Can I really use it for All Purposes?
Almost. It's a cleaner for automotive applications, so be careful if wiping your hamster cage down. It’s safe on most interior and exterior surfaces – carpets, plastics, engine bays, wheel arches. Just avoid fresh paint, anodised metals, delicate leather, and don't leave overspray droplets to dry out anywhere. With careful use, you'll love it, but use it watered down if unsure.
Do I need to dilute it?
Not always. The ready-to-go spray is perfect for tough jobs, but for lighter cleaning you can dilute it 1:1 or more with water. Sometimes 1:10 on really light cleaning. That makes it very economical in certain 'gentle cleaning' applications.
Does it leave behind residue?
No – it rinses away cleanly, leaving a natural finish without sticky films or shiny patches. Use a damp cloth after application to ensure all the residues have disappeared.
Is it strong enough for engine bays?
Yes – it’s tough on grease and grime when used neat. But we do Release the Grease as a dedicated engine bay cleaner, that may be more effective.
How does it compare to cheaper trade APCs?
It is likely to be far more effective as cheap trade APCs try to hit low price points and marketing slogan dilution ratios. Their '1:10' mix may be closer to our '1:100' in cleaning terms. But who's testing? No-one. They're just hitting a price point. And once diluted, the cost per litre of Total Wipe Out is barely more than bargain-basement stuff – but with far better results and award-winning credentials.
Does it replace a shampoo?
No. APCs are for a cleaning boost or specific cleaning task, in specific areas. Whist you can use an APC as a pre-wash for exterior washes, you'd still need to use a dedicated car shampoo for a contact wash afterwards.
Has it won any awards?
Yes – multiple Auto Express Best Buy awards (2018, 2019, 2020), including Best Interior Trim Cleaner. Basically, it’s not just us saying it’s good.