Simple Green solves the chemical cabinet chaos that plagues most Montana shops and homes. Can be diluted up to 30:1 for various tasks — one bottle replaces a shelf full of specialty cleaners. Full strength to 1:1 for heavy grease/oil, up to 1:10 for general purpose, up to 1:30 for light cleaning. At 30:1 dilution, that 24-ounce bottle yields 22 gallons of cleaning solution.
Skip it if you need instant degreasing without mixing. Dedicated degreasers work faster on heavy equipment grime. Simple Green shines when you’ve got varied cleaning tasks and want to buy concentrate, not water.
The Chemistry and Certifications
Water (>85%) makes up the bulk, with C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated (<5%) doing the heavy lifting on grease. The rest — Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid — handle water softening and pH balance. pH level: 8.5 - 9.5 puts it in the mild alkaline range. Strong enough to cut grease, gentle enough for finished surfaces.
The environmental certifications matter for Montana’s septic systems and watersheds:
| Certification | Details |
|---|---|
| EPA Safer Choice | U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified |
| Biodegradability | OECD 301D certified (100% within 60 days) |
| Water Systems | Phosphate-free and Septic-safe |
| VOC Status | VOC-compliant |
| California Prop 65 | California Proposition 65 Compliant (no listed chemicals) |
100% Manufacturer guarantee; refund or replacement offered if not satisfied with product performance. They’ll replace it if it doesn’t work. That’s confidence.
Surface Compatibility and Real-World Use
Works on Metal, Plastic, Finished wood, Painted surfaces, Sealed stone, Laminate, Fabric, Glass. Avoid Suede, Leather, Unfinished wood, Opals, Pearls. That unfinished wood warning matters — Montana’s log homes and timber frame construction often feature exposed beams that need different cleaners.
The application process stays consistent: Spot test on a hidden area first. Apply solution (diluted or undiluted). For heavy soils, allow to sit for 1-2 minutes. Scrub if necessary with a non-abrasive brush or pad. Rinse or wipe clean with water. Do not allow to dry on surface before rinsing.
That rinsing requirement shows up in reviews too. Requires rinsing on some surfaces to avoid residue according to user feedback. Not a spray-and-walk-away product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the actual dilution ratio for different jobs?
Heavy duty: Full strength to 1:1 dilution (e.g., for heavy grease, oil, or carbon). Think engine compartments and shop tools. General purpose: Up to 1:10 dilution (e.g., for everyday soils, food spills). Standard shop and kitchen cleaning. Light cleaning: Up to 1:30 dilution (e.g., for dust, mirrors, or light wiping). Windows and quick wipe-downs.
Q: Will Simple Green damage my equipment?
Non-Abrasive and Non-Caustic: Safe for most washable surfaces. The pH level: 8.5 - 9.5 keeps it mild enough for painted surfaces and plastics. Flash point: > 212°F (100°C) - Non-flammable means it won’t ignite around hot equipment.
Q: How does it handle Montana’s hard water?
The formula includes water softeners — Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate specifically target mineral deposits. 100% miscible in water means it mixes completely regardless of water hardness.
Q: Is the sassafras scent overwhelming?
Pros: Pleasant scent say most users, though Sassafras scent may be strong for some users. Odor: Sassafras (Original) or Lemon — you’ve got options.
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