When it comes to tackling tough grease, grime, and stubborn stains, having the right degreaser can make all the difference. Among the most popular options on the market are Simple Green, Purple Power, and Super Clean. These heavy-duty cleaners have gained a loyal following among automotive enthusiasts, DIYers, and professionals alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the world of degreasers, comparing these three powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.
Effective degreasers are essential tools in the automotive industry, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of various components. From engines and automotive parts to tires and wheels, grease and grime can accumulate quickly, leading to potential performance issues and accelerated wear and tear. By utilizing a powerful degreaser, professionals and enthusiasts alike can ensure that their vehicles and equipment remain in top condition, prolonging their lifespan and enhancing overall performance.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Green | A versatile, biodegradable cleaner known for its non-toxic formula and ability to tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks, from degreasing engines to removing stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery. |
| Purple Power | A heavy-duty degreaser with a concentrated formula designed to cut through the toughest grease and grime, making it a popular choice for automotive and industrial applications. |
| Super Clean | Also known as Purple Power in some regions, this heavy-duty degreaser has gained a reputation for its effectiveness in professional settings and household use. |
| Product | Composition |
|---|---|
| Simple Green | A blend of non-toxic surfactants and cleaning agents, including ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. |
| Purple Power | Contains a combination of surfactants, solvents, and alkaline builders, including sodium metasilicate and 2-butoxyethanol. |
| Super Clean | Similar to Purple Power, it contains a blend of surfactants, solvents, and alkaline builders, with a slightly different formulation. |
While all three products are designed for heavy-duty cleaning, Purple Power and Super Clean are generally considered more potent and effective at cutting through tough grease and grime. Simple Green, although powerful, may require more elbow grease or repeated applications for stubborn stains.
Simple Green is widely regarded as a versatile cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including engines, floors, carpets, and upholstery.
Purple Power and Super Clean are primarily designed for automotive and industrial applications but can also be used for household cleaning tasks with proper dilution and precautions.
Simple Green is considered a safer and more environmentally friendly option, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Purple Power and Super Clean, while effective, contain harsher chemicals and may require more precautions during use, such as proper ventilation and personal protective equipment.
Simple Green has a mild, citrus-like scent that many users find pleasant.
Purple Power and Super Clean have a more industrial, chemical odor that some users may find unpleasant or overpowering.
| Surface | Simple Green | Purple Power | Super Clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines and Automotive Parts | Can be effective but may require more effort or repeated applications | Widely praised for cutting through tough grease and grime | Widely praised for cutting through tough grease and grime |
| Tires and Wheels | Can be used but may be less effective than Purple Power and Super Clean | Often preferred for superior degreasing power | Often preferred for superior degreasing power |
| Concrete and Floors | Can be used but may require more effort or repeated applications | Excellent choice for removing oil stains and built-up grime | Excellent choice for removing oil stains and built-up grime |
| Household Cleaning | Popular choice for removing stains from carpets, upholstery, and countertops | Can be used with proper dilution and caution | Can be used with proper dilution and caution |
Simple Green:
Typically used at a dilution ratio of 1:10 (one part cleaner to ten parts water) for general cleaning
Can be used at full strength for tougher jobs
Purple Power:
Recommended for use at full strength
Can be diluted up to 1:4 (one part cleaner to four parts water) for lighter cleaning tasks
Super Clean:
Similar to Purple Power, it can be used at full strength
Can be diluted up to 1:4, depending on the application
All three products can be applied using a variety of methods, such as spraying, brushing, or soaking. However, Simple Green is generally considered easier to use and rinse off, while Purple Power and Super Clean may require more scrubbing and rinsing due to their concentrated formulas.
Simple Green: Generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 for a gallon, depending on the retailer and size.
Purple Power: Slightly more expensive than Simple Green, with prices ranging from $8 to $20 for a gallon.
Super Clean: Similar in price to Purple Power, with prices ranging from $8 to $20 for a gallon.
All three products are widely available at various retailers, including home improvement stores, auto parts stores, and online retailers like Amazon. This widespread availability ensures that consumers can easily access their preferred degreaser, regardless of their location or shopping preferences.
Simple Green:
Users praise its versatility, mild scent, and effectiveness on a wide range of cleaning tasks, especially for household use.
Many appreciate its non-toxic and biodegradable formula, making it a safer choice for indoor environments and sensitive surfaces.
Purple Power:
Automotive enthusiasts and professionals rave about its ability to cut through tough grease and grime, making it a go-to choice for engine degreasing and tire cleaning.
Its concentrated formula and heavy-duty cleaning power are widely praised, particularly in industrial and automotive settings.
Super Clean:
Similar to Purple Power, users appreciate its heavy-duty cleaning power and effectiveness in industrial and automotive settings.
Its ability to tackle stubborn grease and grime on concrete floors, driveways, and outdoor equipment is highly regarded.
Simple Green:
While generally well-received, some users find it less effective on extremely stubborn stains or heavily soiled surfaces, requiring multiple applications or additional scrubbing.
Some users may prefer a more potent degreaser for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Purple Power:
Users note its strong chemical odor and the need for proper ventilation and personal protective equipment during use.
Some may find the odor overwhelming, especially in enclosed spaces.
Its potent formula may require more caution and rinsing to avoid potential damage to surfaces.
Super Clean:
Like Purple Power, its potent formula can be harsh on skin and surfaces if not used properly, and it may require more rinsing and precautions.
Some users may also find the industrial odor unpleasant or overpowering.
If you're primarily dealing with heavily soiled engines, tools, and automotive parts, Purple Power and Super Clean are excellent choices. Their concentrated formulas are designed to tackle the toughest grease and grime, making them a favorite among mechanics and professionals in the automotive and industrial sectors.
These heavy-duty degreasers excel in cutting through stubborn grease, oil, and grime, ensuring that your equipment and components remain in top condition. Their potent formulas are well-suited for cleaning engines, tools, machinery, and other heavily soiled surfaces commonly encountered in these environments.
However, it's crucial to follow proper safety precautions when using Purple Power and Super Clean. Due to their concentrated and powerful formulas, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, and ensure adequate ventilation during use. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and dilution recommendations to avoid potential damage to surfaces or health risks.
Simple Green is an excellent all-around cleaner for household tasks, such as removing stains from carpets, upholstery, and countertops. Its non-toxic and biodegradable formula makes it a safer choice for indoor use, and its versatility allows it to tackle a wide range of cleaning jobs with ease.
One of the standout features of Simple Green is its mild, citrus-like scent. Many users find the scent pleasant and less overpowering compared to the industrial odors associated with some heavy-duty degreasers. Additionally, Simple Green is generally considered easy to use and rinse off, making it a user-friendly option for various cleaning tasks.
While Simple Green may not be as potent as Purple Power or Super Clean for heavy-duty degreasing tasks, it excels in a wide range of cleaning applications. From degreasing engines and automotive parts to removing stains from carpets and upholstery, Simple Green is a reliable choice for both professional and household use.
If you're dealing with heavily soiled concrete floors, driveways, or outdoor equipment, Purple Power and Super Clean are top contenders. Their powerful formulas can effectively remove oil stains, grease, and built-up grime from hard surfaces, making them ideal for outdoor and heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
These heavy-duty degreasers are well-suited for cleaning concrete floors, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces where heavy-duty degreasing is required. Their concentrated formulas are designed to cut through the toughest grease, oil, and grime, ensuring that your outdoor areas and equipment remain in pristine condition.
However, it's important to note that while Purple Power and Super Clean can be used for household cleaning tasks with proper dilution and precautions, their potent formulas may require more caution and rinsing to avoid potential damage to surfaces or health risks.
Regardless of your choice, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions, use proper dilution ratios, and take necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and ensuring adequate ventilation. This will not only ensure optimal cleaning performance but also protect your health and the surfaces you're working on.
Here are some additional safety tips and considerations:
Always test the degreaser on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to larger surfaces to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage or discoloration.
Be cautious when using Purple Power and Super Clean on painted surfaces, as their potent formulas may cause discoloration or etching if not rinsed thoroughly.
Simple Green is generally considered safe for use on aluminum and chrome surfaces, but Purple Power and Super Clean may cause etching or discoloration if not rinsed thoroughly.
While Simple Green is often recommended for cleaning upholstery and carpets, Purple Power and Super Clean should be used with caution and proper dilution to avoid damaging these surfaces.
The recommended dwell time (the time the degreaser needs to sit before rinsing) varies depending on the product and the level of soiling. Simple Green may require a shorter dwell time, while Purple Power and Super Clean may need to sit for several minutes to effectively break down tough grease and grime.
By following these safety guidelines and using the appropriate degreaser for your specific cleaning needs, you can ensure optimal results while protecting yourself, your surfaces, and the environment.
In the battle of Simple Green vs Purple Power vs Super Clean, there is no clear winner – each product excels in its own way. Simple Green shines as a versatile, eco-friendly cleaner suitable for a wide range of household and general cleaning tasks. Purple Power and Super Clean, on the other hand, are heavy-duty degreasers that excel in tackling the toughest grease and grime, making them ideal for automotive, industrial, and outdoor applications.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific cleaning needs, the surfaces you'll be working with, and your personal preferences regarding scent, ease of use, and environmental impact. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each product, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have the right tool for the job.
Remember, proper usage, dilution, and safety precautions are crucial when working with any degreaser or cleaning product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying to larger surfaces.
With this comprehensive guide, you're now armed with the knowledge to choose the best degreaser for your cleaning needs, whether it's Simple Green, Purple Power, Super Clean, or a combination of all three. Happy cleaning!
Simple Green is a versatile, non-toxic cleaner suitable for household use. Purple Power and Super Clean are heavy-duty degreasers designed for automotive and industrial applications.
While all three products can be used on painted surfaces with caution, it's recommended to test them on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don't damage or discolor the paint.
Simple Green is generally considered safe for use on aluminum and chrome surfaces, but Purple Power and Super Clean may cause etching or discoloration if not rinsed thoroughly.
Simple Green is often recommended for cleaning upholstery and carpets, but Purple Power and Super Clean should be used with caution and proper dilution to avoid damaging these surfaces.
The recommended dwell time varies depending on the product and the level of soiling. Simple Green may require a shorter dwell time, while Purple Power and Super Clean may need to sit for several minutes to effectively break down tough grease and grime.
Simple Green is typically used at a dilution ratio of 1:10, while Purple Power and Super Clean can be used at full strength or diluted up to 1:4, depending on the application.
Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, are recommended when using Purple Power and Super Clean due to their concentrated formulas.
Simple Green is considered the most environmentally friendly option, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Purple Power and Super Clean are excellent choices for removing oil stains and built-up grime from concrete floors and driveways.
Simple Green has a mild, citrus-like scent, while Purple Power and Super Clean have a more industrial, chemical odor that some users may find unpleasant or overpowering.
Sarah isn't your average gearhead. With a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology, she dived straight into the world of car repair. After 15 years of turning wrenches at dealerships and independent shops, Sarah joined MICDOT to share her expertise and passion for making cars run like new. Her in-depth knowledge and knack for explaining complex issues in simple terms make her a valuable asset to our team.