Simple Green is now a household brand for all-purpose cleaning solutions. The manufacturers promise so much from a single bottle of the detergent that it sounds too good to be true. You are doing the right thing by seeking information before purchasing and using the product.
Our conclusion after reviewing results from previous users is that Simple Green is a good product. Read on for tips on the best way to use the detergent, including the surfaces that you should clean with Simple Green and the mixing ratios.
Why Should You Choose Simple Green?
Before we discuss the best way to clean surfaces with Simple Green, let us talk about its properties. Why is Simple Green so popular? You will find many all-purpose cleaners in the stores, but few of them are safe for you and the environment.
Simple Green is biodegradable and non-toxic. It is not corrosive or abrasive, making it suitable for cleaning multiple surfaces at home. The detergent is non-flammable, which is an important component when choosing a cleaner for your home.
Another reason why Simple Green is a good choice for you is that it is effective in removing tough stains. You cannot use bleach on some surfaces to remove stubborn stains. The Simple Green detergent is the best alternative. Simply prepare a more concentrated detergent solution.
It helps to allow the area with soil or stains to soak in the solution for 5-7 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off the surface and room. In addition, Simple Green is highly concentrated, meaning that a small amount is enough to clean large surfaces and remove grease.
Simple Green leaves a refreshing scent in your space. You can choose between lavender and lemon scents depending on the surface. It is also gentle on your hands, making it safe for daily use.
Do You Need To Rinse Simple Green?
Yes, you need to rinse the all-purpose detergent to remove its chemical components from the surface. You may not see the need because the surface looks clean, and the detergent is non-toxic. However, the manufacturer recommends that you rinse after use and wipe the surface.
Plain water is good enough to wipe the detergent. However, you can also make a mild detergent solution depending on the type of surface. Simple Green is safe to use around plants, kids, and pets. It is harmless to the skin but harmful when ingested.
Rinsing the surfaces reduces the chances of food contamination and ingestion. In addition, you need to remove any dirt or stain residues after scrubbing the surface with the all-purpose cleaner.
Does Simple Green Need To Be Diluted?
Yes, Simple Green is highly concentrated and needs to be diluted. The suppliers recommend that you dilute it in different ratios depending on the intended use. For heavy-duty cleaning, use the 1:1 up to 1:10 ratios to remove all the dirt.
A 1:10 ratio means that you add 1oz of the detergent to a cup of water. Heavy cleaning includes surfaces like barbecue grills, toilets, showers, engines, fireplaces, stovetops, and counters. You also need a concentrated solution for utensils, concrete floors, sinks, and tiles.
For light cleaning, mix the detergent with water in the 1:30 ratio, which simply means that you had 1 oz of Simple Green at 4 cups of water. The solution is perfect for cleaning cabinets, non-wooden floors, canvas, carpets, refrigerators, and walls.
What Surfaces Should You Clean With Simple Green?
You can safely use Simple Green to clean stainless steel, plastics, ceramic, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), and aluminum. The detergent is also safe for food processing plants and equipment, tools, and engines.
You can also clean counters, showers, toilets, grills, sinks, non-wood floors, concrete floors, walls, tiles, utensils, car interiors and exteriors, and fiberglass. You have an all-purpose cleaner in your hands. The secret is in the mixing ratios.
Simple Green covers most of the common surfaces and items in your home. It is also a great choice for manufacturers, including food handlers or processors. However, mixing the detergent in the wrong ratios interferes with the results.
Follow the mixing guidelines for heavy and light cleaning to avoid damaging the surfaces. In addition, it is advisable to start with a light solution and test the results before increasing the concentration.
What Should You Not Clean with Simple Green
The all-purpose label may tempt you to use the detergent on anything. However, Simple Green is concentrated and unsafe for leather fabrics, suede, opals, and unfinished wood. In addition, avoid using it on stone surfaces such as limestone, marble, and travertine.
Other surfaces that you should not clean with Simple Green include rubber, painted surfaces, acrylic, and varnished surfaces. Metallic surfaces such as copper and aluminum may also react to the detergent depending on the dilution ratios.
Using the detergent in excessive amounts can damage any surface, including those that the manufacturers recommend. Check the recommended mixing ratios for each surface. In addition, avoid using it on surfaces that are prone to discoloration from a strong detergent.
Use the right cleaner for sensitive surfaces such as television, phone, and computer screens. You may damage the screens even with a mild Simple Green solution.
Should You Add Vinegar To Simple Green?
Vinegar is a common cleaning agent, especially for dishes and kitchen surfaces. Many homeowners also use vinegar to remove stains. Should you add it to Simple Green to improve the results? No.
As reasonable as it sounds, mixing vinegar and Simple Green is risky. The detergent is non-corrosive and inflammable. However, it reacts when combined with chemicals.
Simple Green is alkaline, while vinegar is acidic. Mixing the two, even in small amounts, leads to a toxic chemical reaction. You may not experience any explosion, but you will see the results on surfaces.
The mixture may corrode or discolor the surface. The problem is not with vinegar or Simple Green but with the chemical reaction after mixing the two. The damage on fabrics or surfaces is often irreversible.
You may need both cleaners in your home to clean different types of stains. However, it is advisable to use either Simple Green or vinegar separately. Simple Green is strong enough to deal with most soils. Try it first before exploring other bleaches or stain removers.
Is It Safe To Add Bleach To Simple Green?
Let us talk about bleach. The temptation is similar to adding vinegar to Simple Green to cut through all stains. You may also want to save time, especially when cleaning large surfaces. Simple Green manufacturers do not recommend that you mix the cleaner with bleach.
The reason given is that mixing the two interferes with the properties and effectiveness of each product. The bleach will reduce the cleaning abilities of Simple Green.
The best cleaning method when you have to use both bleach and detergent is to apply one product at a time. For instance, you can remove all the dirt with Simple Green and then apply bleach to whiten or disinfect the surface.
Can You Mix Simple Green With Baking Soda?
It is safe to mix the two, especially when cleaning utensils. Baking soda is a must-have cleaner in the kitchen to remove grease on cooking pans and stovetops. Exceeding the Simple Green mixing ratios to cut stubborn grease may lead to discoloration.
If your pans need a deep clean, form a cleaning paste with a tablespoon of Simple Green and a tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the paste on the deep stain and allow it to soak for 3-5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Using baking soda alone or with normal dish soap to clean burnt grease stains will take you longer. The combination of the all-purpose detergent, baking soda, and water makes deep cleaning easier and faster.
Can You Use Simple Green For Laundry?
Yes, Simple Green is recommended as an enhancer for laundry detergent. It eases your frustration with stubborn stains on clothes. If your washing machine is functioning perfectly but the clothes come out with stains, you need to enhance the detergent’s performance.
Simple Green is a perfect solution. A quarter cup is enough to remove stains in a normal load of clothes in the washing machine. You can increase the amount to half a cup for a heavy load. In addition, you need to add your usual laundry detergent.
Heavily soiled clothes require to be soaked for at least half an hour before washing for the best results. Lightly soiled clothes can be washed immediately after adding the detergent and Simple Green.
Remember that Simple Green is a strong, concentrated cleaner. Do not exceed the recommended amount for laundry purposes. It is better to pre-soak soiled clothes longer than to damage the fabric with highly concentrated detergent.
Conclusion
Simple Green is a non-toxic, environmental-friendly, non-flammable cleaner with hundreds of uses in homes and businesses. It is strong enough to remove most household stains without bleach. However, you need to dilute it in the recommended ratios to protect the surface.
The all-purpose cleaner does not leave toxic residues. However, you need to rinse the surface to remove any dirt or chemical residue, especially on counters. It is safe to use around kids, pets, and plants but harmful when ingested.
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