Mike Phillips
04-25-2017, 12:56 PM
Review: GTechniq Tri-Clean and Smart Fabric by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/109497-review-gtechniq-tri-clean-smart-fabric-mike-phillips.html)
GTechniq Tri-Clean and Smart Fabric
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_037.JPG
Clean and protect your car and you clean and protect your car investment...
In keeping with the idea of taking care of your car BEFORE it needs work, also called PMs or Preventative Maintenance, here's how to clean and protect the area of your car's interior that sees the MOST wear and tear and that's the floor matts.
Back to my buddy Tom's brand spanking new 2017 Mercedes-Benz S 550, because it's new the best time to seal the carpets is right now while they are still new. Tom is retired so he's not getting into and out of this Mercedes-Benz with dirty work boots but here in Florida it rains a LOT and that means tracking rain water into your car and all the dirty and oily contaminants found in rain water in parking lots.
So lets take a look at these two products...
GTechniq Tri-Clean
From the GTechniq website
I2 Tri-Clean is an all-surface interior product that cleans and kills 99.9% of bacteria and absorbs odors.
Developed in conjunction with the global leader in antibacterial and antimicrobial technology, BioCoteŽ, I2 ensures surfaces remain hygienic and fresh, by actively reducing the number of microbes.
I2 also contains a true odor absorber, not an odor mask, that eliminates tacky residues that attract dirt.
Directions for use
This product can be used on all interior surfaces including leather seats, dash board, door cards, carpets and upholstery
• Prior to use, test on a small area of substrate to check that the substrate is color fast
• Spray onto a clean microfiber towel and onto the surface
• Work until the surface is clean
My comments....
Pretty straightforward. Spray on, spread over surface, wipe off excess. The product will
Clean
Disinfect
Remove foul odors
GTechniq I1 Smart Fabric
From the GTechniq website
I1 Smart Fabric protects all kinds of fabrics from water and oil based stains. It is breathable and extremely durable thanks to unique Gtechniq 3S Smart Surface Science. With added BioCoteŽ anti microbial technology, treated surfaces will kill 99.9% of bacteria.
I1 Smart Fabric makes ordinary fabrics waterproof and easy to clean. Use it to prevent soaking, swelling or rotting on any fabric. From sails, tents and awnings to your car’s soft top and interior.
The nano particles of I1 coat each fabric fiber individually, leaving the texture unaffected, allowing the material to breathe. This means stale air will still be able to escape, while repelling water and oil-based liquids.
Being alcohol based ensures a much deeper penetration of the active ingredient giving an I1 treated surface much better durability and overall performance. Typically an I1 treated surface will last 5 times longer than conventional water repellent coatings, with the lifespan of the product on soft tops for as long as 3 years.
Directions for use
To be used only in well ventilated working areas
• Do not dilute
• SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE
• The surface to be treated must be exceptionally dry, free of dust and dirt, oils and fats
• If the surface requires cleaning we recommend using a 1:10 dilution of Gtechniq W2 Universal Cleaner Concentrate or I2 Tri-Clean but ensure the fabric is thoroughly dried after cleaning. For convertible roofs we recommend you leave to dry for at least 48 hours in good drying conditions before applying I1.
• Work and apply at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius
• Apply by spraying evenly from a distance of about 20 - 30cm ensuring thorough saturation and allow drying for approximately 2 - 3 hours. NB. You must ensure that your application is thorough as once dried you cannot apply a second coat as the first coat will repel additional product.
• To avoid unsightly residue marks on non absorbent surfaces such as plastic trim, glass, leather and paintwork remove I1 with a microfiber cloth immediately after application or mask up these surfaces prior to application
• After 24 hours the full effectiveness of this product is achieved
• Once the coating has finished working it can be reapplied using the same procedure
• The suitability and the color-fastness of the material to be treated should be tested prior to the application of the product
• Previously applied treatments can alter the effectiveness of the application
• I1 Smart Fabric has a shelf life of 2 years from purchase, for best result, use within 1 year of opening
My comments....
Wow! This is some very high tech stuff. Let me translate the above into a tick simpler explanations...
They recommend the temperature be at least 5 degrees Celsius which is 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray from evenly from a distance of about 20 - 30cm, which is about 7" to 12" away.
Then this little tidbit,
You must ensure that your application is thorough as once dried you cannot apply a second coat as the first coat will repel additional product.
Did you see that? You cannot apply a second coat because the product will repel itself. That's pretty cool.
Don't get this product on anything that is non-absorbent, or surfaces that are solid, like many of the surfaces on the inside of your car outside of fabric, carpet and some headliners. If you do accidently get some of this product on a non-fabric surface, wipe it off immediately using a clean microfiber towel.
Wait 24 hours before putting your vehicle back into service.
Once the product has worn off or worn out you can re-apply the product using the same procedures listed.
Test for color fastness in an inconspicuous area.
Previous applications of the product can affect future applications. They didn't mention this but I'll guess re-applying this product over older applications of this products is harder than when you did it the first time. (Probably because it's trying to repel itself at some level)
Use up your bottle of Smart Fabric the first year you own it.
But the jist of this product is its a for water-proofing or stain proofing fabrics and upholstery. So lets test it out on the least respected part of any car, the carpeted floor matts.
Carpeted Floor Matts
Like I said, floor matts get no respect. Every time you get in and out of our car you place your dirty shoes on them. These matts are a few months old so I'm going to clean them and then apply the Smart Fabric.
Cleaning first...
Here I'm using the GTechniq I2 Tri-Clean with some clean microfiber towels to do a thorough but also topical cleaning.
Spray on the Tri-Clean..
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_024.JPG
Spray spray spray....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_025.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_026.JPG
Rub rub rub....
Yep... this an is old school method of cleaning carpet....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_027.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_028.JPG
Apply Smart Fabric
After allowing the fibers that make up the carpeted floor mats dry to the touch with the help of a Shop-Vac Air Mover, next it's time to apply the GTechniq Smart Fabric.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_029.JPG
Spray spray spray....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_030.JPG
Spray spray spray....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_031.JPG
Remember, the directions from the website stated,
Apply by spraying evenly from a distance of about 20 - 30cm ensuring thorough saturation and allow drying for approximately 2 - 3 hours.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_032.JPG
Work the Smart Fabric over and into the carpet
Then instead of allowing the product to sit on the fibers and do their own thing I used a technique I use when applying RaggTopp protectant to canvas tops and that is to work the product over and into the fibers with my gloved hands...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_033.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_034.JPG
Next, I place the Shop-Vac Air Mover next to the carpeted floor matts and let her rip for a few hours...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_035.JPG
Comments after this initial use...
Both products are easy to use. There's no harsh or foul odor but you don't want to breathe this stuff in due to the technology that they use. The best way to use these types of products is when your car is brand new or for household use, when you have brand new carpet of upholstery that you want to water-proof and/or stain proof.
Next time I have our Mercedes-Benz SL 500 down here to Autogeek's Show Car Garage I'm going to use these two products on the carpeted floor mats. I keep them clean anyways but I like the idea of water proofing and stain proofing the light gray carpets to keep them protected and looking new. Plus I trust the GTechniq name.
On Autogeek.com
GTechniq I2 Tri-Clean
http://www.autogeek.net/gtechniq-tri-clean.html
GTechniq Smart Fabric
:)
GTechniq Tri-Clean and Smart Fabric
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_037.JPG
Clean and protect your car and you clean and protect your car investment...
In keeping with the idea of taking care of your car BEFORE it needs work, also called PMs or Preventative Maintenance, here's how to clean and protect the area of your car's interior that sees the MOST wear and tear and that's the floor matts.
Back to my buddy Tom's brand spanking new 2017 Mercedes-Benz S 550, because it's new the best time to seal the carpets is right now while they are still new. Tom is retired so he's not getting into and out of this Mercedes-Benz with dirty work boots but here in Florida it rains a LOT and that means tracking rain water into your car and all the dirty and oily contaminants found in rain water in parking lots.
So lets take a look at these two products...
GTechniq Tri-Clean
From the GTechniq website
I2 Tri-Clean is an all-surface interior product that cleans and kills 99.9% of bacteria and absorbs odors.
Developed in conjunction with the global leader in antibacterial and antimicrobial technology, BioCoteŽ, I2 ensures surfaces remain hygienic and fresh, by actively reducing the number of microbes.
I2 also contains a true odor absorber, not an odor mask, that eliminates tacky residues that attract dirt.
Directions for use
This product can be used on all interior surfaces including leather seats, dash board, door cards, carpets and upholstery
• Prior to use, test on a small area of substrate to check that the substrate is color fast
• Spray onto a clean microfiber towel and onto the surface
• Work until the surface is clean
My comments....
Pretty straightforward. Spray on, spread over surface, wipe off excess. The product will
Clean
Disinfect
Remove foul odors
GTechniq I1 Smart Fabric
From the GTechniq website
I1 Smart Fabric protects all kinds of fabrics from water and oil based stains. It is breathable and extremely durable thanks to unique Gtechniq 3S Smart Surface Science. With added BioCoteŽ anti microbial technology, treated surfaces will kill 99.9% of bacteria.
I1 Smart Fabric makes ordinary fabrics waterproof and easy to clean. Use it to prevent soaking, swelling or rotting on any fabric. From sails, tents and awnings to your car’s soft top and interior.
The nano particles of I1 coat each fabric fiber individually, leaving the texture unaffected, allowing the material to breathe. This means stale air will still be able to escape, while repelling water and oil-based liquids.
Being alcohol based ensures a much deeper penetration of the active ingredient giving an I1 treated surface much better durability and overall performance. Typically an I1 treated surface will last 5 times longer than conventional water repellent coatings, with the lifespan of the product on soft tops for as long as 3 years.
Directions for use
To be used only in well ventilated working areas
• Do not dilute
• SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE
• The surface to be treated must be exceptionally dry, free of dust and dirt, oils and fats
• If the surface requires cleaning we recommend using a 1:10 dilution of Gtechniq W2 Universal Cleaner Concentrate or I2 Tri-Clean but ensure the fabric is thoroughly dried after cleaning. For convertible roofs we recommend you leave to dry for at least 48 hours in good drying conditions before applying I1.
• Work and apply at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius
• Apply by spraying evenly from a distance of about 20 - 30cm ensuring thorough saturation and allow drying for approximately 2 - 3 hours. NB. You must ensure that your application is thorough as once dried you cannot apply a second coat as the first coat will repel additional product.
• To avoid unsightly residue marks on non absorbent surfaces such as plastic trim, glass, leather and paintwork remove I1 with a microfiber cloth immediately after application or mask up these surfaces prior to application
• After 24 hours the full effectiveness of this product is achieved
• Once the coating has finished working it can be reapplied using the same procedure
• The suitability and the color-fastness of the material to be treated should be tested prior to the application of the product
• Previously applied treatments can alter the effectiveness of the application
• I1 Smart Fabric has a shelf life of 2 years from purchase, for best result, use within 1 year of opening
My comments....
Wow! This is some very high tech stuff. Let me translate the above into a tick simpler explanations...
They recommend the temperature be at least 5 degrees Celsius which is 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray from evenly from a distance of about 20 - 30cm, which is about 7" to 12" away.
Then this little tidbit,
You must ensure that your application is thorough as once dried you cannot apply a second coat as the first coat will repel additional product.
Did you see that? You cannot apply a second coat because the product will repel itself. That's pretty cool.
Don't get this product on anything that is non-absorbent, or surfaces that are solid, like many of the surfaces on the inside of your car outside of fabric, carpet and some headliners. If you do accidently get some of this product on a non-fabric surface, wipe it off immediately using a clean microfiber towel.
Wait 24 hours before putting your vehicle back into service.
Once the product has worn off or worn out you can re-apply the product using the same procedures listed.
Test for color fastness in an inconspicuous area.
Previous applications of the product can affect future applications. They didn't mention this but I'll guess re-applying this product over older applications of this products is harder than when you did it the first time. (Probably because it's trying to repel itself at some level)
Use up your bottle of Smart Fabric the first year you own it.
But the jist of this product is its a for water-proofing or stain proofing fabrics and upholstery. So lets test it out on the least respected part of any car, the carpeted floor matts.
Carpeted Floor Matts
Like I said, floor matts get no respect. Every time you get in and out of our car you place your dirty shoes on them. These matts are a few months old so I'm going to clean them and then apply the Smart Fabric.
Cleaning first...
Here I'm using the GTechniq I2 Tri-Clean with some clean microfiber towels to do a thorough but also topical cleaning.
Spray on the Tri-Clean..
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_024.JPG
Spray spray spray....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_025.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_026.JPG
Rub rub rub....
Yep... this an is old school method of cleaning carpet....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_027.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_028.JPG
Apply Smart Fabric
After allowing the fibers that make up the carpeted floor mats dry to the touch with the help of a Shop-Vac Air Mover, next it's time to apply the GTechniq Smart Fabric.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_029.JPG
Spray spray spray....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_030.JPG
Spray spray spray....
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_031.JPG
Remember, the directions from the website stated,
Apply by spraying evenly from a distance of about 20 - 30cm ensuring thorough saturation and allow drying for approximately 2 - 3 hours.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_032.JPG
Work the Smart Fabric over and into the carpet
Then instead of allowing the product to sit on the fibers and do their own thing I used a technique I use when applying RaggTopp protectant to canvas tops and that is to work the product over and into the fibers with my gloved hands...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_033.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_034.JPG
Next, I place the Shop-Vac Air Mover next to the carpeted floor matts and let her rip for a few hours...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3413/S_550_035.JPG
Comments after this initial use...
Both products are easy to use. There's no harsh or foul odor but you don't want to breathe this stuff in due to the technology that they use. The best way to use these types of products is when your car is brand new or for household use, when you have brand new carpet of upholstery that you want to water-proof and/or stain proof.
Next time I have our Mercedes-Benz SL 500 down here to Autogeek's Show Car Garage I'm going to use these two products on the carpeted floor mats. I keep them clean anyways but I like the idea of water proofing and stain proofing the light gray carpets to keep them protected and looking new. Plus I trust the GTechniq name.
On Autogeek.com
GTechniq I2 Tri-Clean
http://www.autogeek.net/gtechniq-tri-clean.html
GTechniq Smart Fabric
:)