Priced as of May 6, 2026
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Last reviewed 2026-05-07
TL;DR One of the most trusted APCs in the enthusiast community. Optimum Power Clean handles the full APC task catalog — from bug and tar removal at product strength to gentle interior vinyl cleaning at 5:1 — with a clean safety profile at working dilution and no Prop 65 warning. A safe pick for detailers who want one product for everything.
What it is and how it performs
Power Clean is an alkaline concentrate using a high-quality ethoxylated C9-11 nonionic surfactant as the primary cleaning agent, with disodium metasilicate as the alkaline builder (pH 11.5 at product strength) and a dipropylene glycol butyl ether co-solvent for grease cutting. The polymer package referenced in the product description likely refers to additional proprietary emulsifiers not fully disclosed in the SDS at threshold. The formula has a very high water content (93-95%) at product strength, making it a moderate concentrate — use it at 3:1 for wheels and heavy cleaning, 5:1 for interior surfaces and painted panels, dilute to 10:1 for headliner and sensitive surfaces. The bug and tar removal capability at product strength or 3:1 is one of its distinguishing features in the enthusiast community — multiple Autogeek threads confirm it eliminates the need for a separate bug remover on most vehicles.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
Buy it if you want a community-vetted, versatile APC that handles both exterior heavy cleaning and interior detailing through dilution adjustment, with no Prop 65 chemicals and low VOC. It's the product of choice for detailers who take ingredient and safety disclosure seriously — the SDS is clean and current. Skip it if you need the best per-use economics (a gallon of D101 or equivalent is a better value at high volume) or if you want a pH-neutral formula for the most sensitive surfaces like unprotected leather or fresh wax.
Safety and environmental impact
At product strength, the SDS classifies Power Clean as DANGER with GHS05 (H314 skin corrosion) and H318 (serious eye damage) — a real warning from the sodium metasilicate and C9-11 ethoxylated alcohol package at concentrated levels. At 5:1 working dilution for interior use, H314 does not persist (metasilicate drops below the corrosion classification threshold), and the classification steps down to WARNING-equivalent chemistry. Gloves and safety glasses are appropriate for working-solution spray use. The formula carries no Prop 65 chemicals, no PFAS, and a low 6 g/L VOC at product strength. The C9-11 ethoxylated surfactant is acutely toxic to aquatic invertebrates at mg/L concentrations — rinse-water and microfiber washwater should go to wastewater treatment, not directly to storm drains.
Frequently asked questions
What dilution ratio should I use for interior cleaning?▾
Optimum recommends 5:1 (5 parts water to 1 part Power Clean) for leather, vinyl, and dashboard surfaces. For wheels and tires, use full strength or 3:1. For painted exterior surfaces, 3:1. For lighter maintenance cleaning, dilute up to 10:1. The product is alkaline at product strength (pH 11.5) — always use the correct dilution for the surface to avoid potential chemistry incompatibility with wax or sealant coatings.
Is Optimum Power Clean safe on ceramic coatings?▾
At 5:1 or higher dilution, Power Clean is broadly reported safe on ceramic-coated surfaces in the r/AutoDetailing and Autogeek communities. The alkaline pH at product strength (11.5) could theoretically challenge some coatings over repeated heavy use — use 5:1 or weaker and avoid extended dwell time on coated paint. Multiple Autogeek threads confirm safe use at working dilution for routine maintenance cleaning on coated vehicles.
Can Power Clean remove bugs and tar?▾
Bug and tar removal is one of Power Clean's most documented strengths in the enthusiast community. Apply at 3:1 or full strength to affected areas, allow a 30–60 second dwell, agitate with a soft brush or sponge, and rinse. Multiple forum threads (Autogeek, r/AutoDetailing) confirm effective bug/tar removal without requiring a separate dedicated remover product.
Is there a difference between Optimum Power Clean and Opti-Coat Power Clean?▾
Both are formulated by Optimum Polymer Technologies — the Opti-Coat branded version is the same chemistry sold through detailing specialty retailers (Opti-Coat, The Rag Company). The 2023 SDS covers both products under the Optimum Polymer Technologies entity. Choose based on retailer preference and availability.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Optimum, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Power Clean Packs a Powerful Punch: Power Clean is formulated with special polymers and emulsifiers that break down and dissolve stuck-on bugs and power through brake dust, oil, and tar residues—lifting away containments at the molecular level. For more sensitive interior surfaces, Power Clean can be diluted and still offer the same deep cleaning effect without damaging the original finishes.
- •Versatile All Purpose Car Cleaning Applications: Use at full-strength solution as an engine cleaner, bug and tar remover, and wheel and tire cleaner; or dilute to clean more delicate surfaces, like painted surfaces, dashboard, leather, wheels, and vinyl. Power Clean solution spray will spread into cracks and crevices and lift out hard-to-reach dust and grime.
- •Concentrated Formula Recommended Dilution Ratios: Use as a powerful engine bay cleaner or bug and tar remover for cars, motorcycles, and RV's at full-strength. For use as a tire and wheel cleaner, apply at full-strength or dilute to 1 part Power Clean to 3 parts water (1:3). For best results when cleaning painted surfaces, plastic, dashboard, leather, and vinyl, dilute at 1:3 up to a 1:10 mix ratio.
- •Tackle Tough Jobs with an Easy Application: Simply dilute to the recommended ratio, spray the cleaning solution onto the desired area and agitate exterior surfaces with a damp ONR towel and rinse. For use as a car interior cleaner, spray the diluted solution onto interior panels, agitate and wipe away with a damp ONR towel. For use as a leather car seat cleaner or vinyl cleaning solution, spray on the diluted solution and wipe away!
- •Not Just for Car Cleaning: Power Clean is perfect for use as an all-around motorcycle cleaner, boat cleaner, RV cleaner, and general-use leather and vinyl cleaner.
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Manufacturer videos
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Brand
- Optimum Polymer Technologies, Inc.
- Item Form
- Spray
- Scent
- Fresh
- Specific Uses For Product
- Automotive Exterior, Automotive Interior, Engine
- Material Feature
- Concentrated
- Surface Recommendation
- Automotive Finishes, Leather, Tire, Wheel, Dashboard, Plastic, Vinyl
- Special Features
- Biodegradable, Concentrated
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Material Features
- Concentrated
- Item Volume
- 504 Milliliters
- Unit Count
- 17.0 Ounce
- Number of Items
- 1
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
Love OPT products!!
OPT’s optimum power clean is an excellent all around apc. It can be diluted to fit your needs and is super safe for most surfaces.