The right all-purpose cleaner handles engine bays, door jambs, plastics, and carpet — one bottle, just by changing the dilution. Lead picks: Quan Wave concentrate, Quan Red Heavy Duty for serious grime, and CarPro MultiX for ceramic-coated surfaces.
An all-purpose cleaner that actually performs is one of the most underrated tools in detailing. The right APC tackles engine bays, door jambs, carpet stains, dirty tires, and greasy plastics — all from one bottle, just by changing the dilution. The wrong one stains plastics, dulls paint, and strips wax.
Our top picks: Quan Wave All-Purpose Cleaner (versatile water-based concentrate at 1:10 to 1:4), Quan Red Heavy Duty Degreaser (engine bays and severe grime, 1:4 to 1:8), and CarPro MultiX (premium European-formulated concentrate, ceramic-coating safe). One of these covers 95% of cleaning tasks.
Match the dilution to the soil level. 1:20 for sensitive surfaces (leather, screens), 1:10 for general use, 1:4 for heavy soil and engine bays. Stronger isn't better — concentrated APC dulls plastics and strips ceramic coatings if used wrong.
If you’re building your setup, these are the products that give fast, pro-level results
