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Meguiar's

Ultimate Iron Remover

acidicthioglycolateiron-reactivecolor-changinggel-formula

Best Value

$0.54/oz

Positioned as Meguiar's consumer-tier iron remover at an accessible $12.99 price point - half the cost of their Iron Removing Spray Clay. The 'Ultimate' branding and lower price suggest this is aimed at the mass market consumer segment rather than professional detailers.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

4.0

Active Mechanism

thioglycolate chelation

Surfactants

0 (amphoteric, nonionic)

Expert Analysis

Meguiar's Ultimate Iron Remover takes a different approach than their Iron Removing Spray Clay. The pH 4 acidic formula enhances iron reactivity compared to neutral formulas, while the gel consistency (50 cps with xanthan gum) provides dwell time on vertical surfaces. The dual chelator system - thioglycolate for iron plus an aminopolycarboxylic acid (likely EDTA) for broad mineral removal - targets both iron contamination and general fallout. The surfactant system is gentler than Spray Clay, using amphoteric cocamidopropyl betaine instead of anionic sulfates. Benzisothiazolinone preservative is a better choice than the MI/MCI in Spray Clay for users with sensitive skin.

Key Differentiators

  • pH 4 acidic formula - more aggressive than most pH-neutral iron removers
  • Gel formula with xanthan gum for vertical cling
  • Dual chelation system (thioglycolate + aminopolycarboxylic acid)
  • Gentler surfactant system (amphoteric + nonionic)
  • BIT preservative instead of MI/MCI - less sensitizing
  • No eye irritation classification despite acidic pH

Potential Concerns

  • pH 4 conflicts with marketing claim of 'pH balanced formula optimized for paint' - acidic products require more caution on sensitive finishes
  • Strong mercaptan odor noted in SDS - no significant fragrance masking
  • Lower pH may require shorter dwell times to avoid etching on certain surfaces

Ingredients

11 disclosed
Waterbalance
CAS: 7732-18-5diluent
Sodium Thioglycolate5-10%
CAS: 367-51-1iron chelator
Aminopolycarboxylic Acidundisclosed
CAS: N/Achelator
Cocamidopropyl Betaine<3%
CAS: 61789-40-0surfactant
Nonionic Surfactantundisclosed
CAS: N/Asurfactant
C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylatedundisclosed
CAS: 68439-46-3surfactant
Xanthan Gumundisclosed
CAS: 11138-66-2thickener
Hexyl Cinnamalundisclosed
CAS: 101-86-0fragrance
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenesundisclosed
CAS: 54464-57-2fragrance
Benzisothiazolinoneundisclosed
CAS: 2634-33-5preservative
Fragrance Ingredientsundisclosed
CAS: N/Afragrance

Source: separate disclosure

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Warning
Eye Hazard
Not classified
Skin Hazard
H317 - May cause allergic skin reaction (Sensitizer Category 1B)
Corrosive to Metals
No
Flammable
No

Milder safety profile than Meguiar's Iron Removing Spray Clay - no eye irritation classification. Skin sensitizer classification from sodium thioglycolate. Despite pH 4, not classified as corrosive or irritating to eyes.