Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner: The Concentrated Formula Montana Contractors Actually Use

Simple Green All-Purpose makes one gallon stretch into 30 gallons of cleaning solution. That’s the headline. The concentrated formula can be diluted up to 30:1 for various tasks, turning a single bottle into a jobsite arsenal. For contractors running multiple crews across western Montana, that concentration ratio matters more than any eco-certification.

The formula works on everything contractors encounter. Metal, plastic, finished wood, painted surfaces, sealed stone — basically every surface on a typical jobsite. The pH level runs 8.5-9.5, putting it in mild alkaline territory. Strong enough to cut grease without destroying surfaces or workers’ hands.

Why Contractors Stock This Instead of Hardware Store Cleaners

Full strength to 1:1 dilution handles heavy grease, oil, or carbon. That’s engine bay cleaning, equipment degreasing, removing years of built-up grime. Up to 1:10 dilution for everyday soils and food spills — perfect for cleaning up after crews or prepping surfaces. Up to 1:30 dilution for dust, mirrors, or light wiping means one bottle handles final cleanup before client walkthroughs.

The safety profile beats ammonia-based cleaners hands down. NFPA/HMIS hazard rating of 0/minimal across all categories. Flash point above 212°F means it’s non-flammable — critical when you’re cleaning near welding operations or in Montana’s dry climate during fire season.

OECD 301D certified for 100% biodegradability within 60 days. Not just marketing speak — it means spills on jobsites break down naturally without contaminating soil or groundwater. Simple Green is approved by the EPA for surface washing and has been used in environmental cleanup efforts, such as oil spill remediation and soil cleaning.

Specification	Value
pH Level	8.5 - 9.5
Flash Point	> 212°F (100°C)
Freezing Point	32 - 38°F
VOC Content	VOC-compliant
Hazard Rating	0/minimal (NFPA/HMIS)
Biodegradability	100% within 60 days (OECD 301D)

What You’re Actually Buying

Water makes up over 85% of the formula. The cleaning power comes from C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated (less than 5%) — a surfactant that breaks surface tension and lifts dirt. Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate work as water softeners and pH adjusters. No phosphates, no bleach, no ammonia.

The freezing point sits at 32-38°F, which means storing it in unheated shops during Montana winters requires some planning. Keep it inside or it’ll turn to slush. Once thawed, it works fine again.

The sassafras scent divides crews. Some users note the sassafras scent may be strong. Others prefer it to chemical fumes. A lemon-scented version exists for those who can’t stand root beer smell all day.

Simple Green built its reputation on one promise: industrial strength without industrial hazards. The product has undergone reformulation to eliminate toxic ingredients like 2-butoxyethanol, enhancing its safety profile. For contractors dealing with OSHA compliance and client concerns about indoor air quality, that reformulation matters.

Skip it if you need solvent-based degreasing for heavy petroleum products. This won’t touch cosmoline or heavy bearing grease like mineral spirits will. But for 90% of jobsite cleaning — from prepping surfaces to cleaning tools to making spaces client-ready — one concentrated gallon replaces a trailer full of specialty cleaners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Simple Green is needed for cleaning construction equipment?

For heavy grease and oil, use full strength to 1:1 dilution. One gallon of concentrate makes 2 gallons at maximum strength. For heavy soils, allow to sit for 1-2 minutes, then scrub if necessary with a non-abrasive brush or pad.

What’s the actual shelf life in a cold storage trailer?

The freezing point ranges from 32-38°F. Store it inside heated areas during winter. If it freezes, it separates temporarily but returns to normal after thawing and shaking.

Is Simple Green safe for cleaning windows before installing?

Yes. Glass is listed as a safe surface, and at 1:30 dilution it’s suitable for mirrors and light wiping. Rinse or wipe clean with water to prevent streaking.

Can Simple Green be used in carpet cleaning machines?

Simple Green offers carpet cleaning solutions suitable for spot cleaning and deep cleaning with carpet machines. For upholstery in equipment cabs, fabric is listed as a safe surface.

What surfaces should be avoided?

Avoid using on suede, leather, unfinished wood, opals, and pearls. For most jobsite materials, it’s safe. Spot test on a hidden area first when cleaning expensive finishes.