Learn me about ph level

[Honda Fan]

I was sleeping during HS chemistry so I'll need a little refresher. I understand what PH level is but how does it apply to car wash soap and the process of washing a car? I realize one end of the spectrum may be better for this or that, but exactly how? How and when should I pick a wash (with regards to ph level) for any particular application? Is there a danger that I might let a particular cleaner dwell too long and do more harm than good?

[MisterSnoop]

pH of 7 is neutral. most car washes are either neutral or alkaline (ph > 7). if you have a wax or sealant as protection on your car, using something high on the pH scale (pH 12-13), may clean well but will shorten the life of your wax/sealant. so you may want to use the higher pH stuff sparingly unless you're planning on reapplying your wax/sealant.

[Texchappy]

Acidic is the opposite side of the spectrum and is useful for minerals, bugs, and water spots*. APC are often acidic as are some wheel cleaners.

* water spots contain the minerals carried in the water and are thus alkaline so acids counteract/neutralize them.

[Eldorado2k]

APC are often acidic as are some wheel cleaners.

APC’s are often alkaline, not acidic.

A good dedicated wheel cleaner is often acidic. If/when that’s the case it usually means that it won’t be any good at cleaning tires hence it being a dedicated wheel cleaner.

These days more products are moving towards being neutral or alkaline which helps in several ways. For 1, they tend to be multi purpose as alkaline products can be good at cleaning both wheels & tires. Plus we live in the day where many people have gone soft and are afraid of every single thing imaginable, so the simple mention of the word acid makes them tremble in their shoes, which in turn can’t be good for business.

[Honda Fan]

Thanks

[Texchappy]

APC’s are often alkaline, not acidic.

A good dedicated wheel cleaner is often acidic. If/when that’s the case it usually means that it won’t be any good at cleaning tires hence it being a dedicated wheel cleaner.

These days more products are moving towards being neutral or alkaline which helps in several ways. For 1, they tend to be multi purpose as alkaline products can be good at cleaning both wheels & tires. Plus we live in the day where many people have gone soft and are afraid of every single thing imaginable, so the simple mention of the word acid makes them tremble in their shoes, which in turn can’t be good for business.

I thought the ones with dLimonene were acidic?

[Eldorado2k]

I thought the ones with dLimonene were acidic?

I’m not familiar with that product.

[opie]

I thought the ones with dLimonene were acidic?

Correct.

3D bug remover and 3d orange degreaser contain dlimonene.

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[UncleDavy]

APCs are often alkaline in nature since most stains are acidic in nature. Any liquid with a pH below 7 is considered acidic and any liquid above 7 is considered basic. A cleaner that is pH neutral can have a value between 6 and 8. You can change the pH value of a concentrate by adding water. The formula is:
Original pH - (-log(original volume/new volume)). This is for an alkali. For an acid you add instead of subtract.

[briarpatch]

I thought the ones with dLimonene were acidic?

very mildly acidic