⚠ INTERNAL REP REFERENCE — Prohibited Language (Super Cleaner)
The following phrases are prohibited in any customer-facing communication about Super Cleaner. Each prohibition is tied to the Super Cleaner SDS — what is prohibited here may be permissible for other CAR GUYS products. This block is for internal rep reference only and is not customer-facing content.
"Non-toxic" — product is classified as a Hazardous Chemical under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 per SDS Section 15.1. Carries H316 Skin Irritation Category 3 (Mild) and H320 Eye Irritation Category 2B (Mild). Harmful if swallowed.
"Gentle formula" — Hazardous Chemical classification contradicts "gentle" framing.
"No harsh chemicals" — SC is classified as a Hazardous Chemical under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 per SDS Section 15.1. Section 3 composition includes 2-Butoxyethanol (CAS 111-76-2) and EDTA compounds.
"Eco-friendly" — no SDS data supports environmental-safety framing.
"Biodegradable" — SDS Section 12.3 states "expected to be inherently biodegradable," which is a specific regulatory term weaker than "readily biodegradable." Customer-facing "biodegradable" implies the stronger meaning and would mislead.
"Safe on all surfaces" — explicitly NOT safe on glass/windows, clear plastic/acrylic, display or navigation screens, damaged leather, suede/alcantara/nubuck, or exterior paint as a general wash. See Section 3.0 Do NOT use on.
"Safe if swallowed" — product is Harmful if swallowed per SDS.
"Antibacterial" or "Disinfectant" or "Kills germs" — no EPA registration for antibacterial or disinfectant claims. Super Cleaner is a multi-surface cleaner, not a registered sanitizer.
Permitted Language per SDS:
"No petroleum distillates" (confirmed — SDS Section 3 composition shows EDTA salts and 2-Butoxyethanol; no petroleum distillates).
"No-rinse formula" (functional product feature).
"Silicone-free" (confirmed).
"Leaves zero residue" (functional performance claim, verified in FAQs).
1.0 Product Overview
What it is: A proprietary, concentrated multi-surface cleaner. Strictly a cleaner — contains no protectant additives, no wax, no silicone, and no gloss agents. Leaves a clean finish with zero residue. Contains pure product with no unnecessary fillers or colors.
Primary use: A spray-on, agitate, wipe-off cleaner for embedded dirt, oil, grease, grime, and stains on interior, non-paint exterior, and household surfaces. No-rinse formula — no water rinse required after cleaning. Can be used on automotive interiors (carpet, leather, fabric, vinyl, plastic, trim), non-paint exterior surfaces (plastic trim, rubber, bug/tar/sap removal), and household surfaces (countertops, sinks, faucets, stainless steel appliances).
Yield: A little goes a long way — one 18 oz bottle covers multiple cleaning sessions. Saturate the target area without soaking; the product should produce light suds when agitated.
Longevity: N/A — This is a cleaning product. It does not leave a protective coating or sealant layer.
Shelf life: 1.5 to 2 years when stored properly. Store upright in a cool, dry place between 50–60°F (10–16°C). Keep above freezing and out of direct sunlight.
Chemical base: A proprietary, concentrated cleaning formula designed to penetrate and lift embedded dirt, oil, and grime. Contains no petroleum distillates and no abrasives. VOC content <0.2% by weight. pH 9–10 (mildly alkaline). Silicone-free. No-rinse formula. Note: This is a commercial chemical product and is NOT classified as non-toxic — Harmful if swallowed; causes mild skin and eye irritation. Keep out of reach of children.
Kit Contents (18 oz Kit):
1x CAR GUYS Super Cleaner — 18 oz
1x CAR GUYS Professional Series 300 GSM All-Purpose Microfiber Towel
2.0 Application Instructions
Prep: Remove or vacuum away all loose dirt and debris. Shake bottle well before use. No difference between first-time and routine application.
Always test first: Before cleaning any surface, test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure no adverse reaction occurs on the material being cleaned.
Apply (Less Aggressive — start here): Spray product directly onto a clean microfiber towel — not the surface. Wipe the surface, then flip the towel to a clean, dry side and buff dry. Use this method for delicate materials such as glossy plastic, leather, and finished trim to avoid scratching or over-saturating.
Apply (More Aggressive — for stubborn stains): Lightly spray product directly onto the material. Immediately agitate with a towel or brush. Use a second clean towel to wipe off the cleaner until the surface is clean and dry. Work in small sections and begin wiping immediately after spraying. Do not let the product sit or dry out on its own.
If residue occurs: Wipe the area with a damp towel soaked in water and a small amount of mild soap. Residue is uncommon and typically indicates over-application.
Tool care: See the Accessory Care Guide for full cleaning and storage instructions for all CAR GUYS towels and applicators.
3.0 Safe Surfaces & Warnings
Safe on: Carpet, upholstery, fabric, canvas, awning fabric, headliners, seat belts, genuine leather (undamaged), faux leather, PU leather, vinyl, plastic (non-clear), rubber, finished wood trim, all types of metals, engine bays, bedliners, steering wheels, rims, door panels, floor mats, dashboards (non-screen areas). Also safe for household use: countertops, sinks, faucets, stainless steel appliances, and similar hard surfaces. Safe for use in cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, boats, and around the home.
Do NOT use on:
Glass / windows (may chemically etch the surface).
Clear plastic / clear acrylic (may chemically etch or damage the surface).
Instrument clusters / display screens / navigation screens (may chemically etch delicate screen surfaces).
Damaged, cracked, or peeling leather (may worsen existing damage on compromised material).
Suede / alcantara / nubuck (delicate napped materials that may be damaged by cleaning agents; use a specialized suede cleaner instead).
Exterior paint as a general wash or wipe-down (does not contain sufficient lubrication; may cause fine scratches if dust or dirt is present — targeted spot treatment on pre-washed paint is addressed in Section 4.0 FAQs).
Dilution: Ready to use. Do not dilute.
Storage: Store upright in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place (ideally 50–60°F / 10–16°C). Keep above freezing. Avoid leaving the bottle inside vehicles or in direct sunlight for extended periods — pressure buildup or leaks may occur. Keep container tightly closed.
⚠ SDS / Hazard Notes:
Hazard summary: Causes mild skin irritation (Skin Irritation Category 3). Causes mild eye irritation (Eye Irritation Category 2B). Harmful if swallowed. Classified as a Hazardous Chemical under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200. Keep out of reach of children.
California Prop 65: No warning required per SDS.
Emergency contact: Chemtrec +1 800-424-9300 (24-hour).
Full SDS: For complete safety data including composition, first-aid measures, PPE requirements, flash point, transport classification, and regulatory details, refer to SDS — Super Cleaner in the Safety & Compliance section.
4.0 Troubleshooting & FAQs
Will Super Cleaner work on old, set-in stains?
Effective on most stains, but deeply set-in stains that have been present for an extended period may require multiple applications or may not come out completely. For best results, treat stains as soon as possible and use the more aggressive agitation method (spray directly onto the stain, agitate with a brush or towel, wipe off).
Why is there a ring or halo around the spot I just cleaned?
Spot cleaning a stain leaves the treated area brighter than the surrounding dirtier fabric — that contrast is what looks like a ring. To fix it, spray and agitate the entire surrounding area, not just the stain itself. Wipe off and dab the full section dry. Cleaning the whole surface blends everything to a uniform finish and removes the halo.
Does it leave a sticky or greasy residue?
No. Super Cleaner is strictly a cleaner with no protectant additives, no silicone, and no gloss agents. It leaves a clean finish without any sticky, greasy, or shiny film.
Does it have a strong chemical smell?
No. Super Cleaner has a fresh, clean scent designed to dissipate quickly after use, and does not contain strong synthetic fragrances. If you find the scent too strong during application, ventilate the work area — the scent typically fades within 10–15 minutes of finishing.
Can I use this on exterior paint?
Not as a general wash or wipe-down. Do not use Super Cleaner for general wash or wipe-down of paint because it does not contain sufficient lubrication and may cause fine scratches if dust or dirt is present. Use a dedicated car wash soap, waterless wash, or detail spray for general paint cleaning.
Yes for targeted spot treatment on pre-washed paint. For stubborn residues that remain after washing (bugs, tar, sap, trim-dressing streaks, etc.), wash the panel first with car wash soap and water to remove loose dirt, then spray Super Cleaner directly onto the spot and wipe gently with a clean microfiber towel. With no dust or dirt to drag across the paint, the lubrication concern is removed.
Still never on glass, clear plastic, instrument clusters, or display screens.
What surfaces can I use it on?
Safe on: Carpet, upholstery, fabric, genuine and faux leather (undamaged), vinyl, plastic (non-clear), rubber, finished wood trim, metals, headliners, seat belts, and bedliners. Also safe for household surfaces such as countertops, sinks, faucets, and stainless steel appliances. See Section 3.0 for the full list of restricted surfaces.
Is the microfiber towel included?
Yes. The 18 oz kit includes a CAR GUYS Professional Series 300 GSM All-Purpose Microfiber Towel so everything needed to start cleaning is included right out of the box.
What happens if I accidentally get Super Cleaner on glass or instrument panels?
Wipe off immediately with a clean, dry towel — not the same towel being used for cleaning. The product may chemically etch glass or damage delicate clear plastic surfaces if left in contact. The safest method when cleaning near these areas is to spray the product onto the towel instead of spraying directly onto the surface. This prevents accidental overspray onto glass and screens.
Can I use Super Cleaner as a car wash soap?
No. This product is not designed to be used as a car wash replacement for two reasons: (1) It does not contain sufficient lubrication — wiping a dirty or dusty surface with this product has a higher potential to cause fine scratches because it does not provide the slick barrier that dedicated car wash soaps, detail sprays, or waterless wash products provide. (2) It must not be used on glass or windows because Super Cleaner can chemically etch the glass if left on the surface. Use Super Cleaner for targeted cleaning of specific surfaces (plastic trim, bug removal, interior stains), not as a full-vehicle wash.
Can I use Super Cleaner to wipe dust or dirt off my paint?
No. Do not use this product to wipe dirt or dust off painted surfaces. Super Cleaner does not contain sufficient lubrication, and dragging dust or dirt across paint without a lubricating barrier may cause fine scratches. Use a dedicated waterless wash or detail spray for this purpose. For stubborn spot contamination (bugs, tar, sap, trim-dressing streaks), wash the panel first with car wash soap and water, then spot-treat with Super Cleaner on the clean, dry surface.
Is Super Cleaner safe for alcantara or suede?
No. Suede, alcantara, and nubuck are delicate napped materials that may be damaged by cleaning agents. Use a specialized suede cleaner and brush for these materials. Consult the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for approved cleaning products.
Can I use Super Cleaner in a carpet extractor or steam cleaner?
No. This product has not been tested for use in carpet extractors, steam cleaners, or any machine-based cleaning equipment. It must not be diluted and is designed for direct hand application only (spray and wipe).
Can I use Super Cleaner on kitchen surfaces?
Yes. Safe for countertops, sinks, faucets, stainless steel appliances, and similar hard surfaces around the home. Do not use on surfaces that will directly contact unwashed food (e.g., cutting boards, dishes, cups, utensils).
Will Super Cleaner remove water spots?
No. Super Cleaner is designed to remove dirt, grease, grime, and stains. It is not formulated to remove mineral-based water spots. The most effective method for removing water spots is to use a clay bar first. If spots remain, use a polishing compound. Do not use Super Cleaner on glass because it can chemically etch the glass if left on the surface.
Is it safe to use on cracked or peeling surfaces?
Use with extra caution. Be careful when cleaning cracked, brittle, or peeling surfaces where discoloration or material deterioration is already occurring. The cleaning action may worsen existing damage. Damaged leather specifically should not be cleaned with this product. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
Do I need to apply a protectant after using Super Cleaner?
Not required, but recommended. Super Cleaner is strictly a cleaner and does not leave any protective coating, UV barrier, or sealant. For surfaces that benefit from ongoing protection after cleaning (such as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or leather), apply a suitable protectant or conditioner as a follow-up step.
How do I clean leather with Super Cleaner?
Always test first on a small, inconspicuous area. Do not use on damaged, cracked, or peeling leather. For undamaged leather: spray the product onto a microfiber towel (not directly onto the leather). Gently wipe the surface. Flip the towel to a clean, dry side and buff dry. For more stubborn stains, spray directly onto the leather, agitate gently with a soft brush or cloth, and wipe off. Super Cleaner is strictly a cleaner and does not condition or protect leather. After cleaning, apply a dedicated leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
Is Super Cleaner safe on vegan leather or Tesla leather?
Yes. Vegan leather, Tesla leather, and similar synthetic leathers are the same category as faux leather and PU leather, which Super Cleaner is safe for. Follow the standard leather cleaning method: test a small inconspicuous area first, then spray onto a microfiber towel and gently wipe. Super Cleaner does not condition these materials — apply a dedicated synthetic leather conditioner afterward if desired.
How do I clean fabric, carpet, or headliners?
Always test first on a small, inconspicuous area. Start with the least aggressive method: spray onto a towel, then gently agitate the stain. Wipe off and dab with the dry side of the towel. If the stain persists, spray the product directly onto the stain, agitate with a brush or towel, and wipe off. For headliners, be especially careful not to over-saturate — headliner adhesive can weaken if soaked with liquid. Work in small sections.
Can Super Cleaner remove bugs, tar, or sap?
Yes.
On non-paint surfaces (plastic trim, bumpers, wheel wells, rubber): Spray the product directly onto the affected area. For tar and sap, let the product work for 1–2 minutes before wiping off. Wipe clean with a microfiber towel.
On painted surfaces: Wash the panel first with car wash soap and water to remove loose dirt. Then spray Super Cleaner directly onto the remaining bug/tar/sap spot and wipe gently with a clean microfiber towel. Pre-washing removes the lubrication concern that applies to general wipe-down of dirty paint.
Do not use on glass — Super Cleaner can chemically etch the glass if left on the surface. If bugs, tar, or sap are on glass, use a dedicated glass cleaner.
For bug/tar/sap on wheels, consider using a dedicated wheel cleaner for faster results.
Can Super Cleaner remove bird droppings?
Yes, for fresh bird droppings on non-paint surfaces. Spray directly onto the affected area, agitate with a towel, and wipe clean. For bird droppings on paint, wash the area with car wash soap and water as soon as possible to prevent acid etching, then apply wax or sealant to protect the surface. Super Cleaner is not recommended for this use because it does not contain sufficient lubrication and may cause fine scratches if dust or dirt is present on the paint.
How much product should I spray?
Saturate the area without soaking it. Apply enough product so that light suds appear when you agitate/scrub the surface. A little goes a long way — start with less and add more if needed. Over-application is unnecessary and may leave temporary residue.
How do I clean seat belts?
Spray directly onto the seat belt and let it saturate for 1–2 minutes. Scrub with a microfiber towel or soft brush. Wipe clean and allow the belt to air dry fully before retracting it into the housing.
Is Super Cleaner silicone-free?
Yes. This product contains zero silicone. It is strictly a cleaner and does not leave any shiny residue, gloss, or protectant film behind.
Is Super Cleaner bodyshop safe?
Yes. Because Super Cleaner is silicone-free, it is safe to use in and around body repair and paint booth environments. Silicone is the ingredient that causes fisheye contamination in fresh paint, and this product contains none.
Is Super Cleaner antibacterial or a disinfectant?
No. Super Cleaner is a cleaner, not a sanitizer or disinfectant. Cleaning a surface with it does physically remove dirt, oils, and the bacteria embedded in them, but the product does not contain antimicrobial ingredients that kill microorganisms on contact. Products marketed as antibacterial, sanitizer, or disinfectant must both (1) contain EPA-registered antimicrobial active ingredients, and (2) carry EPA registration with specific kill-claims backed by test data — Super Cleaner has neither. It should not be used as a substitute for a disinfectant where one is needed (food prep surfaces, medical environments, illness cleanup).
Has the Super Cleaner formula changed?
Yes — the formula has been updated once since original release. The current version cleans more effectively than the original and is slightly more forgiving if accidentally oversprayed onto glass or delicate clear plastic (there is a slightly longer window to wipe it off before etching can begin). Do not rely on this forgiveness window — always wipe off accidental contact with glass, clear plastic, or screens immediately per the guidance in Section 2.0 and Section 3.0. The safe-surface and do-not-use lists have not changed between versions.
Is Super Cleaner non-toxic, eco-friendly, or biodegradable?
Super Cleaner is formulated for real cleaning performance on embedded dirt, oil, and grime — we prioritized that over marketing labels like "non-toxic" or "eco-friendly." Formulations that can certify those labels typically rely on weaker active ingredients that compromise cleaning power, which isn't a tradeoff we're willing to make. Our formula uses mild, carefully-selected ingredients instead: the SDS classifies Super Cleaner as causing only mild skin and eye irritation under normal handling, with a VOC content under 0.2% by weight. Standard consumer precautions apply — wash hands after use, keep out of eyes, do not ingest, and keep away from children. Super Cleaner is not certified non-toxic, biodegradable, or eco-friendly under any regulatory definition, and we don't make claims we can't back up with certification. For full composition and safety details, refer to SDS — Super Cleaner.
Is Super Cleaner safe to use around kids and pets?
Yes, with normal common-sense precautions while you're using it:
Keep the spray bottle out of reach of kids and pets.
Don't spray toward pets, faces, food dishes, or water bowls.
Crack a window if you're cleaning inside a vehicle with the windows up.
Let the surface fully dry (usually just a few minutes) before letting kids or pets back on the cleaned area.
Once the surface is dry, no ongoing precautions are needed — cleaned areas are safe for normal contact. You don't need to keep kids or pets off the cleaned car seats, floor mats, or any other surface after drying. The one permanent rule is bottle storage: keep Super Cleaner stored where kids and pets can't reach it.
Can Super Cleaner remove pen ink, blood, or dye stains?
Pen ink: Multiple customers have reported success removing pen ink stains. Spray directly onto the stain, agitate, and wipe off.
Blood and dye: Results vary depending on stain age, material type, and severity. Deeply set-in or chemically bonded stains (such as fabric dye transfer onto leather) may not come out completely. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Can Super Cleaner remove black streaks dripping from plastic trim?
Yes. These streaks are residue from trim dressings breaking down over time — this can include CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer if excess was not fully buffed off during application, or residue from other brands' dressings.
On the trim itself and on non-paint surfaces: Spray Super Cleaner onto a microfiber towel and wipe. For heavier buildup, spray directly onto the streak and agitate with a soft brush before wiping.
On painted surfaces: Wash the area first with car wash soap and water to remove loose dirt and debris (this alone often removes the streaks). For streaks that persist, spray Super Cleaner directly onto the streak only and wipe gently with a clean microfiber towel. Do not use Super Cleaner for general wash or wipe-down of paint because it does not contain sufficient lubrication and may cause fine scratches if dust or dirt is present.
On glass: Use a dedicated glass cleaner. Do not use Super Cleaner on glass because it can chemically etch the glass if left on the surface.
Prevention: When applying CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer or any trim dressing, buff off all excess product after dwell time to prevent run-off and streaking in rain.
Is there a stronger or more aggressive version of Super Cleaner available?
No. Super Cleaner is formulated to the maximum cleaning strength we can achieve while keeping the product safe for consumer use on the range of surfaces listed in Section 3.0 and within the mild skin/eye irritation hazard profile described in the Section 3.0 SDS / Hazard Notes. A stronger formula would require harsher solvents or higher alkalinity, which would significantly increase both material-damage risk (on leather, upholstery, plastics, etc.) and user-exposure hazard — we are not willing to trade off either. For stains Super Cleaner cannot fully remove after correct application, the stain is usually deeply set, chemically bonded to the material, or beyond what any general-purpose cleaner can handle. Professional cleaning is the right next step in those cases.
Is a larger size or gallon refill available?
Yes. Super Cleaner is available in two sizes on the same CAR GUYS Amazon Store product listing — select the size option at checkout:
18 oz Kit — spray bottle with included CAR GUYS Professional Series 300 GSM All-Purpose Microfiber Towel. Standard consumer size.
128 oz Gallon Refill — approximately 1/3 the per-ounce cost of the kit (roughly 68% savings per ounce). Refill only — does not include a sprayer, spray bottle, or towel. Use it to refill your existing 18 oz bottle.
What is the difference between Super Cleaner and Plastic Restorer?
Super Cleaner and Plastic Restorer are complementary products designed to do different things on the same surfaces:
Super Cleaner is a cleaner. It removes dirt, oil, grease, and stains from interior and non-paint exterior surfaces (plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, fabric, carpet, and more). It leaves zero residue and does not deposit a protective layer.
Plastic Restorer is a restorer. It penetrates faded, oxidized, or dull plastic, rubber, and vinyl to bring back the original OEM color, and leaves behind a durable UV-protective barrier. It is not a cleaner.
Best results on faded plastic, rubber, or vinyl trim: clean the surface first with Super Cleaner, let it fully dry, then apply Plastic Restorer to restore and seal. Do not use Plastic Restorer on fabric, carpet, genuine leather, or faux leather — those surfaces are Super Cleaner territory. Do not use Super Cleaner for routine cleaning of surfaces already treated with Plastic Restorer — it will strip the protective coating and require reapplication.
Can I use Super Cleaner on boats, RVs, or household surfaces?
Yes. Safe for use on boats, RVs, motorcycles, and around the home. Clean vinyl, plastic, rubber, upholstery, metals, countertops, sinks, faucets, stainless steel appliances, and similar hard surfaces. The same restrictions apply: do not use on glass, clear plastic, or instrument/display screens because Super Cleaner can chemically etch these surfaces if left in contact.
How should I clean around glass or sensitive screens safely?
Spray the product onto the towel, not the surface. When cleaning dashboards, center consoles, or areas near instrument panels, navigation screens, or glass, always spray onto the microfiber towel first and then wipe the surface. This prevents accidental overspray from reaching restricted surfaces, which can be chemically etched by the product if left in contact.
5.0 Media & Training
Instructional Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyTCZtB-Nys
SDS Link: [Pending Creation]