is simple green safe for car paint

[VonClaire]

Yes, Simple Green can be safe for car paint, but only when heavily diluted and used with extreme caution. Using it at its concentrated strength or letting it dry on the surface poses a high risk of damaging your vehicle's clear coat. The primary concern is its alkalinity. Car paint and clear coats are best maintained with pH-neutral cleaners, while Simple Green is an alkaline cleaner, which can degrade waxes, sealants, and the clear coat itself over time, leading to a dull finish.

The key to safe use is the dilution ratio. For general exterior washing, a mild dilution of around 1 part Simple Green to 10 parts water is often recommended. For tougher grime like road tar or bug splatter, a slightly stronger mix of 1:5 can be used on a small area, but it must be rinsed off immediately and thoroughly. Never use it in direct sunlight or on a hot surface, as this can cause it to dry quickly and increase the risk of etching or staining.

Comparison of Simple Green Dilutions for Car Paint

Dilution Ratio (Simple Green : Water)	Recommended Use	Risk Level	Key Consideration
Full Strength / Concentrated	Not recommended for paint	Very High	Will almost certainly damage clear coat; strip all protection.
1:5	Spot cleaning heavy grime, tar, bugs	Medium-High	Use for less than a minute, agitate gently, and rinse immediately.
1:10	General hand wash for entire vehicle	Medium	Safer for full washes but still requires quick, thorough rinsing.
1:30+	Very light cleaning, pre-wash soak	Low	A much safer alternative for minimal risk.

For regular car washing, a dedicated car wash shampoo is always the safer, more reliable choice. These products are specifically formulated to be pH-neutral and lubricated to lift dirt without stripping wax or scratching the paint. Reserve Simple Green for occasional, targeted cleaning of stubborn messes, and always follow up with a proper wash and wax to restore protection.

[OKaden]

I've used it on my truck's paint for years without a problem, but I'm always careful. I never use it straight from the bottle—I mix a small capful into a whole bucket of water. I wash one panel at a time and rinse it off right away. It cuts through the grease and bugs better than regular car soap. Just don't let it sit, and you should be fine. It's a great budget option if you know what you're doing.

[DiViolet]

As a detailer, I can't recommend it. The chemistry is wrong for paint; it's too alkaline. It might look fine at first, but it degrades your clear coat and wax sealant over repeated uses. Why risk your car's finish to save a few dollars on proper soap? Use a pH-neutral car shampoo. It's designed to clean safely without compromising your paint's protection. Your car's resale value will thank you.

[LaCarmen]

I tried it once on my white sedan to get rid of some tree sap. I diluted it like the bottle said, but it still left a faint, hazy spot on the hood where it dried a little too fast. I had to use a polish to get it out. It's powerful stuff, but it's not worth the anxiety. It's better for wheels, tires, and the engine bay. For the actual paint, stick with products made specifically for cars.

[HarmonyRose]

Check the official advice. Simple Green's own website has a detailed automotive section. They explicitly state that for painted surfaces, a 1:10 dilution or higher is required, and it must be thoroughly rinsed. They even warn against using it on hot surfaces or in direct sun. This tells you that the risk is real, and they have to provide these cautions to avoid liability. The manufacturer's own warnings are the most convincing reason to be cautious.