Favourite All Purpose Cleaner for Engine Bay?

[MCS]

What is your go-to all purpose cleaner?

I was using DDE on my S550 GT Premium however that is more of a "touchless" product and seemed to dry out the plastic/rubber parts.

Now that I have the Whipple, with that giant intake tube, want to keep it, and the rest of the bay clean.

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[DFB5.0]

What is your go-to all purpose cleaner?

I was using DDE on my S550 GT Premium however that is more of a "touchless" product and seemed to dry out the plastic/rubber parts.

Now that I have the Whipple, with that giant intake tube, want to keep it, and the rest of the bay clean.

For heavy cleaning, I'd do Koch Chemie Green Star mixed at 10:1. Spray it on, agitate with brushes, then rinse clear.

You could also use a decon style soap such as Carpro Lift, NV Snow+, Koch Chemie Active Foam. Foam it on, agitate with brushes, then rinse.

After cleaning like that, I like to douse the whole engine bay with Meguiar's Hyper Dressing, painted sections and all. Apply it to a wet surface, then close the hood and allow it to dry. Hyper Dressing self-levels, so you can just liberally spray and walk away. I actually use my blower to help distribute into hard to access spots.

However...............................after every wash, I give the engine bay a quick wipe over, negating the need for heavy duty cleaning chemicals such as APC. This means you can use something gentler in the form of a rinse-less wash, mixed at either the water-less wash or quick detailer rate. I personally like Capro ECH20 for this role as it provides some mild cleaning ability, but also adds gloss, slickness and mild protection. I've also found ECH20 adds some richness to plastic surfaces like radiator panel or airbox. You could otherwise use something like Optimum No Rinse or McKee's N-914. Think of this like a drying aid for engine bays.

 

[MCS]

Thanks @DFB5.0 its still pretty clean so not sure I need a heavy cleaning. I was hoping there was a magic bullet all purpose cleaner could spray on and wipe off. I’ll digest your recommendations when home from the office.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

How bad is water for the engine bay. I see people cover the whole engine bay in water and soap, but I see tons of electric cables.

 

[gtstang462002]

How bad is water for the engine bay. I see people cover the whole engine bay in water and soap, but I see tons of electric cables.

No worse than driving in heavy rain. Been washing them for years with Westly's whitewall tire cleaner.

 

[Catdaddy]

I spray with 5:1 Meguiar's citrus power cleaner plus then hose off. No agitation needed. While still wet spray with 10:1 Meguiar's Hyperdressing and let it air dry. Nearly no touch. Here's one example. Their APC+ was better. But, it was discontinued. Since Hyperdressing is water based it attracts far less dust. My daily only needs it a couple times a year. Even the farm truck.

My favorite part is the price. Once diluted both are cheaper per bottle than simple green and armor-all. LOL

 

[Doug Watson]

I just use an air gun for the dust and a wet cloth to wipe everything else down once a week. Once it's clean it's easy to maintain.

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