simple green

[poopy]

can you use simple green to clean roof caulking seams to add a little around "trouble areas?". thanks.

[chuckster57]

Yes you can. Be sure to wipe any residue away as you want a clean dry surface soothe sealant will adhere. If your using Dicor on the seams, you can use denatured alcohol as it will dry quickly and not leave any film or residue.

[hankaye]

poopy, Howdy;

I was curious about Simple Green also so last July I sent an inquiry
to them. This is the response that I received;

Hello Hank,

Thank you for contacting Simple Green and for your interest in our products.

Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner is suitable for cleaning you EPDM rubber roof. The product does not contain any abrasives, solvents, d’limonene, or petroleum distillates. The recommended dilution ratio for cleaning your roof is about 1:10. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly.

I hope that this information helps. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly via reply email or at the number below. I’m available Monday thru Friday from 8 – 5 Pacific Standard Time.

Thank you again for your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Simple Green

Theresa Provolt
Customer Service and
Business Support Manager
p. 562.795.6091 • f. 562.795.6091
[email protected]


hankaye

[denverpilot]

Be cautious on one thing with Simple Green -- it will eat unpainted/unprotected aluminum if allowed to stay on it.

After aircraft owners noticed this, they started making an "aviation" version that will not.

Thus, their admonition to "rinse thoroughly".

[bsmith0404]

It works great for cleaning bugs off the front cap as well, but will remove all waxes and cause fading. Another reason to make sure you rinse thoroughly and don't get it on other surfaces.

[Desert185]

Be cautious on one thing with Simple Green -- it will eat unpainted/unprotected aluminum if allowed to stay on it.

After aircraft owners noticed this, they started making an "aviation" version that will not.

Thus, their admonition to "rinse thoroughly".

I bought a supply of the aluminum compatible Simple Green Extreme for use on my airplane. Also works well on other aluminum items, like the motorcycle, quads, etc. As good as the original Simple Green is, you still have to be careful with the application.

The best (and cheapest) degreaser/laundry pre-spray/stain remover I have used is Awesome from the Dollar Store. Just don't breath the vapors. :)

[JRTJH]

I was doing some reading on the DICOR website yesterday for another question on the forum and came across this comment from DICOR: "CAUTION: DO NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citric-based cleaners. You may cause irreparable damage to your roof and/or may void your warranty. Use caution when working on top of your vehicle. The wet membrane may be extremely slippery" http://www.dicorproducts.com/catalog/roof-products/membranes-and-installation-products/britetek-roof-membrane/#care

The comment is in both the BriteTEK (TPO) cleaning instructions and in the EPDM cleaning instructions.

Also, in the DICOR FAQ section is this Q&A: "What do I need to care for my roof?
Periodic cleaning (see Dicor care & maintenance instructions). We recommend you stay away from anything that smells "fruity" or "flowery". These smells will attract birds, bees, squirrels, raccoons & other "critters". http://www.dicorproducts.com/faq/

I remembered this thread, so I went to the Simple Green website to look at their list of ingredients.

This is what is in Simple Green: Water, Ethoxylated Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate, Sodium Carbonate, Citric Acid, Isothiazolinone mixture, Fragrance, Colorant

I do acknowledge that Simple Green's manufacturer says their product is OK to use on EPDM and TPO roofing, but DICOR says "don't do it"... You may never have an issue with Simple Green, but if you have a problem with the 10 year warranty on your roof and DICOR can determine that you used a "citric acid based cleaner", they may disapprove your warranty claim. Also, some of the Simple Green formulas (lemon scent, etc) may attract pests to your roof, compounding your cleaning problems.

I know that we've all heard the warning, "Don't use gasoline to clean greasy auto parts" but many of us "ignore the warning" anyway. Simple Green may well be in the "ignore the warning" category for many of us.

I'll leave the decision up to you.

[cw3jason]

Simple green is highly acidic. we used it on our aircraft for a while and lost a few transmissions due to corrosion.
The only thing required to clean your roof is mild soap or detergent like spic n span or dawn dish detergent.

[jsmith948]

Dawn dish soap plus a couple handfuls of Borax. Rinse thoroughly. Apply your favorite sunscreen/ protectant (303 for us).

[Desert185]

Dawn dish soap plus a couple handfuls of Borax. Rinse thoroughly. Apply your favorite sunscreen/ protectant (303 for us).

Dawn and 303. That would be my choice. Been using Dawn in the black tank, too. Wish 303 was available at the Dollar Store like Dawn.

Better life through chemistry. Speaking of that, Have popcorn and ready for another engine oil thread. :cool: