All Purpose Cleaner
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Prices may varyCarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed 2026-05-04
TL;DR A DANGER-rated alkaline APC that genuinely earns the classification — H318 (serious eye damage) at pH 13 concentrate means gloves and safety glasses are non-negotiable, not marketing caution. At the right dilution it's one of the more versatile cleaners in the Adam's lineup: engines at 1:1, wheels at 4:1, interior at 10:1. The hazard is real but manageable; know your dilutions.
What it is and how it performs
Adam's All Purpose Cleaner is an alkaline degreaser built on a cationic surfactant and glycol ether base at pH 13. The concentrate approach is smart — one bottle handles everything from engine grease to carpet shampoo depending on how much you dilute it. At 1:1 it cuts through baked-on grease in engine bays. At 10:1+ it's mild enough for interior vinyl and fabric. Amazon buyers give it 4.5 stars across 716+ reviews. The DANGER signal word is accurate: this isn't a marketing exaggeration — pH 13 can cause irreversible eye damage and the surfactant blend is a skin sensitizer with repeated contact.
Is it safe?
DANGER signal word. H318 (serious eye damage Cat 1), H317 (skin sensitizer), H315 (skin irritation). Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves whenever you handle the concentrate. At 10:1+ dilution the hazard drops dramatically, but get into a habit of PPE whenever the bottle is open. No inhalation concern — this is a low-VOC aqueous formula, not a solvent. Works in an enclosed garage without respiratory issues.
Environmental impact
Low-VOC aqueous formula. No PFAS, no aquatic toxicity classification. The phosphate surfactant base (sodium tripolyphosphate) can contribute to algal bloom if it reaches surface water in volume — rinse to sanitary drain, not storm drain. At household use concentrations the impact is minimal. No EPA Safer Choice certification.
Frequently asked questions
What dilution ratios does Adam's APC work at?▾
Adam's recommends 1:1 for engine bays and heavy grease, 4:1 for wheels and lower body panels, 10:1 for interior surfaces, and up to 20:1 for fabric and carpet. Start conservative and go stronger if needed — the concentrate at pH 13 can damage finishes if applied undiluted to painted surfaces.
Is Adam's APC safe on paint?▾
Diluted (10:1 or higher) it's safe for paint as a decontamination pre-rinse. The pH 13 concentrate will strip wax and sealants, so always dilute for any painted surface and rinse quickly. Never use it undiluted on clear coat, leather, or rubber.
Why does this have a DANGER signal word?▾
The DANGER signal word comes from H318 — serious eye damage classification. At pH 13, splashing undiluted product in your eyes can cause irreversible damage. This is a legitimate hazard, not legal boilerplate. Wear safety glasses whenever you're working with it at high concentrations.
Can I use it as an interior cleaner?▾
Yes, at 10:1 to 20:1 dilution. At those dilutions the pH drops to near-neutral and the skin and eye hazard is minimal. Pre-test on a hidden area — heavy dilutions of alkaline cleaners can affect leather dye if the surface is already degraded.
Is there a gallon size?▾
Adam's sells APC in gallon concentrate jugs, which is more economical for regular use. The 16 oz bottle listed here is the most popular starter size on Amazon.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Adam's Polishes, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •✅ STRONG DEGREASER REMOVES DIRT & GRIME WITH EASE - Adam’s All-Purpose Cleaner is a fully functional, safe, and an effective product for any surface. At full strength, this product is versatile enough to cut even the toughest grease buildup. When diluted, it is extremely gentle and effective on sensitive surfaces.
- •✅ SUPER CLEANER FOR ANY SURFACE – With some of the newest advancements in Nano Technology, our newly formulated multisource cleaner was designed to effectively lift away dirt, grime, tar, and fight the toughest grease at the molecular level. The formula can be utilized in an Adam’s Foam Cannon & Multi & Foaming Pump Sprayers for superior foaming action!
- •✅ MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER - Adam’s All-Purpose Cleaner is the only chemical you’ll need for Cleaning engine bays removing bug & tar, fender wells, tires, brake dust, wheels, exhausts tips, polishing pads and applicators, cutting grease, cleaning oxidized plastic and rubber and cleansing delicate surfaces when diluted up to 90%. Pair with your favorite brush or microfiber cleaning cloth to clean your car, truck, boat, RV & motorcycle.
- •✅ DILUTE UP TO 90% FOR SOME APPLICATIONS - When diluted, it is gentle enough to clean body panels, interior components, carpet & upholstery, interior car accessories, truck accessories, and even leather. If you have a surface that you need to decontaminate and are not sure which product to grab, our APC will be the most reliable product in your line of car cleaning supplies!
- •✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AND USA MADE - We pride ourselves on customer service and satisfaction and believe that this is THE BEST All Purpose Cleaner or Heavy Degreaser on the market! If you don’t agree, we’ll do everything we can to make it right!
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Package Dimensions
- 12.83 x 7.52 x 2.72 inches; 1.1 Pounds
- Item model number
- APC
- Date First Available
- March 21, 2019
- Manufacturer
- Adam's Polishes
- ASIN
- B07PWHXZQ3
- Best Sellers Rank
- See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific
- Item Form
- Liquid
- Scent
- Citrus
- Specific Uses For Product
- Engine,Tire,Wheel,Car
- Surface Recommendation
- Carpet, Upholstery
- Special Features
- Concentrated
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
More from Adam's Polishes
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
Works remarkably Great.!!!
I have white rims in my 2022 honda civicI had new tires installed .. when they where installed they stained them with either oil or grease from there gloves .. they where stubborn stains which I couldn’t take off .. looked every where too find a good cleaning solution and nothing could take off them stubborn stains till I found this .!!Clean them right up.!! And remove the stubborn stains which I was happy about did its jobExactly what it’s meant for.!! It’s great stuff will buy again .!!