penetrate and lift grease, oil, wax, clay soils, nicotine, and protein type soils.

Cleaners and degreasers are liquid products designed to remove dirt, grease, oils, and stains from a variety of interior and exterior vehicle surfaces. These surfaces include natural and synthetic fabrics, leather, metals, painted surfaces, plastics and rubber. There are two types of cleaners and degreasers; solvent based and water based. Each is formulated and applied differently from each other. Solvent based and water based cleaners and degreasers also have best usage applications depending on the makeup of the substance to remove.

Water based cleaners and degreasers are governed by the pH. The pH is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the product is formulated to be, and determines what substances can be removed. Products in Auto Valet's water based cleaners and degreasers category are formulated to be basic (alkaline) in their pH levels. This allows them to act as all-purpose cleaners for general removal of soil on surfaces. Oil, grease, and lubricants are easily removed with water based cleaners and degreasers as the alkali reacts with these substances, making them water-soluble and easier to rinse away. Water based cleaners and degreasers can be diluted with water to best suit the application requirements, and are best used to degrease and clean engine compartments and remove carbon. Water based cleaners and degreasers include PURPLE POWER, TRANSPORT, D'LIMOKLEEN PLUS, GREASE TERMINATOR and ULTRA KLEEN.

Solvent based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize (dissolve) residues of fats, oils, and grease; breaking them down into smaller particles and carrying it into the solution, away from the area being cleaned. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers provide the opportunity of quick cleaning; dissolving and carrying away soils without extended prep, processing, or drying time. However; they typically contain higher levels of V.O.C’s, are usually flammable (must be kept away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition), and cannot be diluted with water. Most solvent based cleaners and degreasers are applied only to dry surfaces, and are best used to remove solvent based substances such as tar and undercoating. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers include SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.
 

Yes, all of Auto Valet’s water based cleaners and degreasers are safe for body shop applications.

Yes, all of Auto Valet’s water based cleaners and degreasers are V.O.C. compliant.

D’LIMOKLEEN PLUS is an environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and non-toxic water based cleaner and degreaser. It is both safe and effective to dissolve, emulsify, and suspend oil, grease, fat, rust stains, carbon, and dirt.

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Cleaners and Degreasers
All Carpet and Upholstery Care Carpet, Vinyl, and Plastic Dyes Cleaners and Degreasers Compounds and Polishes Detailing Tasks Dressings and Protectants Fallout Removers Glass Cleaners Odour Control, Air Fresheners Paint Protectants, Waxes, And Finishes Rim Cleaners Shop Maintenance and Floor Cleaners Specialty Cleaners Vehicle Wash Soaps

Carpet, Vinyl, and Plastic Dyes

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Cleaners and Degreasers

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Compounds and Polishes

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Detailing Tasks

  • Cosmoline coatings are a rust and corrosion preventive used by vehicle manufacturers to protect vehicle surfaces that are stored outside and/or during shipping. To remove cosmoline coatings, use the same method as removing tar and organic material from exterior surfaces. Remove the coating by first preparing the areas of application. Then apply a solvent-based cleaner degreaser, and either rinse or wipe it off of the surfaces (depending on what solvent-based cleaner degreaser is used). Finally, review your work to ensure all of the cosmoline coating is cleared away.
  • Tailpipes (exhaust tips) are susceptible to carbon build-up, further to the typical dirt and grime accumulated. Carbon is emitted from engines’ internal combustion and is solidified and baked onto the tailpipes due to the heat generated, leaving a black ring around the edge. To remove the carbon, begin with a rim cleaner such as BRILLIANT, FLAME, or RIM CLEANER. Use steel wool to agitate the cleaner, by hand. Follow with SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND, either by hand or using a rim cone on a rotary polisher, depending on the space available around the tailpipe(s).

  • To remove vehicle transit coatings and new vehicle delivery wraps, use the same method as discarding stickers from a vehicle’s surface. First begin by preparing the areas of application, then remove the coating/wrap using a heat gun. Follow this by using a solvent-based cleaner degreaser to remove the remaining adhesive. Finally, review your work to ensure all adhesives are cleared away. 

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Dressings and Protectants

  • Dressings and protectants are liquid products designed to shine and protect vinyl and rubber surfaces; assisting to repel water and resist detergents. A shine agent (e.g., silicone, mineral oil, or glycerin) is delivered to the rubber or vinyl surfaces using a carrier that evaporates once applied. The carriers used for water-based and solvent-based dressings and protectants is what differs. For solvent-based dressings and protectants the carrier is a blend of solvents; while for water-based dressings and protectants the carrier is water.

    Solvent based dressings and protectants are typically more durable than water-based dressings and protectants. This is a result of solvents causing the pores of rubber and vinyl to open, enabling the shine agent to penetrate the surface. Shine agents in water-based dressings and protectants remain on the surface, and commonly rinse off more readily. Due to Auto Valet advanced formulation technology the AQUA SHIELD and ENCHANTER ULTIMATE water-based dressings and protectants provide comparable durability to solvent-based dressings.
  • Solvent based dressings and protectants are best used for vehicle exterior applications such as tires, mouldings, bumpers, vinyl trim, and vinyl tops. Due to flammability, solvent-based dressings and protectants are not to be used to dress engine compartments. If solvent-based dressings and protectants are used for interior applications, care must be taken as repeated applications to surfaces exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., dashboards) can lead to cracking. Solvent based dressings and protectants can stain certain fascia’s, if used incorrectly.

    Water based dressings and protectants can be used for both interior and exterior applications; and are most commonly used for interior applications over solvent-based products. Use water-based dressings and protectants on areas that are made with rubber, vinyl, leather, and wood (includes engine compartments).
  • There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based dressings and protectants available.
    • TIRE DRESSING: a V.O.C. compliant, solvent and silicone dressing that produces a medium to high gloss finish.
    • RECOVER: a solvent and silicone dressing that produces a glossy finish. 
    • TOP HAT: a solvent and silicone dressing that produces a high shine, glossy finish.
    • REWARD: a solvent and non-silicone dressing that produces a glossy finish. Ideal for body shop applications.
    • KWIK SHINE: an aerosol vinyl and plastic dressing that instantly shines both interior and exterior vehicle applications.
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Fallout Removers

  • (1) Fallout. Refers to minute iron particles, sometimes hot, of rail dust and smoke stack fly ash caused by friction between train wheels and track. Fallout takes effect to the vehicle either during transportation by rail car or truck, or when stationary in a heavily contaminated area. (2) Brake dust. Composed of metallic iron particles, brake dust is a dark-coloured residue caused by the grinding of iron and brake pads, and takes place when braking occurs. (3) Metal oxides. When chemicals in a vehicle’s exterior painted surface break down, the underlying metal is exposed to oxygen and causes metal oxides.

    Both fallout and brake dust produce minute metallic iron particles that become embedded in the vehicle’s exterior painted surface and form a bond with the metallic substrate underneath. Metal oxides, formed when the vehicle’s exterior painted surface breaks down, begins to corrode.

    Fallout, brake dust, and metal oxides typically rust and discolour the paint, affect the smooth surface texture, and are easily noticed on vehicles with white paint.
  • Removal of these metallic iron particles is accomplished by using KNOCK OUT. KNOCK OUT is a cleaner formulated using organic acids that dissolve the metallic particles, enabling complete, safe removal. The YELLOW NANO BUFF WASH MITT, BLUE NANO BUFF WASH MITT, GREY CLAY BAR, and PURPLE CLAY BAR are also effective at removing surface contaminants; however, are not recommended for medium to heavy applications, where metallic iron particles are embedded into the painted surfaces.
  • The minute metallic iron particles, embedded into a vehicle’s exterior painted surface, caused from fallout, brake dust, or metal oxides, form a bond with the metallic substrate underneath. Special organic acids are required to effectively dissolve the metallic particles to enable a complete and safe removal from the vehicle’s exterior painted surface. KNOCK OUT contains the organic acids required, and is designed specifically for this type of application.
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Glass Cleaners

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Odour Control, Air Fresheners

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Paint Protectants, Waxes, And Finishes

  • There are currently four (4) Auto Valet waxes available.
    • ROYAL GLAZE: a cleaner and a wax. Gently cleans exterior painted surfaces and removes spider-web scratches. Use by hand or with a machine.
    • TROPICAL GOLD: a cream carnauba finishing wax. Produces a deep-shine, hard-shell finish. Covers imperfections and creates a repellant coating. Use by hand or with a machine. Environmentally friendly.
    • NORTHERN LIGHTS: a quick wax. Quick to apply, dry, and wipe off. Durable, non-greasy wax; removes light oxidation and imparts a deep gloss. Use by hand.
    • BEAD BUILDER: a spray wax and ceramic coating enhancer. Enduring luster, gloss, and sleekness; removes dust, smudges, and fingerprints. Use by hand, with a trigger sprayer to apply and a cloth to wipe off. The fastest wax to use.
  • Waxing frequency and longevity depends on the type of wax used, the surrounding climate, and the soap used to wash the vehicle. Natural or synthetic waxes last between one to four months. It is important to ensure the paint is free of dirt, tar, grease, and other surface contaminants before applying a wax to ensure effective adherence.

    Surrounding climate. Climate affects the durability of waxes. Harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow (and the accompanying road salts) will break the bond between the resin and the painted surface quicker than dry, mild conditions. Constant exposure to bright sunlight will also accelerate wax deterioration.
    Vehicle wash soap. Use a pH neutral soap, not a highly alkaline soap. The alkalis will strip resins from the painted surface, lessening gloss and exposing the surface to the elements.
  • No, waxes including ROYAL GLAZE, TROPICAL GOLD, NORTHERN LIGHTS, and BEAD BUILDER are not body shop safe.
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Rim Cleaners

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Shop Maintenance and Floor Cleaners

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Specialty Cleaners

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Vehicle Wash Soaps

  • There are currently six (6) Auto Valet vehicle wash soaps available.
    • PRESSURE KLEEN: powdered wash compound, for use in high-pressure wash equipment and manual usage.
    • AUTO WASH: one step wash and wax, for use in both automatic and manual friction vehicle washes.
    • CRAZY SUDZ: high viscosity, resilient foam, for use in manual friction vehicle washes (manual pour and apply).
    • AUTO GLEAM: premium performance, hard water formula, for use in automatic friction vehicle washes, also performs well in manual friction vehicle washes.
    • COBRA: touchless car wash soap, for use in automatic touchless vehicle washes
    • T-11: truck and trailer wash, for use in touchless vehicle washes with minimal to no brushing.
  • Friction washes use water and vehicle wash soap, as well as utilizing brushes or rollers to remove dirt, grime, and road film from a vehicle’s exterior surfaces. Automatic friction vehicle washes rely on automatic machinery such as a tunnel wash using brushes or cloth. Manual friction vehicle washes rely on by-hand application methods such as a wash mitt or vehicle brush.
  • For the Hydro System proportioner the recommended metering tip to use at 25 psi and at 20°C is the large thread, tan/medium brown, size 0.035 tip.
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