Citrus Pre Wash - a word of warning

[swisstoni]

I have seen good things about citrus pre washes as opposed to snow foams (which in my experience don't do much).
So I decided to use a citrus pre wash on the lower sections of my filthy Rangie.

I diluted it 1:10 and sprayed the lower half of one side and the rear.
By the time I had messed around with something else it had dried on. Big mistake it turns out despite claims of it being wax safe - it's not even paint safe!

Although metal painted surfaces were unharmed, all plastic painted parts had been dulled by a fair degree.
On the RR this is the lower doors, side gills and a fair bit of the rear door and bumper.

I tried to polish up a section with compound and it looks like it will polish up, but bloody hell !

Side gills;

[SDB660]

Had a similar experience last weekend with same product on SWMBO new X-Trail. Whole car had paint as flat as a pancake and had to polish and wax again.

Not an expert on the detailing gig, so hope someone will be along to tell me where I went wrong or if my expectations were wrong. Used similar dilution.

[taxboy]

There's nothing wrong per set with a citrus pre wash, but as with using all chemicals its important to read the instructions before use. I'd guess that they say do not let dry or use on hot panels.

Fortunately it seems no lasting damage has been caused

[swisstoni]

taxboy said:

There's nothing wrong per set with a citrus pre wash, but as with using all chemicals its important to read the instructions before use. I'd guess that they say do not let dry or use on hot panels.

Fortunately it seems no lasting damage has been caused

I did read the instructions and diluted as per. The instructions said nothing about not letting dry.

[mcg_]

what product was it?

I use auto finesse citrus power and never had a problem (I don't think!)

[swisstoni]

I'm not going to name them but I'd stick to your brand.

[J12KJR]

I use Valet Pros citrus prewash does a great job of getting rid of the majority of the muck and have never had a problem with it.