Guide
Product Guide Simple Green Building Materials

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner: Industrial Strength Without the Industrial Hazards

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner delivers what contractors actually need — a concentrated cleaner that handles everything from shop grease to job site cleanup without creating safety paperwork headaches. The concentrated formula dilutes up to 30:1 for various tasks, which means one 24-ounce bottle stretches into 720 ounces of cleaning solution for light-duty work.

This image shows the exterior of Western Building Center's Kalispell store, featuring a large modern building with tan metal

The Numbers That Matter

Let’s talk dilution economics first. Full strength to 1:1 dilution handles heavy grease, oil, or carbon. Drop it to 1:10 for everyday spills and general cleaning. Light cleaning runs up to 1:30 dilution for dust, mirrors, or light wiping. That flexibility means you’re not buying three different cleaners for three different jobs.

The safety profile reads like a contractor’s dream sheet:

Safety RatingValue
NFPA Health0
NFPA Fire0
NFPA Reactivity0
HMIS ratings0 (all categories)
Flash Point>212°F
VOC StatusCompliant

Flash point > 212°F (100°C) - Non-flammable means no special storage requirements. No flammable cabinet. No ventilation mandates. California Proposition 65 Compliant (no listed chemicals) eliminates another compliance headache. Store it in your unheated Montana shop without worry — freezing point 0 - 3.33°C (32 - 38°F) keeps it stable through typical winter conditions.

Where It Works (And Where It Doesn’t)

Safe surfaces include metal, plastic, finished wood, painted surfaces, sealed stone, laminate, fabric, and glass. That covers 95% of what you’ll clean on a job site. Surfaces to avoid: suede, leather, unfinished wood, opals, pearls. Fair enough — nobody’s cleaning their pearl necklace with shop degreaser anyway.

The pH level 8.5 - 9.5 hits the sweet spot for cutting grease without damaging surfaces. Strong enough to work, mild enough not to etch aluminum or strip paint. Industrial applications include degreasing, pressure washing, steam cleaning, and parts washing.

Exterior view of the Western Building Center Kalispell store showing the main retail building with rustic stone and wood arch

What Contractors Say

Average rating 4.7 from 494 reviews tells the real story. Pros: Highly effective on grease and oil, pleasant scent, versatile for multiple surfaces, environmentally safer choice. The main complaint? Requires rinsing on some surfaces to avoid residue. That’s standard for any concentrated cleaner — leave soap on the surface and you’ll see streaks.

Exterior view of Western Building Center's Libby store location showing the main building facade with tan metal siding and th

The Environmental Angle (Without the Preaching)

OECD 301D certified (100% within 60 days) means it biodegrades completely. Phosphate-free and Septic-safe matters for rural Montana properties on septic systems. U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified isn’t just marketing — it’s third-party verification that the formula meets strict safety standards.

Ingredients include water (>85%), C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated (<5%), sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, citric acid, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, fragrance, and colorant. No mystery chemicals. No petroleum distillates. No ammonia.

Exterior view of Western Building Center's Libby store location showing the main building facade with tan metal siding and mu

Bottom Line

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner works because it’s engineered for dilution flexibility, not because it’s packed with harsh solvents. One bottle replaces multiple specialty cleaners. Zero safety ratings eliminate storage and handling complications. 100% Manufacturer guarantee; refund or replacement offered if not satisfied with product performance backs up the performance claims.

Skip it if you need sanitizing power — this cleans but doesn’t disinfect. It adheres to high safety standards, though it is not a disinfectant and does not claim to kill germs. For everything else — degreasing tools, cleaning equipment, washing down job sites — it delivers professional results without professional hazards.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Simple Green in my pressure washer?

A: Yes. Industrial applications include pressure washing. Follow your pressure washer’s dilution recommendations, but Simple Green is specifically formulated for equipment use including pressure washing systems.

Q: How long does the concentrate last once opened?

A: The product remains stable indefinitely when stored properly. Boiling point 101°C (213.8°F) and water-based formulation means no evaporation concerns like with solvent-based cleaners.

Q: Will it damage painted surfaces or remove wax?

A: Safe surfaces include painted surfaces when used as directed. pH 8.5 - 9.5 is mild enough not to strip paint or wax, though heavy concentrations with extended dwell time could dull some finishes. Always rinse thoroughly.

Q: What’s the actual coverage area per bottle?

A: Depends on your dilution ratio. At maximum 30:1 dilution, one 24-ounce bottle makes 720 ounces of cleaning solution. At typical 10:1 for general cleaning, you get 240 ounces. Coverage varies by surface porosity and soil level.

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