can you use clr degreaser on a car

[VonDante]

Yes, but with extreme caution and only on specific, durable surfaces like unfinished aluminum wheels or heavily soiled engine blocks. CLR is generally not safe for most exterior car surfaces like paint, clear coat, plastic trim, or glass. Its acidic formula is designed to dissolve calcium, lime, and rust, which makes it too harsh for your car's delicate finishes, potentially causing permanent etching or staining.

The primary risk comes from the product's low pH level, meaning it's acidic. Automotive paints and clear coats are designed to withstand alkaline substances (like road grime) but are vulnerable to acids. Using CLR can dull the finish, remove protective waxes, and even compromise the paint's integrity over time. It's particularly damaging to clear coat, the transparent layer that protects your car's color.

For cleaning tasks, you should always opt for automotive-specific products. Here’s a quick comparison:

Cleaning Task	Recommended Product	Why It's Better than CLR
Wheel Cleaning	pH-balanced wheel cleaner	Formulated for alloy, chrome, or painted wheels without corrosive damage.
Engine Bay Degreasing	Automotive engine degreaser	Biodegradable and safe for plastics, rubber hoses, and painted surfaces.
Paint Decontamination	Iron fallout remover	Specifically targets industrial brake dust bonded to paint without harming clear coat.
Glass/Chrome Streaks	White vinegar solution (diluted)	A milder acid that effectively removes water spots without the aggressive chemicals.
General Exterior Wash	Car wash soap	Contains lubricants to lift dirt without scratching and is pH-neutral.

If you absolutely must use CLR on a stubborn, non-porous metal part, dilution is critical. A ratio of at least 1 part CLR to 10 parts water is a starting point. Apply it for no more than a minute, agitate with a soft brush, and rinse it off immediately and thoroughly with plenty of water. The safest rule is to keep CLR in the kitchen and bathroom and use products designed for automobiles on your car.

[Lucian]

I tried it once on some sticky grease near the engine bay. Big mistake. Even though I rinsed it right off, it left a faint, cloudy stain on the painted valve cover. It’s just too strong. Now I only use the degreaser spray from the auto parts store. It’s made for the job, it works just as well, and I don’t have to worry about it eating through anything. Save the CLR for your showerhead.

[AdalynnMarie]

Think of it this way: you wouldn't use a heavy-duty paint stripper to clean a coffee stain off a wooden table. CLR is a specialized, acidic cleaner for mineral deposits. Your car's finish requires gentle, pH-balanced care. Using CLR introduces an unnecessary risk of chemical etching for a job that a dedicated automotive product can handle safely and effectively. The potential cost of repairing a damaged clear coat far outweighs any convenience.