Does anyone have any recommendations for the best all purpose cleaner? I've been searching the web and everything looks the same to me. And some of this stuff gets pretty expensive... I'm looking for something that will help get the bugs off my bumper and road debris/tar off the underside and won't damage the paint in anyway.

 

you will need two different products to accomplish this...

for bugs... i use 3M foaming glass cleaner.

for tar... you will need a solvent based product... i use 3M adhesive remover.


napa offers both products... they are safe for the paint surface but a waxing will be required after use.

other may recommend... the old school bug & tar remover... but not for me.

 

I found that Stoner's Invisible Glass is very mild and does a great job of getting bugs off the bumper. The pump spray is a pretty good value.

 

Poorboys Bug Squash works good for me. You can get it here: http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-bug-squash.html

 

For bugs I haven't used anything better than Griot's Speed Shine (their detail/cleaning spray).

+1 for 3M Adhesive Remover for tar, etc - good stuff and doesn't harm cured paint.

 

Thanks everyone for your responses thus far...

Now what does everyone recommend to do inside the wheel wells. I have been using "Simple Green" on the wells and engine bay but was wondering if there is also a better solution for those areas as well.

Again, Thanks!

 

I use Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner from their Detailer Line, diluted 10:1 with distilled water. Spray it up into the wheel wells and lightly scrub with a toilet brush I picked up at the grocery store. Let dry and then spray some cheap Armor All up in there.

I also use the APC 10:1 to clean floor mats, carpets, etc. I spray it onto the mat/carpet and then agitate with a medium bristle brush, then rinse and suck up the gunk with a Bissell Little Green Machine. I use just hot, plain water in the LGM, no cleaner of any kind, so it's just a pure rinse cycle for me. Works beautifully.