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Adam's Polishes

Adams All Purpose Cleaner

alkaline-basedconcentratedilutableenthusiast-gradeheavy-dutydanger-label

Best Value

$0.27/oz

5 gallon

A high-pH alkaline all-purpose cleaner using sodium hydroxide at full strength for heavy degreasing, dilutable for gentle cleaning on delicate surfaces.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

13.0

Active Mechanism

alkaline saponification

Surfactants

3 (anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric)

Expert Analysis

Uses sodium hydroxide as the primary alkaline active at pH 13, creating a potent degreasing formula that breaks down organic contamination and heavy soiling. The concentrate design allows dilution ratios to be adjusted from full strength for engine bays and heavy contamination down to gentle ratios for interior surfaces and delicate materials.

Key Differentiators

  • Comprehensive surfactant system with anionic, nonionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants for broad cleaning versatility
  • Ultra-concentrated formula allows single product to handle everything from heavy degreasing to gentle cleaning through dilution control

Potential Concerns

  • pH 13 alkalinity requires careful dilution and PPE use, with manufacturer warning against use on sensitive surfaces at full strength
  • Danger signal word indicates hazardous material classification requiring proper handling and storage procedures

Ingredients

17 disclosed
2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol1 – < 5
CAS: 112-34-5co-solvent
sodium tripolyphosphate1 – < 5
CAS: 7758-29-4water softener
N,N-Diethoxylated-N-coco-N-methylammonium chloride1 – < 5
CAS: 61791-10-4surfactant
Alcohols, C9-11 ethoxylated1 – < 5
CAS: 68439-46-3surfactant
disodium cocoamphodipropionate1 – < 5
CAS: 68604-71-7surfactant
sodium metasilicate, anhydrous0.1 – < 1
CAS: 6834-92-0cleaning agent
Orange oil, sweet0.1 – < 1
CAS: 8008-57-9fragrance
methanol0.1 – < 1
CAS: 67-56-1alcohols
waterN/D
CAS: 7732-18-5solvent
triethanolamineN/D
CAS: 102-71-6pH adjusting agent
Tetrasodium EDTA, anhydrousN/D
CAS: 64-02-8chelate / sequestrant
sodium hydroxideN/D
CAS: 1310-73-2pH adjusting agent
cocoyl hydroxyethylimidazolineN/D
CAS: 61791-38-6non-functional constituent
Trisodium nitrilotriacetateN/D
CAS: 5064-31-3chelate / sequestrant
DecanalN/D
CAS: 112-31-2fragrance
diethanolamine0.0058
CAS: 111-42-2unknown
1,4-dioxane0.0000019
CAS: 123-91-1unknown

Source: sds section 3

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Danger
Eye Hazard
H318 - Causes serious eye damage
Skin Hazard
H315 - Causes skin irritation
Corrosive to Metals
No
Flammable
No

Serious safety concerns due to high alkalinity and eye damage potential