Simple Green (purple)

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APRRSV

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I've read posts on this forum regarding Simple Green vs Simple Green purple. Some say to use green for aluminum and others say purple. Is there yet a consensus as to which color, if either, actually damages or yields poor results on aluminum?

Ed
 
I've used the normal green on aluminum, in fact it's my favorite cleaner for engine and gearbox cases. Haven't used the purple, but the label says safe for metals.
 
Be careful, PP ruined the finish on a friend’s Ducati wheels. (Older M900, anodized wheels)
 
Check the pH on the MSDS. High pH is what cuts the grease, but also strips paint and tarnishes aluminum. I think I've figured out the secret sauce. Diluted Super Clean. Spray it on and immediately start cleaning. Then immediately rinse. A mild vinegar solution will also neutralize the alkaline. Do not let it, or any high alkaline degreaser, sit for any extended time. I tried numerous cleaners to include simple green, 409, and pine sol (an acid). The diluted Super Clean blew away the competition. It should, it's pH is near 14 (undilluted). Whatever you use, test it first at higher dilution ratios (SC recommends 16:1 for chrome and SS). You can always tweak it stronger. I use it at 3:1 for heavy duty degreasing)
 
there's a simple green for aircraft - Extreme Simple Green Aircraft and Precision Cleaner.

simplegreen.com

Simple Green Industrial Cleaning Site

Simple Green | US | Industrial | Extreme Aircraft Precision Cleaner | Learn about Simple Green's full line of environmentally safer household cleaning products. Discounts, cleaning tips, reviews, special offers and more.
simplegreen.com simplegreen.com
 
Purple power isn't simple green purple. There are other "purple" cleaners out there too.. Castrol has one that took the skin off my hands.
 
The green Simple Green will damage metals. I use the purple Simple Green. I think it's called Pro?
 
swooshdave said:
The green Simple Green will damage metals. I use the purple Simple Green. I think it's called Pro?
Click to expand...

The purple SG is much more alkaline then the green SG. Green is ~9 pH whereas purple is ~11 pH. I would dilute the purple. Green should be ok straight (it did not affect anything i used it on topically), but if you are concerned, dilute it as well. And again, test it before you use it
 
TomU said:
The purple SG is much more alkaline then the green SG. Green is ~9 pH whereas purple is ~11 pH. I would dilute the purple. Green should be ok straight (it did not affect anything i used it on topically), but if you are concerned, dilute it as well. And again, test it before you use it
Click to expand...

I have been using the Purple Simple Green for years with zero affect on the metal. I don't think it's just the pH but something in it, maybe review the contents too.
 
swooshdave said:
maybe review the contents too.
Click to expand...

Possibly, but you need a degree in chemistry to understand the ingredients :p

pH is simple.

www.nycoproducts.com

Cleaners & Degreasers - Blurred Lines | Simple Science of Degreasers

What's the difference between a cleaner, a degreaser and a "cleaner-degreaser". Learn the simple science of degreasers and what to use on greasy soils.
www.nycoproducts.com www.nycoproducts.com

From the link, SG Green would be considered a general cleaner. SG Purple is a degreaser. And Super Clean is an Oven Cleaner :eek:
 
TomU said:
Possibly, but you need a degree in chemistry to understand the ingredients :p

pH is simple.

www.nycoproducts.com

Cleaners & Degreasers - Blurred Lines | Simple Science of Degreasers

What's the difference between a cleaner, a degreaser and a "cleaner-degreaser". Learn the simple science of degreasers and what to use on greasy soils.
www.nycoproducts.com www.nycoproducts.com

From the link, SG Green would be considered a general cleaner. SG Purple is a degreaser. And Super Clean is an Oven Cleaner :eek:
Click to expand...

simplegreen.com

Simple Green Household Cleaning Site

Learn about Simple Green's full line of environmentally safer household cleaning products. Discounts, cleaning tips, reviews, special offers and more.
simplegreen.com simplegreen.com
 
The Extreme Simple Green is formulated for safe use on aluminum--it is made for airplanes. Works fine.
 
linker48x said:
The Extreme Simple Green is formulated for safe use on aluminum--it is made for airplanes. Works fine.
Click to expand...

SG Extreme pH is ~11. That's fairly basic. It's probably ok to spray on and wash off, but i wouldn't soak any aluminum in it undiluted for any extended period of time.

Corrosion: Reasons and solution |

Describing corrosion, process af galvanic and pitting corrosion.
www.alumeco.com www.alumeco.com
.

From the link

"The optimal pH value for the oxide layer is in the range 4 to 9. Acids and bases break down the oxide layer, thereby opening up the raw aluminium surface. If aluminium is exposed to very strong acid or alkaline environments outside the pH range 4 to 9, violent corrosion will occur in the form of metal pitting.

Bases break down the aluminium faster than acids - for example concentrated caustic soda reacts so violently with aluminium that it can start to boil. The reaction is powerful and causes the temperature to rise, and the higher the temperature, the faster the reaction is. Thus, the reaction between aluminium and the base is self-accelerating and can accelerate violently. An example of a common alkaline material is concrete, which normally has a pH value of between 12.5 and 13.5."

And there's the dilemma. Alkaline is great at breaking down grease, but it's also great at breaking down aluminum
 
Thank you all for your thoughts. Evidently there is still disagreement. I think I'll stick with gasoline (petrol) and toothbrush. Maybe topped of with vapor blasting.

Ed
 
APRRSV said:
Thank you all for your thoughts. Evidently there is still disagreement. I think I'll stick with gasoline (petrol) and toothbrush. Maybe topped of with vapor blasting.

Ed
Click to expand...

I have not used S100 before but I intend on trying in soon.
 
Many years ago I used the original Simple green on the stoves exhaust hood and the paint is still tacky to this day.

Mark
 
maylar said:
You'll like it. My brother used it on his Harley and it worked really well.
Click to expand...
S100 = I use this and like it a lot. Not recommended to use when engine is hot and in hot sunlight. use your shady tree. Make sure you rinse it all off or you get a white film residue.
Cheers,
Tom
 
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