The following tips and ideas are listed in alphabetical order by cleaning application or material to be cleaned.

ACRYLIC

General cleaning should be with 1-part-cleaner to 30-parts water, rinsed well after cleaning, and cleaned in areas with good ventilation.  If a shower manufacturer (or maker of other acrylic parts) recommends something else be used, we know from experience that while Simple Green, when used properly, is safe to clean acrylic, we also know that common shampoos and soaps can damage acrylic over time – you will be better off cleaning your shower or other acrylic item with whatever the manufacturer recommends.  That way, any defects down the road (which, hopefully, you will not experience,) can be attributed back to the maker and your warranty protection will still be in place.

The manufacturer might just give you a list of attributes that your cleaner must have.  If they do that, please feel free to contact us with that information and we’ll let you know if our product conforms or not.

ADHESIVES

Glue, mastic, etc.: While Simple Green products are good cleaners, they are often found to be ineffective against most adhesives or glues.  One of the few that it does impact – Vinyl Flooring Adhesive (mastic) which requires 1-part-Simple Green to 1-part-water, or full-strength foam, and hours-long soaking/contact to soften it, and very hot water to remove it.

AIR FILTERS
Dishwasher-safe ionizer panels should be washed with Simple Green in a sink to avoid over-foaming in the dishwasher.  If the panels are heavily covered in soil, smoke, or tar, the best cleaning method would be to wet the panels with tap water, spray the panels with 1:1 Simple Green and set them in the sink.  Let them sit for 5-10 minutes (make sure solution doesn’t dry) and then rinse them thoroughly under the faucet or with a sink sprayer.  This can also be done with a large bucket and a hose outdoors.

Electrostatic Air Filters — can be cleaned with Simple Green if these proper dilution and application steps are followed:

1. Simple Green product should be diluted 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water for heavily dirty or greasy filters - or 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts-water for lightly dirty, non-greasy filters.
2. Dip the filter into a large container filled with diluted cleaning solution and “dunk agitate” repeatedly until filter looks clean, (or, spray the diluted solution onto the filter from top to bottom,) and then rinse thoroughly with clean water until there is no foaminess to the rinse water at all. Using hot water can usually achieve a cleaner rinse in a shorter time than cold water.
3. Make sure filter is completely dry before reinstalling into electronic filtering equipment. (Drying with a blow-dryer can speed this up.)

AIR CONDITIONER COILS

For light to medium dirtiness of coils, a 1-part Simple Green to 32-parts water dilution should be used. Wet the coils with water and then apply the cleaning solution. Let the solution sit on the coils for a maximum of 10 minutes (do not allow it to dry before rinsing,) and then rinse very thoroughly. If your coils are extremely dirty, use a 1:1 dilution – or try a Foaming Simple Green product instead and shorten contact time to 5 minutes maximum. If using Foaming Simple Green, wet coils with water first and then apply foam. For liquid or foam application, thorough rinsing with plain water is very important.

ALUMINUM SIDING

Simple Green is extremely effective at cleaning siding (vinyl siding, wood cladding, stucco, etc.) If your siding is not heavily soiled and you have access to a pressure washer or steam cleaner, a 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water dilution would be best. If you will be manually cleaning the surface, use a 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water dilution. Work in sections so that the Simple Green solution does not dry on the surface prior to rinsing. Best results come from starting on lower areas and working upward, to avoid making “clean streaks” that are very difficult to even out.

If you are trying to remove grease buildup on your siding from a vented exhaust, manually clean the area with a 1:5 dilution using a rag or sponge. Test this dilution first and increase strength as necessary, to a strongest solution of 1:1. Wash in small sections and rinse with water before solution dries.

If your siding has a powder coat, you may experience some color runoff due to removal of oxidized paint. This removal is essential for maintaining your siding and in no way damages the paint or powder coat. If your aluminum is bare, please remember that Simple Green will remove all grease & soil. This means that you will have raw, unprotected aluminum exposed to the elements. We recommend using aluminum paint or some other sort of protective coating after cleaning to prevent oxidation of the metal. If the aluminum already has any sort of oxidation or discoloration from weather staining, Simple Green will not remove this. Simple Green will only work on dirt, pollution, biological soils, grease or oil that is on the surface.

Note: Another great product for this job is Extreme Simple Green® Aircraft & Precision Cleaner. This product is anti-corrosive to aluminum at dilutions up to and including 1:13, and it is a terrific cleaner. Available online through Aircraft Spruce and Grainger, and through some industrial distributors. Call 1-800-228-0709 for distribution in your area.

ANIMAL AREAS

(Stalls, Kennels, etc.) – (see Bird Cages under ‘B’)

1. Remove animals from cages, stalls or other areas to be cleaned. If you will be spraying the cleaning solution, move animals and keep people to areas where they will not be downwind of any mist that is created.
2. Depending on how dirty the area is, mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water (heavily soiled and/or heavy odor) or a 1:32 (lightly soiled and/or light odor) dilution ratio.
3. Using a sponge, cloth, mop or other traditional cleaning method, wash all water-safe surfaces with this solution.
4. Rinse surfaces with plain water. This can be done via hose, or with a plain water wipe-down with cloth, sponge or mop.
5. Because Simple Green does not contain any chlorinated or ammoniated ingredients, it can be used in conjunction with a variety of disinfectants if the situation requires it. Disinfect the area according to manufacturer’s directions for the disinfectant product.
6. Allow all surfaces to dry before returning animals to the area. Do not leave any containers or puddles of Simple Green solution (or any disinfectant) where animals might drink from them. Although Simple Green is non-toxic, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting if enough is ingested – creating an unhappy animal and an additional cleaning task you don’t want.

ARTIFICIAL TURF

Simple Green can be an effective and non-harmful way to clean newer synthetic turf.  A 1-part-Simple Green to 64-parts-water dilution is recommended, followed by a good, thorough water rinse.  Using this high dilution should still efficiently clean turf, yet minimize any foaming problems.  If you are having difficulty removing turf marks, a stronger solution of 1:32 can be applied to those specific areas, and then rinsed really well.

AUTO DETAILING

Exterior Car Washing: Use Simple Green Car Wash, following application instructions on label.  Additionally, original Simple Green has been used to wash automobiles (motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, etc.) for more than 30 years.  A 1:32 dilution is just right (4 oz. Simple Green to 1 gallon water.)

Best results come from washing when auto surface is cool, doing the job in the shade or on overcast days.  Work in sections, cleaning and then rinsing.

Car Wax Removal: Mix a 1:5 solution of Simple Green and hot water.  Let the solution remain on the surface for 5-10 minutes, but not dry.  If there are multiple coats of wax – especially differing varieties of wax from coat to coat, several applications of this hot solution may be necessary.

Painted Engine Parts and Chromed Parts: Simple Green solutions are able to remove oxidized paint (which is a good thing) and/or poorly applied paint jobs, (which is a bad thing.)  Be particularly careful of “chromed” parts that are poorly painted, not plated.

Engine Washing:  Cover distributor cap and plugs with aluminum foil to protect.  Spray down the cool engine with a 1:1 dilution of Simple Green & water.  Let solution sit for about 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse with cool water.  Some cracks and crevices, or extremely dirty engines might require some light scrubbing with a non-metallic bristle brush before rinsing.  If you clean a metal surface, particularly aluminum, and it is not repainted right away, be sure to apply a light machine oil to protect from oxidation and displace moisture.

Plastic Instrument Panels and Convertible Tops: Use Pro Series Simple Green GLASS - it’s safe on all plastics – and on tinted windows, too.  We do not recommend for use on instrument panels or plastic windows, such as convertible-top windows.  Certain types of plastic can become cloudy upon exposure to regular Simple Green and this condition may not be reversible.

Runoff: Cleaning on the street, in the driveway or garage: Even though Simple Green is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is still a violation of the Federal Clean Air & Water Act to allow the runoff to enter a storm drain or open body of water (lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, etc.)  However, because it is non-toxic and biodegradable, you can clean vehicles over dirt, gravel, or grassy areas and then just water it in when done. Simple Green will biodegrade in the soil and will break down petroleum so that the natural bacteria in the ground can consume it.

Note: Be sure not to leave any sudsy puddles where animals or birds might drink.

BBQ GRILLS

We recommend using foaming Simple Green BBQ, Grill & Microwave Cleaner.  It is safe to use on all metal surfaces found in today’s BBQs, grills and microwaves, including stainless steel.  For glass windows on your BBQ or microwave, wet the glass before applying the foam, and then quickly follow with a damp water wipe.  Do not allow the foam to sit on the glass surface (it will leave too much residue.)  Always clean BBQs, grills and microwave ovens when they are cool.  Although foaming Simple Green BBQ, Grill & Microwave Cleaner is made from a non-flammable fluid, the propellants in the product could spark on a hot surface and create an unsafe condition.  Rinse or water-wipe all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.

BIRD CAGES

Simple Green can be safely used around birds if certain common-sense precautions are taken.  Birds are keenly sensitive to foreign agents in their environment, and cages are a closed environment, making proper usage even more critical.

1. Remove the bird from the cage. If possible, place them on a perch or in a travel cage in a different room.
2. Remove all paper, litter, bowls and toys from the cage.
3. Mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts-water solution.
4. Using a sponge, scrubbing pad, or non-metallic bristle brush, scrub down the cage. If the cage is really large, start at the top and work downward, stopping after sections to rinse, so that the cleaning solution does not dry on the cage and become much more difficult to rinse off. You can apply the diluted solution with a spray bottle, but be careful not to “mist” it around your bird, making it much easier for them to inhale.
5. Rinse each section, or the entire cage, by either hosing down (if outside) or using a bucket of clean water and a sponge or cloth to wipe/rinse down all bars, perches, base & legs. Do not leave bits of foamy Simple Green clinging to the cage.
6. Wash all water-safe (hard, non-porous) toys and dishes or bowls with the 1:32 solution and rinse extremely well.
7. Let cage dry and then set it back up for the bird (paper or litter, feed and water, toys, etc.)
8. Return the bird to the cage.

You may be reassured to know that we have three birds in our Corporate Headquarters office:  An African Grey, “Scarlet”, a Severe Macaw, “Oscar”, and an Umbrella Cockatoo, “Jimmy”.  All three birds are healthy and (we hope) happy — and all have their cages regularly cleaned with Simple Green.

BLADES, CARBIDE & SAW BLADES

Simple Green has been successfully used by many woodworkers over many years as a good spray – wipe – and rinse cleaner for saw blades.  When pitch is fairly fresh (typically within a 12-hr period since deposit,) it is fairly easily removed with Simple Green.  Older, dried-out pitch is much more difficult to remove.  What we do not recommend is long-term soaking of Carbide blades in Simple Green.  Long-term exposure like this can possibly cause cobalt leaching that will, in turn, affect the integrity or carbide.  Shorter term “spray/wipe/rinse” applications do not create that kind of problem.

It has been reported to us that long-term soaking of carbide blades covered with older, tougher buildup of pitch in strong, black coffee does a great job of removing pitch without harming the blade.

BOATS

General Cleaning:  For general exterior cleaning of your boat, prepare a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts water dilution.  Lightly rinse hull with fresh water and then wash with the diluted cleaning solution using a sponge or non-abrasive cloth.  Work in sections to prevent cleaner from drying on the surface (which makes it much more difficult to rinse off.)  Rinse each section thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning.  Using this proper dilution, working in sections and following right away with a fresh water rinse will assure that you do not damage a marine gel coat.

Runoff from Cleaning: Even though Simple Green is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is still a violation of the Federal Clean Air & Water Act to allow the runoff to enter a storm drain or open body of water (lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, etc.)  However, because it is non-toxic and biodegradable, you can clean boats over dirt, gravel, or grassy areas and then just water it in when done. Simple Green will biodegrade in the soil and will break down greases & oils so that the natural bacteria in the ground can consume it.

Note: Be sure not to leave any sudsy puddles where animals or birds might drink.

Heads: (marine toilets) Unfortunately, Simple Green is not a good choice as the only cleaner for marine head cleaning needs.  Specific products have been formulated for this type of head maintenance and they contain particular attributes that Simple Green does not.  While a small amount of Simple Green entering the head system will not harm the enzymes or good bacteria in the system, our products do not contain enzymes or bacteria, so they will not aid in the digestion of the waste in the head system.  Simple Green products are also not anti-foaming, which is a vital characteristic of marine head cleaners.

Interior Boat Cleaning:  Look at the label instructions and these Cleaning Tips for general household cleaning guidance.

Vinyl/Naugahyde Seats:  When used as instructed, Simple Green can safely clean vinyl seats.  First, one never wants to use a solution stronger than a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts water dilution.

1. Wet the cool upholstery with fresh water.
2. Wash the upholstery with the 1:32 diluted solution.
3. Immediately rinse with plain water.
4. Work in sections so that rinsing is done immediately after cleaning.
5. Conduct cleaning on cool vinyl, in shaded areas, or on overcast days.  Heat often makes cleaners act more aggressively than is wanted.
6. After cleaning, you must apply vinyl dressing.  This will help prolong the life of your upholstery

Note: Removal of stains (leaves, ink, mildew, etc.) can sometimes be accomplished with the 1:32 dilution.  However, if it does not work, try repeated applications – do not try a stronger dilution.  If the stains don’t come off with diluted product, the stronger solution won’t work either, and it might damage the vinyl.

BRASS
We have had many customers successfully use Simple Green to clean their brass fixtures.  A 1:32 dilution of Simple Green to water should work for this application.  You can increase the dilution strength up to about 1:15. The dilution strength should be greater with an increase in severity of soil to be removed.  Be aware that Simple Green will only clean the brass: it won’t polish or brighten it. 

1. Before cleaning brass with anything, make sure that the manufacturer of the brass fixture or part has not cautioned against using any particular brand or type of cleaner.
2. Clean cool or lukewarm brass – not hot.
3. Lightly rinse the brass with water.
4. Apply the diluted Simple Green solution with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.  Do not allow it to dry on the brass prior to rinsing.
5. Rinse with warm or hot water.
6. You may see some discoloration of the brass (this is especially possible with stronger dilutions.)  This does not indicate degradation or corrosion of the brass.  Typically, a brass polish will remove this discoloration, and also brighten and polish the brass.

For cleaning and polishing in one easy step, we recommend Simple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish, used according to label instruction.

BRICK & GRANITE MASONRY

Simple Green is quite safe to use on brick masonry and granite stone.  If your surface is not very dirty, a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts-water dilution should work well.  Increase your dilution strength as necessary for more heavily soiled surfaces.  Be sure to rinse surfaces extremely well after cleaning.
The diluted Simple Green will not harm neighboring grass, flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. – simply water-in the dilute Simple Green into the surrounding soil area.  Simple Green is readily decomposed in the environment by naturally occurring microorganisms.

Note: You can also use Simple Green Stone Care Non-Abrasive Cleaner and Simple Green Stone Care Streak-Free Polish to keep fine granite, marble, quartz, and limestone tabletops and countertops, etc. looking like new.

CAR COVERS

Please check your car cover documents for cleaning instructions and to make sure you do not invalidate any warranty by using Simple Green.

Machine cleaning: Simple Green has been approved for use on Covercraft® Car Covers.  Cleaning should be done in a large commercial washing machine without a center agitator.  Use ¼ Cup of Simple Green per load.  Rinse the cover twice to remove all of the cleaner from the fabric, and then air dry.

CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY

Simple Green Carpet Cleaner carries label instructions to be used as both a spot-stain remover and also in carpet extraction cleaning machines.  It is an excellent choice for most carpets, rugs and upholstery – with a few precautions:

1. Always spot-test on an inconspicuous area (such as in a closet or spot that’s covered by furniture,) before cleaning large or prominent areas.  This is to make sure that your carpet is colorfast and compatible with Simple Green.
2. Always follow the label directions.
3. Do not over-saturate the surface, as this can greatly increase drying time and enable mildew to form in damp carpet.
4. Original Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can be used to spot-clean or machine clean your carpets but should not be used too strong on white or light-colored carpets, as the green color can sometimes discolor certain carpet fibers.  If using original Simple Green instead of Simple Green Carpet Cleaner, dilute at 4 teaspoons to 4 Cups of water for spot treating, or 3 ounces per gallon of water in a carpet extraction machine.  Always spot test first.

CAT SPRAY, CAT URINE, DOG URINE OR SKUNK SPRAY
ON CEMENT/CONCRETE

It is recommended that this cleaning task be done during the best weather possible so that fresh air can be introduced into the area being cleaned.  Begin by opening all windows and doors in the room (if indoors), and set up fans for good air circulation.  Mix 1 part Simple Green to 10 parts hot water in a bucket and scrub all hard surfaces down with this solution.  If the floor is not sealed, a wet-vac for extraction will be extremely helpful in pulling the cleaning solution from the pores of the concrete.  Hot water in the cleaning solution and for rinsing always gives the best result, but cold water can be used.  You will need to remove as much moisture as possible after cleaning to get the best deodorizing results and to avoid any creation of mold or mildew.

Also scrub or wipe down the first three to four feet up from the floor on all walls.  Once cleaning is done, keep the windows and doors open and keep running fans until everything is dry.  If in a basement without doors or windows to fresh air, open a door to the rest of the house, open windows in the rest of the house and, if cold outside, turn on your heating system.  Give several hours for this situation to remain before closing up the house for the night.

Note: You might have to eventually try an enzyme or bacterial odor destruction product if the animal continues to mark or urinate in the same area(s).  However, you should be able to use far less of this kind of product if you cleaned with Simple Green first, because there will be less residue for the enzyme or bacterial product to work upon.Lastly, soft surfaces (carpets, upholstered furniture, drapes, curtains, pillows, etc.,) should be aired out in fresh dry air, laundered, dry-cleaned, or discarded.

CEMENT/CONCRETE

First determine if the concrete is sealed or not.  If sealed, a stronger dilution ratio can be used (1:5 for super-dirty or greasy concrete – 1:10 for lighter soils.)  If not sealed, the concrete will be extremely porous, and lighter solutions (1:10 to 1:30) should be used in order to be able to rinse the Simple Green out of the pores.  This is especially important if the concrete is being cleaned prior to being painted or sealed, as any emulsified oil and cleaner residue in the pores could interfere with sealant or paint adhesion.

Work in sections so that the cleaning solution does not dry on the floor prior to rinsing.  Scrub a section with a shop broom or long-handled bristle brush.  Rinse thoroughly with water – if hot or warm water is available, this will give an even better rinse.  Allow surface to dry completely before applying any sealants or paints.

Note: Do not allow the rinse fluid to enter a storm drain or open body of water, as this is a violation of the Clean Water Act.  Rinse into a sanitary sewer drain or onto a gravel, dirt, or grass area and watered it in thoroughly.

CHROME

What you may think is a chrome surface, may actually be a chrome-painted surface.  It is important to know which you have, as Simple Green (and many other cleaning products,) can harm chrome paint.  True chrome, on the other hand, is impervious to Simple Green.  The dilution of the cleaning solution is determined by the severity of the soil.  Heavy soils (thick greases, oils, baked on soils, tar, adhesives, etc.) should be cleaned with a 1:1 solution of Simple Green and water.  It is often beneficial to first wet the surface with plain water before applying the cleaning solution.  And, although you should always clean chrome when it is cool, making the dilution with hot water can help the product clean more aggressively.  Wet surface, apply cleaning solution, wait a minute to allow Simple Green to penetrate soil, scrub heavily soiled areas with a soft-bristle brush, rinse with strong hose pressure.  Lighter soils (road dirt, dust, etc.) can be handled with a 1:10 solution of Simple Green to water.

Note: If your chrome ever turns dull, with a rainbow effect on the surface, it is time for new chrome, as heat, rapid cooling and heating, road soils, and “sandblasting” from being struck with dirt, sand, and pebbles, can cause chrome to discolor like this.  Try some chrome polish to see if it can be restored, but plan on possibly having to plate or replace these parts

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CORIAN®

Simple Green products can be used to clean Corian surfaces.  For original, concentrated, all-purpose Simple Green, mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 30-parts water solution.  Apply the solution to a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down the area.  Don’t allow the solution to dry on the surface (as it will be much harder to remove.)  Follow cleaning with a light water wipe-down.  Simple Green Lime Scale Remover can safely remove hard water buildup from Corian.  Just follow label directions.

Note: You can also use Simple Green Stone Care Non-Abrasive Cleaner and Simple Green Stone Care Streak-Free Polish to keep fine granite, marble, quartz, limestone, Corian, Silestone®, and many other tabletop and countertop materials, looking like new.

DECKS

Using Simple Green as a deck wash (over land) works great!  You can use Simple Green in conjunction with a pressure washer, or do the job manually with great results.  Prior to cleaning, wet down with plain water all plants trees and grass that may get sprayed or dripped on by the cleaning solution.

Pressure Washer:  It is best to mix the Simple Green with water so that the solution coming from the Chemical Injection setting is approximately a 1-part-Simple Green to 30-parts-water ratio.  Alternatively, you can mix a 1:30 solution into a pump-up sprayer and apply the cleaning solution that way.  Work in sections so that the cleaner doesn’t dry on the surface.  Wet a section with water – Spray on the Simple Green solution – Allow to sit for a minute or two to penetrate soils –With a soft-bristle brush, scrub any areas that have stubborn soil, mold, mildew, lichen, or staining – Rinse the area with the pressure washer at a moderate setting.

Notes: If your pressure washer delivers more than 300 or 400 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi), take care to choose a moderate setting and hold the nozzle at least 1 foot from the surface of the deck.  Too much pressure can damage the grain of the wood, or cause stucco or other coatings to be removed.

If you don’t have a pressure washer, use your hose at highest available water pressure.

If you are using a Simple Green Pressure Washing Cleaner (we recommend the Deck & Fence version for decks,) simply follow the label instructions.

DOCKS

Important Note: Washing a dock should be done with plain water and a power washer.  Although Simple Green is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is still a violation of the US Federal Clean Air and Water Act to allow anything other than rain water to enter storm drains and open waterways.  You will be surprised at how clean you can get a dock with just water and a power/pressure sprayer.  If, after cleaning with pressurized water, there are still spots of oil or soil on the dock, apply a solution of 1-part-Simple Green to 30-parts-water with a soft bristle brush or sponge.  Scrub the spot and then wipe up the area with a bucket of clean water and a sponge, taking care not to allow runoff to drip into the water.   Once you have pressure washed the dock, you probably will have few if any, spots that require further cleaning.

ENGINES

Exterior cleaning
Make sure the engine is cool.  Cover and protect distributor, spark plugs & wires, and other sensitive areas with plastic and aluminum foil.  Wet down engine with plain water.  In a spray bottle or pump-up sprayer, mix a 50/50 dilution of Simple Green and water.  Apply this solution all over the engine except for protected areas.  Allow the Simple Green mixture to sit for about 5 minutes – but not to dry.  If there are areas of baked-on, thick, or viscous soils, scrub those areas with a soft-bristle brush.  Rinse off the engine with plain water.  Make sure that the rinse fluid does not enter storm drains or open bodies of water.  Rinse fluid should only enter sanitary sewer drains or flush onto gravel, dirt, or grass areas to then be watered-in with plain water.

Fuel lines and engine parts – You can use Simple Green to clean your engine fuel lines only if you first disassemble the engine.  A 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water solution should be strong enough to clean out fuel lines.  After flushing with the Simple Green solution, rinse/flush thoroughly with water and then do an alcohol rinse/flush to assure complete drying prior to reassembly.  Cleaning parts should be a fairly quick process with Simple Green.  Wet parts with water first, and then spray on a 1:1 solution of Simple Green & water.  Scrub really heavily soiled areas with a soft-bristle brush and then rinse thoroughly with water.  Repeat application may be necessary for extremely dirty or baked-on areas.  Some automotive varnishes that build up on parts are impervious to Simple Green and will require a solvent-based degreaser.

GLASS/MIRRORS

Simple Green makes two glass-specific cleaners called Pro Series Simple Green GLASS Cleaner, and Simple Green Multi-Surface Kitchen & Glass Cleaner.  Either product can safely be used on glass & mirrors.  Follow label instructions.

Original Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and Lemon Scent Simple Green can also be used for glass & mirror cleaning.  Because these products are cleaning concentrates, they must be heavily diluted prior to use on reflective or glass surfaces.  The easiest way to make a whole bottle of glass cleaner from these concentrates is to use a clean, empty 24 or 32 ounce spray bottle.  Label the bottle “Simple Green Glass Cleaner” and fill it with water.  Add 2-3 squirts from a spray bottle of Original Simple Green or Lemon Scent Simple Green to the bottle, close it (reapply the trigger sprayer) and tilt back & forth to mix.  This solution (approximately a 1:150 dilution,) can be used to successfully and safely clean glass, mirrors, and chrome

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GRAFFITI

Graffiti is typically applied using very tough to remove paints and pens.  Most of these contaminants require a specialized solvent-based cleaner to be removed.  However, attempting removal with a 1:1 solution of Simple Green and water should always be a first-resort.  The Simple Green won’t harm the defaced surface and, one never knows, the paint or ink used to create the graffiti might be removed, or greatly diminished by a good washing with Simple Green.

GRASS STAINS

We have received many, many phone calls from customers who have used Simple Green to remove grass stains and have always received positive feedback.

Wet the stained fabric with plain water first and then spray on a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water.  Rub the fabric against itself gently and then launder immediately.  We’ve received letters from mothers of Little Leaguers who say that Simple Green has kept their children’s uniforms sparkling white and grass-stain free!

GROUT

Sealed grout joints should be cleaned with a neutral pH cleaner.  Simple Green has a mild alkaline pH of 9.5.  Dilution with water to a 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water solution yields a much more neutral solution that is safe to use on sealed, non-colored grout.  For colored grout, the dilution should be 3 times higher, (1:30,) as the colorants used in grout are not always colorfast, and can also be weakened by long term exposure to shampoos and soaps.  Rinse cleaned areas with plain water immediately after cleaning.

Un-colored grout that is in areas soiled with soap scum or hard water deposits can be cleaned with Simple Green Lime Scale Remover.  Simple Green Lime Scale Remover should not be used on colored grout.

HORSES & HORSE STALLS

When applied properly, Simple Green is safe to use to clean horses.  It can help remove tarweed sap and other soils on horses and diminish problems with flies through deodorization.

1. Work in sections so that the Simple Green solution doesn’t sit on the skin for too long and dry it out too much.
2. Mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water solution in a bucket.
3. Wet the horse with plain water.
4. With a cloth or soft scrub brush, wash the horse just as you would with any shampoo. (Any sap or stubborn soils should treated by putting Simple Green on a damp rag or cloth and rubbing into the area, and immediately rinsed.)
5. Rinse the cleaned section well with water until the rinse water runs clear (not sudsy).
6. Take care not to get the solution into the horse’s eyes, nose or mouth.  It will be irritating to mucous membranes and quite stinging to the eyes if this happens.  If the solution gets in the horses eyes by accident, rinse and flush the eyes with cool water, lifting upper and lower lids and rinsing for 15 minutes.
7. When done, give the horse one more overall rinse with water.
8. You should follow cleaning with a coat conditioner, as Simple Green can be a bit more drying than typical shampoo.

Stall cleaning: Simple Green is also great for cleaning out stalls, as it will deodorize and help reduce the problem with flies.  A 1:10 solution is typically strong enough to scrub down a stall that has already been mucked out.  Take care not to leave any containers or puddles of Simple Green solution where horses or other animals might drink.

HVAC CONDENSER COILS

You can use Simple Green to clean your heating, ventilation, and air conditioner condenser coils but proper dilution and rinsing must be done to avoid corrosion to aluminum parts. Begin by turning off and unplugging the equipment. Create a 1:1 solution of Simple Green and water (1 part Simple Green mixed with 1 part water) and spray this solution onto the coils. If necessary, use a non-metallic bristle brush to scrub down the coils & fins. After cleaning, rinse the coils & fins well with fresh water. Allow the coils to dry before restarting the unit. For air handlers that have been cleaned, expect to smell the fresh aroma of Simple Green for a little while. If rinsing has been done properly and thoroughly, this aroma should not be overpowering, and should diminish fairly quickly.

LAUNDRY

Simple Green has been used for over 30 years for laundry and works well at removing natural soils (clay, dirt, grass stains,) but it really shines when removing petroleum oils and grease. There are several ways that Simple Green can give you outstanding laundry results:

1. 1. Adding a ¼ Cup of Simple Green to the water in a full wash load will clean and freshen fabric. Do not add any more than ¼ Cup of full-strength Simple Green to a full wash load – and be sure to add it to the water once the tub has filled.
2. 2. Simple Green can be used on washable fabrics as a spot, stain and collar treatment. Certain stains are beyond correction, but we have received surprising letters from customers saying that Simple Green restored garments, tablecloths, uniforms and more. To use as a spot/stain/collar & cuff treatment, follow these steps:
   
   a) Thoroughly wet the stain, spot, collar or cuff with water.
   
   b) Mix 1 part Simple Green with an equal part of water and spray, dab or dunk to get it onto the affected fabric.
   
   c) Gather the fabric on either side of the stain in each hand and rub the stained area against itself for a moment.  You may create a little foaming by doing this – that is good.
   
   d) RINSE OR WASH IMMEDIATELY.
   
   e) When washing, add the ¼ Cup of Simple Green to the water-filled tub of water.
    
3. Simple Green can also be used as a laundry presoak. For this application, mix 1 part Simple Green with 10 parts water in a glass bowl or plastic container. Immerse stained cloth napkins, tablecloths, work clothes, uniforms, etc. into this solution and let them soak for anywhere from an hour to several days. Put these items into the laundry and do not add any additional Simple Green (the carry-over from the soaked clothes will create the dilution in the washing machine.)

MODEL PAINTING

To clean metal models of mold-release oils so that the best paint adherence is achieved, soak models in 1:1 solution of Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green. Most models are made from pewter or mixed-metal alloys, so check your models once every 6-8 hours to be sure that no rusting or oxidizing occurs.

NATURAL STONE

Original, Concentrated Simple Green and Ready-To-Use Simple Green Stone Care Cleaner and Polish products are safe to use on granite, marble, quartz, and engineered stone surfaces if you follow proper application steps. You never want to use anything acidic on natural stone surfaces. The Simple Green Stone Care products have a pH of 8.8 which is a very mild alkaline. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner has a pH of 9.5, which is a bit more alkaline and we recommend a dilution for cleaning natural stone with this product.

Simple Green Stone Care Non-Abrasive Cleaner (ready to use):

1. Spray Simple Green Stone Care Non-Abrasive Cleaner on the surface.
2. Wipe surface with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.
3. For best high-shine results, follow with a wipe-down using plain water.
4. To polish, use Simple Green Stone Care Streak-Free Polish with a non-abrasive dry cloth or paper towel.

Concentrated Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner:

1. Mix 1 part Simple Green with about 50 parts water.
2. On light colored stone, test this solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure the stone doesn’t pick the green color. Dab a little solution onto a spot, let it sit for several minutes, wipe dry and check for any color change.
3. Spray or sponge Simple Green solution onto stone surface.
4. If cleaning a large area, work in sections so that the solution doesn’t dry on the surface before rinsing.
5. Rinse or wipe down the cleaned area with plain water.
6. Polish dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or paper towel.

OILS

Simple Green products are simply amazing on a variety of oils.
Simple Green products are simply amazing on a variety of oils and greases. It typically requires a solution of 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water or stronger to remove oils from surfaces. Use the guide below for various oily cleanup tasks:

Cooking Oils:  Cooking oils are often more difficult to clean up than petroleum oils! Use a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and hot water to remove baked-on cooking oils from vents, range hoods and stove tops. Recently splattered oil on stove tops and counters can usually be quickly cleaned up with a 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water solution. *If you have a glass-top stove, you should heavily dilute Simple Green – 1 spray of Simple Green into a 32 oz. spray bottle filled with hot water - which may require multiple applications to remove a lot of grease or food soils. On glass-top stoves, you might want to try Simple Green Multi-Surface Kitchen & Glass cleaner instead.

Petroleum Oils: Simple Green’s forte is breaking down petroleum greases, oils, tar and asphalt soils. The severity of the soil will determine the dilution ratio (unless there are also considerations for the surface being cleaned.) Thick, heavy petroleum soils or those that are old and dried out or burnt-on require stronger solutions. Start with a 50/50 dilution - half Simple Green & half water (1:1); or use up to a 1-part-Simple Green to 5-parts water solution. Medium thickness (i.e., a light smearing of grease, a coating of fresh motor oil, etc.) can be cleaned with a lighter solution of 1:5 to 1:10, and much lighter soils (i.e., light machining oils, fingerprint oils, a fine spray of clear petroleum oil, etc.) can be cleaned with 1:10 to 1:15 dilutions. Reflective surfaces (glass, chrome, mirrors, etc.) with heavy to medium petroleum soils still must be cleaned with much lighter dilutions or else streaking and a dull film can remain. In these cases, try to wipe away as much of the grease or oil as possible with plain paper towels before cleaning the surface with a 1-ounce-Simple Green to 1-gallon water solution. Multiple cleaning and rinsing steps may be necessary to achieve a completely clean, streak-free surface. Again, you might also try Simple Green Multi-Surface Kitchen & Glass cleaner for these surfaces.

Poison Ivy and Other Plant Oils: Clean your camping gear, shoes, even your skin with Simple Green to remove poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac oils that can linger for years and continue to produce skin rashes. Technically put, Simple Green breaks down the urushoils of Rhus radicans. A 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts water solution is the right dilution for washing canvas (tents), washable hiking boots, plastic or metal storage containers and coolers, etc. You can even use 1 ounce of Simple Green to a quart spray bottle of water to wash down arms and legs (not face) after exposure to these itchy ivies. Just be sure to rinse everything (gear, coolers, yourself) thoroughly with plain water after cleaning.

RUBBER STAMPING

Simple Green works wonders at cleaning and maintaining those precious and costly rubber stamps that many scrap-bookers use.