A degreaser, even when diluted,can damage interior plastics and vinyl over time. In some cases, this damage can occur immediately; in others, it may take months of repeated use to become noticeable. The results depend on the materials used by the vehicle manufacturer and how aggressive the degreaser is on the pH scale.
Diluting a degreaser may reduce its strength, but it has very little effect on the product’s pH. Most degreasers have a pH of 12 or higher, which is extremely harsh for interior surfaces. The damage typically occurs when the degreaser breaks down the protective coating on vinyl and plastic. Over time, this leads to fading, bleaching, or discoloration.
To protect the longevity of your interior, it’s best to use a product specifically designed for automotive interior components. A dedicated interior cleaner is safe for leather, plastic, and carpet and is formulated with a near-neutral pH. For example, our Interior Solution with a pH of around 7.2 is far safer than using a degreaser.
While using a diluted degreaser may seem like a cheaper option, it often ends up costing more in the long run due to interior damage and premature wear.