Most all-purpose cleaners in a shop are either strong enough to strip wax and risk your trim, or weak enough to be safe on sensitive surfaces but ineffective on real-world road grime, grease, and organic soiling. A citrus-based APC built around d-limonene finds a practical middle ground — effective enough to cut through bug splatter, brake fluid, grease, and engine contamination at full strength, but dilutable to a gentle multi-surface cleaner for carpet, vinyl, and painted surfaces. One chemistry, calibrated by concentration to the task at hand.
Citra Clean 16 oz from Polishing Systems Inc is the compact working size of a citrus all-purpose cleaner used by mobile detailers and enthusiasts who need a concentrated, multi-dilution cleaner in a portable bottle. The 16 oz concentrated format packs effective cleaning chemistry into a size that travels well in a detailing kit while delivering enough product for dozens of cleaning sessions at appropriate dilution rates.
What Citra Clean Is
Citra Clean is a citrus-based all-purpose cleaner and degreaser formulated around natural d-limonene and surfactants. D-limonene is a naturally derived terpene solvent extracted from citrus rinds — effective at dissolving petroleum-based grease, adhesive residue, bug splatter, and road film without the harsh alkaline chemistry that can strip sensitive surfaces. The formula is concentrated and designed to be diluted for different tasks: full strength for heavy engine degreasing, 10:1 for wheel cleaning, 30:1 or higher for interior surface wiping and general detailing.
Key Features and Why They Matter
- D-limonene citrus chemistry — natural terpene solvent that dissolves grease and organic contamination effectively without the harshness of strong caustic degreasers. Works on a wider range of surfaces safely when properly diluted.
- Highly dilutable concentrate — one product handles multiple cleaning tasks at different dilution rates. Reduces the number of separate cleaning products needed in a shop.
- Biodegradable formula — citrus-based chemistry breaks down more readily in the environment than petroleum solvent cleaners. Relevant for shops managing wash water runoff.
- Pleasant citrus fragrance — leaves a clean scent rather than the harsh chemical smell of solvent degreasers. Preferred for interior cleaning tasks.
What Citra Clean Is NOT For
At full or high concentrations, Citra Clean can affect uncoated leather, raw aluminum (the citrus solvent can dull unprotected aluminum over time with repeated full-strength exposure), and some rubber compounds. Always dilute appropriately for the surface being cleaned, and test in an inconspicuous area on unfamiliar materials. Do not use on hot surfaces or in direct sun without rinsing promptly.
Who Uses This
Mobile detailers who keep a compact cleaning kit and want one versatile APC. Enthusiasts who clean their own vehicles and do not need gallon-size quantities. Boat owners doing maintenance cleaning who want a portable citrus cleaner option. Detail shops trialing Citra Clean before committing to a larger size — see the 1-gallon or 5-gallon for production volume.
How to Use
- For light interior surfaces (carpet, vinyl, plastic): Dilute 30:1 to 50:1 with water in a spray bottle.
- For wheel and tire cleaning: Dilute 10:1 to 15:1.
- For engine degreasing and heavy soil: Dilute 5:1 to 10:1 or use at full strength on severe grease buildup.
- Apply, allow 30-60 seconds dwell, agitate if needed, rinse or wipe clean.
Why Buy Citra Clean vs. a Petroleum Degreaser
Petroleum-based degreasers are effective but carry more surface risk and a stronger, less pleasant chemical odor. Citrus-based d-limonene chemistry performs comparably on grease and organic contamination with a safer surface compatibility profile and a better in-shop experience. For interior use especially, a citrus APC is the clear choice over a caustic degreaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dilution ratio for interior fabric cleaning?
For carpet and fabric upholstery, dilute 30:1 to 50:1 with water. Apply, agitate with a soft brush, and extract or blot. Higher concentrations on delicate fabrics can cause fading on some colors — test in an inconspicuous area first.
Is Citra Clean safe on painted surfaces?
At 30:1 or higher dilutions, Citra Clean is generally safe on waxed or sealed painted surfaces for spot cleaning. Avoid full-strength contact with painted finishes, as undiluted terpene solvents can affect wax and sealant layers over time.
Can I use this product in a foam cannon?
Yes — diluted Citra Clean works in foam cannons for foam washing applications. Dilution in the cannon reservoir will vary by cannon design; start at the lower end (more diluted) and adjust for foam quality.
Is Citra Clean safe to rinse into a floor drain?
Biodegradable citrus-based cleaners are generally acceptable for standard shop floor drain systems. Always verify your local waste disposal regulations for commercial cleaning product runoff.
