Frequently Asked Questions - Using Simple Green Products

Simple Green is not a disinfectant. However, we do manufacture Simple Green d, and Simple Green Multi-Surface Antibacterial which clean, disinfect and deodorize. These products are effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and the HIV virus. For locations where you can purchase Simple Green d and Multi-Surface Antibacterial, please call 800-228-0709.

Dilution Ratios - How to measure 10:1, 30:1, 50:1, and 150:1
10:1 Add 10 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. (1/8 cup) to 1 cup
30:1 Add 30 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. to 1 quart
50:1 Add 50 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. to 6 cups of water
150:1 Add 150 parts water to 1 part Simple Green -- 1 oz. to 1 gallon plus 2 cups
A tip for mixing 150:1 is that you only need 1 teaspoon of Simple Green to 16 ounces of water.

For a listing of uses and the different dilution ratios for each use, please call 800-228-0709 and request a free "Dilution Chart" or you can download our Applications/Dilution Ratio Chart here. Downloading or reading this chart requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Dilutions - Why in parts?
The dilution ratios are given in parts and not exact measurements because: (1) it allows for larger industrial uses; and (2) Simple Green is an international product and this allows for the use of the metric system.

For a listing of uses and the different dilution ratios for each use, please call 800-228-0709 and request a free "Dilution Chart" or you can download our Applications/Dilution Ratio Chart here. Downloading or reading this chart requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

A product designed to render, for example, oils and greases soluble in water, usually made from synthetic surfactants.

Foaming is a built-in feature of Simple Green, which actually enhances the cleaning process. There are certain applications, however, where defoamers may need to be added to Simple Green in order to inhibit excessive foaming (for example, equipment with enclosed, high-pressure systems such as spray cabinets).

A word of caution: when adding foreign material into Simple Green, be aware that biodegradability, toxicity and sewerability issues need to be addressed by the additive manufacturer.

Simple Green contains emulsifiers and chelators, which make it an ideal cleaner for decontamination, especially with its exceptional rinsing properties.

Most cleaning jobs are effectively performed at the general cleaning dilution ratio of 10-30 parts water to one part of Simple Green -- some at even greater dilutions when heat, spray and agitation are added, making the product extremely economical.

Competitor Types: d-Limonene, Citrus Extracts, and Terpenes
Some of the cleaners termed "natural" contain citrus extracts. Citrus extracts in cleaners are typically either d-Limonene or some form of terpene. Terpenes are the oils from citrus rind. The terpenes that are created in nature may be effective on adhesives, however, most are quite flammable and the d-Limonene ingredient is on a list of suspected carcinogens.

Competitor Types: Petroleum-based cleaning solvents
These cleaners are significant contributors to smog, and create large volumes of hazardous waste. South Coast Air Quality Management District ordered approximately 32,000 Southern California business to stop using these high-polluting solvents. Businesses in Los Angeles and other surrounding areas must switch from highly evaporative chemical compounds to water-based detergents and other low-polluting alternatives for cleaning metal parts and machinery no later than January 1999. California tends to set the trend for legislation in the rest of the U.S. in this area.

Competitor Types: High Alkaline Water-Based
The cleaning principal of these products is that the alkaline (high pH) strips the oil from the substrate and floats it on top of the water, thus allowing re-deposition of oil on the substrate (poor rinseability). Other problems with this cleaning mechanism (high pH rating) are that higher alkalinity creates health and safety issues (i.e. chemical burns, vapors, need for costly protective equipment, disposal difficulties, etc.).

Competitor Types: Solvent Evaporatives
These products include mineral spirits, xylene, 1-1-1 trichloroethylene, perchlorethylene and all other chlorinated and halogenated solvents. These products soften oils and greases and allow for separation. Along with environmental, health and safety concerns, there are complications with the disposal of these cleaners.

Color change - turned from green to clear
Color change is due to long exposure to sunlight and should not affect its cleaning ability.

Color separation (Is green on top and clear on bottom)
Simple Green may separate at below freezing temperatures because it is a water-based product. After it has thawed, it can still be used without damage to product by shaking or re-agitating.

There are no citrus products in Simple Green products. For more information, see "Competitor Types: d-Limonene, Citrus Extracts, Terpenes".

The Montreal Protocol and the U.S. Clean Air Act Sections 602 and 611, and various international agreements outline the reduction in use and the ultimate elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons and other ozone depleting chemicals. Simple Green contains no ozone depleting substances (See Montreal Protocol, U.S. Clean Air Act and Ozone Depleting).