OPTiX Nano APC: All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser Guide

APC is one of the most used products in a professional detailing kit, but it is also one of the most misused. Applying it at the wrong dilution, on the wrong surface, or without rinsing properly can cause damage, leave residue or strip protection you spent hours applying. This guide covers what OPTiX Nano APC is designed to do, how to dilute and apply it correctly, and where to stop.

This guide does not replace the current product label or safety data sheet. Follow those documents first. If a surface, application or chemical compatibility question is not covered here, contact OPTiX before proceeding.

What OPTiX Nano APC is

OPTiX Nano APC is a concentrated, water-based all-purpose cleaner and degreaser formulated for automotive detailing and commercial cleaning use. It is designed to cut through heavy grime, grease, brake dust, engine oil and organic contamination across a wide range of surfaces.

The product is available in a 5 litre container, which gives professional detailers and frequent users a cost-effective supply that can be decanted into applicator bottles at the required dilution for each task. One concentrate covers multiple jobs at very different dilution ratios depending on the level of soiling and the surface being cleaned.

What APC is and is not suitable for

Suitable applications

• Wheel face and barrel degreasing before washing or decontamination.
• Tyre cleaning and degreasing before dressing application.
• Engine bay cleaning on cool, protected components with appropriate masking.
• Underbody and chassis grime removal.
• Interior hard surfaces including plastics, rubber, carpet and upholstery at appropriate dilutions.
• Truck, van and commercial vehicle wash prep.
• Workshop floor and equipment cleaning.

Stop and reassess when

• The surface has an active ceramic coating, paint sealant or wax that you do not want to disturb.
• The surface is painted bodywork where you have not confirmed APC is appropriate at the intended dilution.
• The component is heat-sensitive, unshielded electrical, bare aluminium or an unpainted trim that has not been tested.
• You cannot rinse the surface properly after application.
• You are unsure of the dilution required for the task.

Dilution ratios

APC is a concentrate. Using it undiluted or at too high a concentration for the surface is a common cause of residue, streaking and unintended damage. The correct dilution depends on the level of contamination and the surface type. Always work from the current product label for confirmed ratios. As a general reference for heavy-duty tasks such as wheel barrels, engine bays and heavily soiled surfaces, stronger dilutions are appropriate. For lighter interior work, carpets and general surface wipe-down, significantly weaker dilutions are used.

Prepare your working solution in a labelled spray bottle before you start. Do not guess or estimate by eye. Use measured water and concentrate.

Tools and PPE

• Labelled spray bottle with the prepared dilution.
• Appropriate brushes for wheels, barrels and agitation work.
• Microfibre or dedicated cleaning towels for interior surfaces.
• Protective gloves and eye protection as required by the current safety data sheet.
• Access to a rinse water source for exterior applications.
• Masking or protection for sensitive components in engine bay work.

Method: exterior wheel and tyre cleaning

Wheel and tyre cleaning is one of the most common uses for APC in a professional wash workflow. The steps below reflect a standard pre-wash degreasing pass on alloy wheels such as those found on the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.

1. Prepare the dilution. Mix APC at the ratio appropriate for the level of brake dust and grime present. Heavy build-up warrants a stronger solution. Follow the current label.
2. Work on a cool wheel. Do not apply APC to a wheel that is hot from braking. Allow the vehicle to stand and the brakes to cool before beginning.
3. Apply to the tyre first. Spray the tyre sidewall and allow brief dwell time. Agitate with a stiff tyre brush before rinsing.
4. Apply to the wheel face and barrel. Spray the wheel face, spokes and barrel. Use a dedicated wheel brush and barrel brush to agitate grime from recessed areas and behind the spokes.
5. Do not allow APC to dry on the surface. Work one wheel at a time and rinse thoroughly before moving to the next. Dried APC residue can leave marks on some finishes.
6. Rinse completely. Flush the wheel face, barrel and tyre with clean water. Confirm no foam or residue remains in recessed areas before the vehicle moves or drying begins.
7. Inspect before dressing or protection. Once clean and dry, check the wheel for remaining brake dust or grime before applying any tyre dressing or wheel sealant.

Method: interior and general surface cleaning

1. Use a weaker dilution. Interior surfaces, carpets and headliners require a significantly lower concentration than exterior degreasing work. Refer to the current label.
2. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Apply a small amount to a hidden area of the surface and wait. Confirm there is no staining, discolouration or adverse reaction before proceeding.
3. Apply to a cloth or brush, not directly to the surface where possible. This gives you better control over the amount of product contacting upholstery, stitching and electronics.
4. Agitate gently. Work in sections and avoid saturating materials unnecessarily.
5. Remove residue promptly. Use a clean damp microfibre to lift loosened grime. Follow with a dry pass to remove moisture.
6. Allow to dry before re-applying any dressing or protection.

Common mistakes

• Using APC undiluted on painted surfaces: concentrated APC is not formulated for bare painted bodywork at full strength and can cause damage or strip protection.
• Letting product dry on the surface: this is particularly a risk in direct sun. Work in shade and rinse promptly.
• Using the same dilution for every task: heavy degreasing and light interior cleaning require very different concentrations. Prepare separate bottles.
• Applying to hot brakes or a hot engine bay: heat accelerates dwell time unpredictably and increases risk of damage or residue.
• Not rinsing thoroughly: APC residue left behind can interfere with tyre dressings, wheel coatings and interior protection products applied afterward.
• Using on a ceramic-coated vehicle without checking compatibility: strong APC solutions can affect coatings. Confirm the dilution and surface suitability before using near protected paint.

Troubleshooting

Residue or streaking remains after rinsing

The dilution may have been too strong for the surface, or the product dried before rinsing. Rewet the surface with clean water, agitate gently and rinse again. If streaking persists, check whether the surface finish or coating has been affected and contact OPTiX.

Grime is not lifting despite agitation

The contamination may require a stronger dilution, longer dwell time, or a more appropriate product such as a dedicated iron remover or tar remover for specific types of bonded contamination. APC is a general degreaser, not a chemical decontaminant for bonded particles.

Tyre or trim shows discolouration after use

Stop immediately. Rinse the area thoroughly and do not apply any further product. Assess whether the dilution used was appropriate for the surface and contact OPTiX if you are unsure of the cause.

After cleaning

Once surfaces are clean and fully dry, they are ready for any required protection or dressing products. For ceramic-coated vehicles, refer to the relevant coating maintenance guide before applying any chemical. For wheel protection and paint maintenance, see the OPTiX Ceramic Coatings collection and the OP888 maintenance-wash guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use APC on ceramic-coated paint?

Only at a dilution and in a context confirmed to be safe for the coating. Strong APC solutions are not intended for use on protected paintwork. Check the current product label and, if unsure, contact OPTiX before use.

How do I store unused mixed solution?

Prepared dilutions should be stored in a clean, labelled spray bottle away from heat and direct sunlight. Check the current label for shelf-life guidance on mixed solutions.

Can APC be used in a foam cannon or pressure washer?

Refer to the current product label for compatible application methods. Not all dilutions or application equipment are suitable for every surface or task.

Is the 5 litre size suitable for occasional home use?

Yes. The 5 litre container is economical for both professional and regular home detailers. Decant into a small labelled spray bottle at the correct dilution and store the remaining concentrate securely.

What is the difference between APC and a dedicated wheel cleaner?

APC is a broad-spectrum degreaser suitable across many surfaces and soil types. A dedicated wheel cleaner may contain specific chemistry for brake dust, iron contamination or colour-change indication. Both can be used in a workflow where appropriate. If heavy iron or brake dust contamination is present, an iron remover is typically used after the APC degreasing step.