Woolite Fabric Detergent

[:::houseofbunny:::]

Here is my impression of the issue so far: many professional detailers have used woolite (fabric detergent) for a long time for cleaning interior surfaces, such as dash and door panels (but not fabrics), with success and no detrimental effects. I would assume that after a great deal of experience someone somewhere would have noticed if woolite had any negative effects when used repeatedly on the same vehicle over a period of time.

Of all the posts I have read in various threads, occasionally someone will assert that woolite should not be used on interiors, period, but I still haven't seen or read the conclusive "why" for this. So far the main reasons against woolite are: brighteners, drying out of materials if not completely removed, and woolite is designed to be thoroughly rinsed and is not a WOWO product in any dilution. But again, so much collective experience with woolite can't be wrong, can it?

So what's the deal? Why do some people live by this stuff while others are staunchly against it?

[integritydetail]

Originally Posted by :::houseofbunny:::

Here is my impression of the issue so far: many professional detailers have used woolite (fabric detergent) for a long time for cleaning interior surfaces, such as dash and door panels (but not fabrics), with success and no detrimental effects. I would assume that after a great deal of experience someone somewhere would have noticed if woolite had any negative effects when used repeatedly on the same vehicle over a period of time.

Of all the posts I have read in various threads, occasionally someone will assert that woolite should not be used on interiors, period, but I still haven't seen or read the conclusive "why" for this. So far the main reasons against woolite are: brighteners, drying out of materials if not completely removed, and woolite is designed to be thoroughly rinsed and is not a WOWO product in any dilution. But again, so much collective experience with woolite can't be wrong, can it?

So what's the deal? Why do some people live by this stuff while others are staunchly against it?

The product is intended by the manufacturer to be rinsed and even mild detergents can cause degradation if left on a surface too long. The thing is that is does work and well, but you should wipe it off with a damp cloth or extract it. As a matter of fact some Automakers include a tag on their leather seats that give instructions to clean with a diluted, wool-safe detergent. Some people use what works and others will only use specifically formulated/job specific chemicals and still yet others have a ton of knowledge, but no 'real world' application. There is no way to avoid sifting though these opinions, you just have to get info from trusted sources and use trial and error.

[TOGWT]

Well, while I’m certainly not a subject-matter expert, much less a guru; but I don’t mind sharing the knowledge I have gained from almost five decades of detailing experience, and insights gained from my profession as a Chemical Engineer on not only the “How it works’ but “Why it works”.

My best advise; research other options and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not hype or brand loyalty. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? I would also strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you.

I will say this, I used to use both Woolite and Leatherequi products for leather care, but as the materials and production methods that are used on automobiles change; we need to adapt to them and adjust products used and their application methodologies to keep pace with them

[supercharged]

Originally Posted by wytstang

I just recently started reading how bad woolite/water is for carpet/fabric use in cars. Wish I would have found that info a while a go. Now I'm on the hunt for a solid carpet cloth seat cleaner, any recommendations? How does DP total interior cleaner perform? Not trying to hijack but it does pertain to this thread and will help out other folks in there search.
EDIT: I have tried PB APC and that didn't go to well for me. Now I'm a bit hesitant with APCs for interior cleaning.

Megs APC+ (orange) is your best friend. Works well at ratio 10:1 (10 water, 1 cleaner), and is very efficient. I always use it on carpets in my car, love that it doesn't foam up like DP.

[Bunky]

Originally Posted by integritydetail

The product is intended by the manufacturer to be rinsed and even mild detergents can cause degradation if left on a surface too long. The thing is that is does work and well, but you should wipe it off with a damp cloth or extract it. As a matter of fact some Automakers include a tag on their leather seats that give instructions to clean with a diluted, wool-safe detergent. Some people use what works and others will only use specifically formulated/job specific chemicals and still yet others have a ton of knowledge, but no 'real world' application. There is no way to avoid sifting though these opinions, you just have to get info from trusted sources and use trial and error.

I still think some paint a picture that people are washing their leather seats like they are taking a bath. That is, they have this bucket of soapy water and taking a sponge and dousing it on the seats.

With any cleaner on most any surface, it is best to use a dampened cloth or sponge with whatever the cleaner is and then wipe on the surface. Then wipe down with a second damp cloth to remove the cleaner and dry the surface. You could argue just sitting on leather seats will do equal amounts of harm (transfer of dirt/sweat) than a cleaner. As we know, always use the least aggressive method to clean as possible

This applies even to spray on products like Meg's QID, etc.

[integritydetail]

Originally Posted by TOGWT

Well, while I’m certainly not a subject-matter expert, much less a guru; but I don’t mind sharing the knowledge I have gained from almost five decades of detailing experience, and insights gained from my profession as a Chemical Engineer on not only the “How it works’ but “Why it works”.

My best advise; research other options and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not hype or brand loyalty. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? I would also strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you.

I will say this, I used to use both Woolite and Leatherequi products for leather care, but as the materials and production methods that are used on automobiles change; we need to adapt to them and adjust products used and their application methodologies to keep pace with them

Well said!

Regards,
Chris

[Larry A]

If chemicals in Woolite are bad, what are the bad chemicals. If upholstrey cleaner is good, what chemicals in it are good . Ill bet that most upholstrey cleaners are similar to woolite. There are not that many different chemicals used in cleaning stuff. I use woolite and water as a all purpose cleaner around the house.