Armor All is a popular brand of automotive care product that offers a range of items designed to maintain and protect the exterior and interior of vehicles. Its most popular item is their original formula protectant, which is used for cleaning, protecting, and renovating rubber, vinyl, and plastic surfaces. While Armor All offers an effective way to clean and protect cars, many consumers look for alternatives due to the product’s high solvent content. The following are some great options for those looking for an Armor All substitute.
Alternatives to Armor All
Armor All is a popular product used to clean and protect car surfaces. However, it’s not the only option out there. In this article, we’ll take a look at some alternatives to Armor All that can help you take care of your car with minimal effort. We will discuss their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about which product to use.
Olive Oil
Olive oil can be used as a viable alternative to Armor All and other chemical-based car waxing products. The lubricant properties of olive oil will help to clean and protect your vehicle, without the need for harsh commercial grade materials. To do this, start by applying a small amount of extra virgin olive oil onto a soft cloth. Wipe the surface of your car with the cloth so that a thin layer of olive oil is spread evenly over the body of your automobile. After 10-15 minutes, buff the surface with another cloth until all excess oil is removed, leaving behind a shiny luster that will help to protect against dirt and grime build-up. For an even deeper shine, use a third cloth with some lemon juice or white vinegar added to it and buff away any remaining streaking or fogging until your vehicle’s surface is completely clear and glowing.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most commonly used household items and it also happens to be an excellent alternative to Armor All. Its slight acidity is perfect for removing dirt and grime from surfaces, and it can even make chrome and other metals look like new. This simple everyday item is particularly great for getting rid of bugs and road tar stuck on the exterior of vehicles.
To use white vinegar as an alternative to Armor All, fill a spray bottle with a solution that’s half white vinegar and half water. Shake the bottle gently before you spray the solution onto any interior or exterior surface that needs spot cleaning or refreshening. Repeat if necessary, making sure not to oversaturate surfaces. Wipe up any excess liquid with a soft cloth or paper towel, then enjoy your shiny, clean car!
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be a very effective alternative to Armor All. Using lemon juice as a natural, yet slightly acidic cleaner can help remove dirt and grime from car surfaces without leaving behind any residue. Lemon juice’s fresh scent is also quite pleasant compared to the odor of other chemical cleaners.
Unlike Armor All, using lemon juice does not come with any added fragrances or artificial coloring. It is also a cheaper, more self-sufficient option than many of the products offered at pharmacies. To use citrus juice as an alternative to Armor All, simply mix one part lemon or lime juice with two parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to car surfaces including windscreens, door frames, bumpers and dashboards. Let the mixture sit for five minutes before wiping it away with a soft, lint-free cloth for best results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentler option for cleaning car tires, car interiors, and other exterior surfaces. This natural ingredient is often used in cleaning solutions because of its antibacterial properties and gentle abrasiveness. Baking soda works to reduce dirt and grease from the surface by absorbing oils from the area that it’s applied to.
To clean your car’s tires and rubber trim with baking soda, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water in a bowl until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste onto one small section at a time with a soft cloth or sponge, rub into the surface and rinse off after several minutes. Another option is to add 1/4 cup of baking soda to one gallon of warm water for an all-purpose cleaner that can help you remove dirt, scum and even dead bugs from your tires. Be sure to rinse off any excess material to avoid streaks from being left behind on the rubber trim or tires after they have been cleaned.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a good alternative cleaner to Armor All. It’s economical, available in any major supermarket, and can be used in a variety of ways beyond cleaning car interiors.
It can be used on fabric or leather car seats and upholstery to cause no damage or discoloration. When using rubbing alcohol, it’s important to dilute it with water first because it is too strong to use neat without risk of staining or discoloration. Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water and apply using a soft cloth or sponge.
Rubbing alcohol also works on plastic surfaces such as the dash and doors inside the car – just make sure you test an inconspicuous area first before cleaning the whole car interior with this solution. Rubbing Alcohol has antifungal properties which makes it incredibly useful for removing mold from any surface around the home but especially from cars which due to their often humid environment are prone to mold wherever dampness has been left behind.
Finally, it can be used for spot-cleaning windows inside the car and defogging the glass when you have too much moisture collecting inside your windshield when driving in bad weather. Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth (or use a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol combined with 2 parts water) and wipe over all interior windows, wiping off any excess with another dry cloth afterwards.
How to Use Alternatives
If you need an alternative to Armor All, there are several options available that can be just as effective. Whether you are looking for an all-purpose cleaner, a polisher or a protectant, there are alternatives that can get the job done. Read on to learn more about selecting and using the best substitute for Armor All.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an effective alternative to Armor All, as it is an all-natural product that helps protect and enhance your car’s interior surfaces. To use this method, simply mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil into a bowl. Soak a soft cloth in the mixture and gently apply it to the surfaces of your auto’s interior. Buff with a dry cloth to give it that beautiful, glossy finish. This method doesn’t leave greasy residue and can be used on wood trim, vinyl, leather, and plastic.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most common house-hold products that can be used as a substitute for Armor All. It is a safe and effective alternative with the capability to clean and polish nearly anything. Compared to Armor All®, white vinegar is much more cost-effective and has an equal, if not better, cleaning power. All you need is some white vinegar, a few rags, warm water, and elbow grease.
To effectively clean with white vinegar as an alternative to Armor All, start by diluting 1 part white vinegar to 1 part warm water. Dip your rag in the mixture and use it to wipe down surfaces such as countertops or other furniture pieces. White vinegar will quickly dissolve dirt, grime and dust build up, but for more difficult stains you can double or triple the amount of vinegar. There’s no need to rinse after using this solution; simply let it evaporate by air-drying afterwards! Additionally, this mixture can also be used on glass surfaces such as windows or mirrors without fear of leaving streaks due to its high acidity content; plus, it acts as an excellent deterrent against uninvited guests like fruit flies or mold/mildew spores due to its bacteria-fighting properties! Another great benefit of using white vinegar around the home are its natural odor absorbing qualities which means you won’t have to worry about any lingering scents after cleaning either!
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a simple ingredient that has a lot of potential in terms of recipes and kitchen experiments. Here’s how to use lemon juice, with the intention of creating new and exciting dishes.
Be sure to always use fresh lemon juice whenever possible, as it imparts the most flavor. Store-bought lemon juice isn’t recommended as it may lack flavor or have added preservatives.
When adding lemons to recipes, it’s important to be mindful that they can be quite sour. This means you should go easy while adding them until you get the desired taste! Start with smaller amounts and adjust according to preference. Alternatively, adding tbsp of sugar will help to balance out this acidity and give the dish more depth without compromising the overall taste too much.
In terms of other uses for lemon juice, there are many ways it can be used around the home: try using it for cleaning your kitchen surfaces or add a few drops into hot water for an energizing drink in the morning! Or make a homemade lemonade – mix in some honey or agave syrup and you’ll have something delicious on your hands. Once you start experimenting with lemons you’ll never look back – they’re versatile and great when wanting to add some pizzazz into any dish!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household staple and is often used as a substitute for Armor All. Baking soda is safe to use on car surfaces — it will help remove tough stains, grime, dirt and rust from your vehicle’s exterior without damaging the paint. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable, making it an excellent eco-friendly substitute for harsh chemical cleaners.
Steps for using baking soda as a car cleaner:
1. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle or bucket (you can adjust the mixture depending on the size of your vehicle).
2. Spray or sponge the solution onto surface areas you want to clean. Allow it to sit for several minutes — this will give it time to break down stubborn dirt and stains.
3. Scrub the affected area with a soft cloth or brush until all dirt and grime are removed.
4. Rinse away any remaining residue with soap and water using a sponge or cloth, then dry with a separate clean cloth or microfiber towel.
5. Repeat if necessary until desired results are achieved.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is another great all-purpose cleaner and can be used as an alternative to Armor All. It evaporates quickly and leaves no oily residue behind. Moreover, rubbing alcohol is typically less expensive than Armor All or similar cleaning products so it’s the perfect choice for people on a budget.
Before using rubbing alcohol, make sure the surface you are cleaning is waterproof — if it isn’t then use a damp cloth and only wipe it down lightly. To clean, spray the rubbing alcohol directly on the surface being cleaned and then wipe down with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. For larger areas such as dashboards, you can pour some of the rubbing alcohol onto your cloth before wiping down to ensure even coverage. As with all cleaners, it’s best to test out any new product in an inconspicuous area first to make sure there are no adverse effects.
