The appeal of a genuinely multi-surface cleaner is the efficiency it creates in a working detail bay. Instead of switching between an interior APC, a separate vinyl cleaner, a carpet pre-spray, and an exterior plastic treatment, one well-formulated product handles all of them — properly, without damaging any surface. The problem is that most products called “all-purpose cleaners” are not actually balanced for all surfaces. High-pH caustic formulas strip dressings and dull vinyl. Low-pH acid-forward cleaners damage certain trims and adhesives. True multi-surface capability requires a calibrated middle-ground formula.
Cleans All 1 Gallon is that calibrated formula. It is a pH-balanced, low-residue all-purpose cleaner designed to work across the full range of auto and marine surfaces — vinyl, leather, carpet, plastic trim, fiberglass, painted surfaces, and rubber — without requiring a separate surface assessment for every application. The 1-gallon size is the working format for shops doing multi-surface cleaning across dozens of vehicles per week.
What Cleans All Is
Cleans All is a dilute-to-task all-purpose cleaner with a surfactant and conditioning-agent blend calibrated for automotive and marine interior and exterior surfaces. At low dilution ratios, it functions as a gentle interior wipe-down solution. At higher concentration, it functions as a pre-spray for carpet and fabric and a degreaser for exterior plastic and rubber. The low-residue formula does not leave behind a sticky film that attracts new dust — an important distinction from cheaper all-purpose cleaners.
Key Features and Why They Matter
- pH-balanced for multi-surface safety — formulated to clean effectively without stripping existing dressings from vinyl, rubber, and plastic. Means you can clean a full interior without re-dressing every surface afterward.
- Dilute-to-task versatility — different dilution ratios address different soil loads and surface types. One gallon jug replaces multiple specialty cleaners in the product lineup for routine cleaning tasks.
- Low-residue finish — dries without leaving behind sticky film that attracts airborne dust. Relevant for interior surfaces and any surface that will be photographed or presented to a customer immediately after cleaning.
- Works on vinyl, leather, carpet, plastic, fiberglass, and painted surfaces — broad material compatibility reduces the need to stop and identify a surface type before cleaning.
- 1-gallon professional size — the right volume for a shop that goes through cleaning product weekly. Pours into trigger sprayers and foam-cannon reservoirs without a funnel.
What Cleans All Is NOT For
Cleans All is not formulated for heavy-oxidized aluminum brightening — that requires an acid-based aluminum cleaner. It is not a solvent for adhesive removal or uncured coating removal. Do not use on raw uncoated aluminum without testing — the surfactant chemistry may leave residue. Avoid use on suede and nubuck leather without prior testing, as repeated cleaning may affect the texture. This product should not be applied at full concentration on clear-coated paint in direct sunlight — always dilute appropriately and work in shade on painted surfaces.
Who Uses Cleans All
Full-service detail shops use Cleans All as their go-to multi-surface cleaning product for interior wipe-downs, carpet pre-spray, door jamb cleaning, and exterior trim prep. Mobile detailers carry it as the single all-surface cleaning product in their kit — the one product that handles 80% of cleaning tasks without requiring a separate specialty product. Marine detailers use it on fiberglass decks, vinyl upholstery, instrument clusters, and gelcoat trim panels. Fleet operators use the 1-gallon size as the standard cleaning supply for interior reconditioning across large vehicle inventories.
How to Use
- Dilute according to the surface and soil load: Light interior cleaning — 10:1 with water. Medium soil, carpet and fabric — 4:1. Heavy exterior plastic and rubber — 2:1 or full strength.
- Apply with a trigger sprayer to the surface, or pre-load into a pump foam sprayer for carpet pre-spray applications.
- Agitate with a microfiber cloth, brush, or extraction wand appropriate to the surface type. For smooth interior surfaces, a folded microfiber cloth is sufficient. For carpet, a horsehair or nylon agitation brush is more effective.
- Wipe or extract — for hard surfaces, wipe clean with a dry microfiber. For carpet and fabric, extract with a wet vac or extraction machine.
- Allow to dry before applying dressings or protectants.
Why Buy Cleans All vs. Buying Multiple Specialty Cleaners
Stocking a separate interior APC, carpet cleaner, vinyl cleaner, and exterior trim cleaner adds product costs, storage space requirements, and decision fatigue mid-job. For shops that perform routine cleaning without extreme soil conditions, a well-formulated multi-surface product like Cleans All is the more efficient economic choice. The gallon delivers enough volume for meaningful use, and the sister sizes — 32oz and 16oz — are available for smaller operations or for testing the product before committing to the gallon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cleans All be used on leather?
Yes — at appropriate dilution (8:1 to 10:1 for light soil, 4:1 for heavier soiling), Cleans All cleans leather without stripping conditioning agents or damaging the surface. Always follow with a leather conditioner after cleaning to restore moisture to the leather. Test on a hidden area before full application on light-colored or delicate leather.
Will Cleans All strip wax or sealant from paint?
At recommended dilution ratios, Cleans All is formulated to clean without stripping cured wax or sealant. Full-strength application on waxed or sealed paint may affect coating durability — dilute appropriately and test on a small section if you are working on recently protected paint.
Is it safe for ceramic-coated surfaces?
At proper dilution, Cleans All is pH-balanced enough for routine cleaning of ceramic-coated surfaces. It will not strip a properly cured ceramic coating but may reduce hydrophobic performance slightly over repeated use — follow with a ceramic detail spray to restore the coating’s surface properties after cleaning.
Is the 55-gallon drum available for high-volume operations?
Yes — Cleans All is available in a 55-gallon drum for high-volume car washes, fleet facilities, and large detail operations. See the Cleans All 55 Gallon listing for volume pricing.
What is the shelf life after opening?
Cleans All has a typical shelf life of 2 years from manufacture when stored sealed in a cool, dry location. Once opened, use within 12 months for best performance. The formula will not precipitate or separate noticeably in normal storage conditions.
