Jan 28, 2026 - 10:11 AM
We’ve provided several answers to questions related to Cleaners , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
Question: Does it disinfect?
Answer: No. Use our Hydroxi Pro concentrate for that.
Question: Is this cleaner good for diaper bibs and garbage bins to disinfect/ clean and eliminate their odor?
Answer: This is a great cleaner but does not disinfect. Use our HydroxiPro concentrate for that.
Question: I'm unsure of what to use to clean a retaining seawall. It's a wall that isn't in the water but a second retaining wall from the water. Will this work to clean the wall and is it safe for sea life?
Answer: We sell nothing that we would recommend in that area. You could power wash the wall if you can get electricity to it.
Question: What is the shelf life or expiration date?
Answer: AFM Safecoat has said there really isn't a set shelf life or expiration date on this cleaner. The efficacy will most likely change through time. But it doesn't technically expire.
Question: Which dilution amount would be considered the replacement for TSP? I am looking for something that might possibly get cigarette smell out of newly primed (ECOS) walls (contractor had cigarette smell), and I see TSP frequently mentioned.
Answer: Unfortunately, we have no metric for that and are not certain the AFM cleaner will perform like TSP for removing these odors. TSP is more alkaline and is considered harmful and dangerous if not handled properly. Two coats of ECOS Atmosphere Purifying Paint applied over the primer will be helpful in absorbing the odors as it contains zeolite that is an alternative to TSP.
Question: Would this work to remove an oil stain from concrete before sealing it?
Answer: Yes, this is a mild acid that is non-toxic and will eat through much of it. Please allow to sit no more than 5 minutes as it will begin to etch the concrete. Then mop off three times with water. Allow to dry for a week before applying any sealer, stain or paint.
Question: I love this for countertops and floors. Is it safe for use on wood furniture, particularly some of our precious antiques (one piece also has a leather inset)?
Answer: It will be fine to use on the wooden parts of the furniture, but it should not be used on the leather inset as this product is for use on hard non-porous surfaces.
Question: I add it to my washing machine with my regular cleaner. I just didn't know how much to add. Alone or with another cleaner?
Answer: It varies. Use 1/2 cup to a cup. It can be used with others or alone.
Question: Will this remove adhesive from finished hardwood floors?
Answer: Probably not if it's a flooring adhesive you are trying to remove. That type of adhesive is very tenacious. Unfortunately, our MR500 mastic remover is only meant for removing adhesives on concrete subfloors. You may need to sand it off and then refinish.
Question: Would this be the appropriate product to etch my concrete basement floor prior to sealing with radon seal?
Answer: You would need to reach out to the radon seal company to ask if it would be appropriate under their product.
Question: Can this product be used to power wash?
Answer: Yes, it can.
Question: A couple of questions: What is the consistency of AFM Safe Choice? Can it be diluted with tap water for maximum results? Is it effective for everyday laundry (dilution ratio?)? Will adding other products like washing soda, baking soda, sodium per carbonate, or citric acid either softer water or aid in it's performance for cleaning or don't need those added? Can it be used for hand dish washing and dishwashing machine (ratio?)? Thank you for your time.
Answer: AFM SafeChoice, Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser is similar in consistency to liquid laundry detergent. This product is a general household cleaner, primarily for kitchens, bathrooms and other general household cleaning tasks.It is not intended for hand dishwashing nor for use in a dishwashing machine.It is not intended for use as a laundry detergent nor for use in a washing machine.Please do not add anything to this product since that could produce an undesired chemical reaction.We suggest you order a sample of this product to try it out.There is a PDF document on our website which gives directions for dilution. Here is a link to that PDF: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Is it safe for use on Cambria countertops, provided it's diluted 20:1?
Answer: Yes it is safe.
Question: Is this cleaner safe to put in the soap tank of a cold water pressure washer? My pressure washer is about 2300 psi. Use at full strength or would you recommend a particular ratio if using in the soap tank of my pressure washer? Thanks
Answer: That should work fine. Make sure to dilute it according to the job that needs to be done based on the Usage Instructions. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: I want to clean our fake pool rocks, would this work?
Answer: MicroEtch is not for that, no. Will you be cleaning them while they are in the pool? What are they made of? There are many factors here. It would be best for you to call 641-323-6111 Monday and discuss.
Question: Is this safe and will it work on hardy plank or fiber cement exterior walls for a soft wash?
Answer: Yes, this is a neutral pH cleaner that works on most solid surfaces.
Question: Will it clean mildew off metal awning and if so what dilution and do you leave it on a while and the scrub it or is scrubbing necessary?
Answer: Per the product Spec Sheet in the Downloads section on the right of the page, https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c... :"Heavy Duty Cleaning Jobs - 1:1 Spray, sponge or mop directly on surface. Allow time to penetrate, agitate as necessary. Rinse with clean water.Recommended on: Heavily soiled shop floors,ovens, lime deposits, soap scum, mold and mildew stains, grills, engines, grout, concrete, laundry(spot test for color fastness), decks, smoke stains and pet odors "
Question: Can I use this product in my carpet cleaning machine? If so, at what ratio?
Answer: You sure can. Check out the application instructions for dilution suggestions (located on the product's page under Downloads, direct link for your convenience is located below) https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Is this product safe for solid surface countertop?
Answer: USE ON: SafeChoice Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser is recommended for all of the following: stainless steel, fiberglass, porcelain, ceramic tile, chrome, painted surfaces, wallpaper, wood, vinyl, steel, grout, concrete, fabric, plastic or any other hard non-porous surface. NOT recommended for aluminum, it will stain aluminum.Provided your countertop is one of the surfaces listed above, follow the usage guidelines and you should be fine. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: I'm interested in using this for laundry but am unclear how to. Joel H mentioned his wife uses 1 tablespoon per load for a front loader. Is this undiluted, or the 20:1 diluted version? Would I just pour this tablespoon on the clothes or would it be better to mix it up in more water then pour this onto the clothes? Our front loader has a dosing system that I don't like so I add detergent directly to the drum now.
Answer: I spoke with Joel's wife Joy on this point.She does recommend diluting with water if pouring directly into the drum. Her 1 tablespoon measurement is of the undiluted cleaner, so we'd say mix that 1 tablespoon in with several cups of water before adding the mixture directly to front loader drum.
Question: Hello, If I buy a gallon size and want to use as a cleaner in my bathroom can I put in a small clean spray bottle and if so what would the ratio be?
Answer: Dilution suggestions are included on the instructions (link below, which is also included on the product page in the downloads section).https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...for basic day-to-day cleaning a 20 : 1 (add 1 part cleaner to 20 parts water) dilution is recommended.
Question: Will this product remove iron oxide stains on bricks?
Answer: Core Products, HydrOxi Pro Mineral X, Iron & Mineral Cleaner may be used on brick and is meant to remove tough iron and mineral build-up, hard water stains and calcium deposits.
Question: Can this be used to clean exterior brick?
Answer: Yes. Depending on what you are cleaning off of the exterior brick we would either recommend the dilution of 7:1 (tougher indoor/outdoor cleaning, i.e. floor wax (use hot water), tough food and tobacco stains, house exterior, ordinary oil and grease, vents) or dilution of 1:1 (Heavy-duty cleaning jobs i.e. Heavily soiled shop floors, ovens, lime deposits, soap scum, mold and mildew stains, grills, engines, grout, concrete, laundry (spot test for colorfastness), decks, smoke stains and pet odors).See the application instructions for more details, located on the downloads section on the product detail page, direct link below for your convenience.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Can this be used to remove sealer and dirt from Saltillo tiles?
Answer: GBS Microetch is designed to open the pores in concrete, stucco, brick and masonry surfaces. It is not a stripper or cleaner. Our Franmar 600GL is made to remove sealers and finishes. Order a sample first and test it out.
Question: Where can I buy it?
Answer: You may only purchase it online on our website.
Question: I'm wanting to purchase a product that will remove a sealant that was put on my shower walls and shower floor. Will this product work without damaging the glass tiles?
Answer: We recommend Blue Bear 600GL Coatings Remover instead of Green Building Supply MicroEtch for removing the sealant from the glass tiles on your shower walls and shower floor. It is a non-toxic industrial-strength stripper for paint, epoxy, and urethane.
Question: Can I use this as a shampoo, body wash, and laundry detergent?
Answer: Per AFM, you may use it in the laundry but not on your body. You may use the Head and Body Shampoo on your person.
Question: You show the pH of this product as 8.7 which is quite alkaline. But you say it's okay to use it on Marmoleum, which needs a neutral pH cleaner?
Answer: Right, the 8.7 pH is for the pure undiluted liquid. If you follow the instructions and dilute it down to 1:7 (tougher indoor/outdoor cleaning) or 1:20 (routine cleaning) this gets you more in the neutral pH range. We would not recommend full strength 1:1 use directly on Marmoleum floors.
Question: Does this product needs to be rinsed off after using in dilution? I'd like a floor cleaner for my Marmoleum that doesn't need to be rinsed.
Answer: It is dependant on the dilution you use. Per the application instructions (link below for convenience), for 1:20 dilution, you can spray and wipe clean. Dilution for tougher jobs 1:7 and 1:1 you should rinse with water afterward.If you are seeking other cleaners, please keep in mind it is of utmost priority to use a pH neutral cleaner on your Marmoleum Floors in order to maintain the TopCoat finish.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Can SuperClean be used as a Non-Ionic Surfactant for herbicides? I've read dishwashing liquids Dawn and others can be used as Non-Ionic Surfactants to help herbicides stick better, about 1 tbsp per gallon of water. If it can be used, how much would I use since SuperClean is so concentrated?
Answer: We checked with AFM Safecoat, and they confirmed your guess of 1 TBSP per gallon of water for a Non-Ionic Surfactant
Question: Will this product eat thru PVC pipes? This product will be used on new garage floor and once the MicroEtch is sprayed off with water, it will end up in foundation drain pipes that are made of PVC.
Answer: No. This product will not eat through plastic or PVC pipes.
Question: Does this take streaks off of stainless steel refrigerator?
Answer: Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser is designed to work on stainless steel (and fiberglass, porcelain, ceramic tile, chrome, painted surfaces, wallpaper, wood, vinyl, steel, grout, concrete, fabric, plastic or any other hard non-porous surface. But not Aluminum.) for industrial, hard core cleaning. You can dilute or use straight from the bottle depending on the severity and composition of the streaks.
Question: Can SafeChoice multi-cleaner be used on Marmoleum flooring ?
Answer: Yes, Marmoleum needs a neutral Ph cleaner. The SafeChoice Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser is has a neutral Ph that can be used for cleaning Marmoleum flooring or any other hard surface.A neutral ph cleaner is needed for marmoleum, otherwise a cleaner will start to eat away at the finish on the surface instead of cleaning it.
Question: What's the best way to measure and use super clean on a hardwood floor?
Answer: Here are the dilution recommendations found on the spec sheet/instructions.DILUTION RECOMMENDATIONS:Routine Home and Office Cleaning -20:1 (20 parts water to 1 part Cleaner) Spray on, agitate as necessary, wipe clean.Kitchen: Counters, sinks, refrigerators, stoves, appliances, stainless steel, fiberglass, sills, chrome.Bathroom: Shower, tubs, sinks, counters, tile.Household: Walls (papered and painted), woodwork, doors, porcelain, vinyl, tools, hand soap.Carpet and Upholstery: Spray on a small amount, allow time to penetrate, agitate, wipe with clean water sponge and blot with dry cloth. Always spot test before using.Tougher Indoor/Outdoor Cleaning - 7:1 (7 parts water to 1 part cleaner) Spray, sponge or mop directly on surface. Agitate as necessary. Rinse with clean water.Recommended on: Floor wax (use hot water), tough food and tobacco stains, house exterior, ordinary oil and grease, vents.Heavy Duty Cleaning Jobs - 1:1 (no dilution) Spray, sponge or mop directly on surface. Allow time to penetrate, agitate as necessary. Rinse with clean water.Recommended on: Heavily soiled shop floors, ovens, lime deposits, soap scum, mold and mildew stains, grills, engines, grout, concrete, laundry (spot test for color fastness), decks, smoke stains and pet odors.
Question: Can this be used to clean a floor sealed with AFM Naturals Oil Wax, satin sheen?
Answer: You may certainly use the AFM Multi-purpose Cleaner on your Oil Wax floors as long as you remember the product comes as concentrate and you need to dilute it.
Question: Is this approved for commercial kitchens?
Answer: AFM SafeChoice, Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser does not contain a disinfecting agent. What we would recommend is the Core Products, HydrOxi Pro Concentrated Cleaner. This product is a heavy-duty cleaner, degreaser and deodorizer that's healthier than conventional cleaners. HydrOxi Pro may be used commercially as a total cleaning system for all hard surfaces.
Question: Will this work in pressure washers on pavers without harm grass and plants?
Answer: Yes, AFM SuperClean is a neutral pH cleaner/degreaser that will not harm anyone or anything. Highly concentrated so you don't need much.
Question: WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF SUPER CLEAN ?
Answer: AFM Super Clean is comprised of Water, 2 non-ionic plant surfactants, water softener, 2 plant based emulsifiers, citric acid and Sodium percarbonate.
Question: Is it safe for parrots?
Answer: Yes, it is safe for humans, pets, and plants. Please test first before applying everywhere to make sure.
Question: I'm looking for a product that can be used to clean biohazard, blood etc, yet is also septic safe. Would this product fit those two criteria?
Answer: AFM SafeCoat Super Clean does not have any disinfectant in it. I'd use the HydroxiPro Concentrate which is a stronger cleaner with a Hydrogen Peroxide based cleaner.
Question: Is it safe to use on polished marble floor in bathroom?
Answer: Yes, AFM SafeChoice Super Clean is a highly concentrated, neutral pH, all-purpose cleaner and degreaser, that can be used on any surface.
Question: My shower is 20 years old has some rust and mold will this work?
Answer: While AFM safechoice Super Clean is a great all purpose cleaner I would not recommend it specifically for rust and mold.For rust stains please check out our HydrOxi Pro Mineral X, Iron & Mineral Cleaner.Keep in mind this is for removing stains and we do not carry anything for rust that has begun to eat through a material. That usually has to be removed with physical abrasion such as grinding or sanding.For mold I would recommend our HydrOxi Pro Concentrated Cleaner. It is high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, around 8-10%, compared to the 2-3% you find in most convenience stores.This product can be diluted at a 2 oz./gal ratio for general cleaning or 10 oz./gal for mold and mildew.
Question: Does Superclean need to be diluted before using it as a spot cleaner or to pretreat clothes? If so, what is the ratio?
Answer: AFM Safecoat Superclean is a highly concentrated neutral pH cleaner/degreaser which needs to be diluted. AFM recommends say 20 parts water to 1 part SuperClean. You could start there and see how well that works. Depending upon the type of stain, you may need a stronger solution, i.e. less water. My wife uses 1 tablespoon per load of laundry in a front loading machine.
View all AFM SafeChoice, Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser (aka Super Clean) Questions & Answers
