Armor All Damage? Is it Real?

[wrek]

Can anyone substantiate/prove that Armor All damages or fails to protect as it claims? Has there been any actual study done?

"I heard" or "my friend" etc., don't count.

I don't use it and I probably won't just from the controversy but I'd like to know the facts.

They've been making this stuff forever, you'd think if it was causing damage, there'd be an uproar and they would've gone out of business.

[CamaroSpike23]

I dont use Armor-all on my interior or wheels or at all anymore. I used to growing up, and I used to use Fram filters as well, but found that they are not the best to use. too much alcohol in it that dries out components. it gives it a wet-shine look right off the bat, but it wears down over time.

[Moose]

I'll occassionally use Armor All Cleaner to wipe down an interior, as well as use their protectant for tires, and I've never had one "issue"/problem with the products.

[Michael_Js]

I had been using Armor All for decades - interior and even on my tires. Always was concerned over what I had read but never saw any damage...

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by Moose

I'll occassionally use Armor All Cleaner to wipe down an interior, as well as use their protectant for tires, and I've never had one "issue"/problem with the products.

Same. Maybe its only if you use it all the time? Maybe some people were using it on a daily basis, or not wiping off the excess properly after application?
- X

[promod55]

The fact is it is a petroleum based product thus causing vinyl parts to get hard and crack.It will actually cause tires to "dry rot" prematurely

[Paperer]

Not really an answer but:

What are the ingredients in Armor All® Protectants? Do they include silicone, alcohol, ultraviolet inhibitors and petroleum distillates?
Armor All® Leather Care contains lanolin and natural moisturizers, and UV inhibitors. Armor All® Leather Care Protectant Spray and Leather Wipes contain water-based silicone emulsions, surfactants, and ultraviolet light inhibitors. Armor All® Original Shine Protectant contains water-based silicone emulsions, surfactants, and ultraviolet light inhibitors, humectants, dispersants and gloss enhancers. Armor All® Ultimate Clean Protectant contains water-based silicone emulsions, surfactants, ultraviolet light inhibitors and a fragrance.

What are the ingredients in Armor All® cleaners? Do they contain silicone, alcohol or chemical solvents?
Armor All® Auto Glass Cleaner contains propylene glycol ether, isopropanol and surfactants. Armor All® Multi-Purpose Cleaner contains surfactants, n-propoxypropanol and builders. Armor All® Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner contains surfactants, n-propoxypropanol builders and isobutene.

[CamaroScotty]

To keep the vehicle interior looking the best, it should be cleaned often. It is important to keep the
upholstery from becoming heavily soiled. The vehicle's interior can experience extreme heat, which
can cause stains to set quickly. Lighter color interiors may require more frequent cleaning. Care
should be taken because newspapers and garments may transfer color to the vehicle's interior.
Many of today's interiors are made with new low gloss materials. Permanent damage may result
from using cleaners on ANY surfaces (interior trim, instrument panel, carpet, leather, vinyl and
fabric) for which they are not intended. Using non-approved products can actually set the stain to
the point that nothing can remove it.

Important:• Do not use silicone or wax-based products or those containing organic solvents (such as
naptha, alcohol, etc) to clean your vehicle's interior because they can alter the appearance by
increasing the gloss in a non-uniform manner. The increase in gloss may cause annoying
reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under
certain conditions.
• Never use a STIFF brush or a brush that has been previously used with a harsh chemical. This
can cause damage to the vehicle's interior surfaces.
• Use only mild, Neutral-pH cleaners. Avoid laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Using too much soap will leave residue that leaves streaks and attracts dirt.

Because it is critical to use only mild, neutral-pH cleaners, General Motors has approved the use of
the cleaners and conditioners listed in this bulletin for the cleaning of interiors. These products are
in the neutral-pH range and will maintain the best vehicle interior appearance. These products are
water-based, biodegradable, and do not contain bleach, solvents or harsh chemicals.

Because it is critical to use only mild, neutral-pH cleaners, General Motors has approved the use of
the cleaners and conditioners listed in this bulletin for the cleaning of interiors. These products are
in the neutral-pH range and will maintain the best vehicle interior appearance. These products are
water-based, biodegradable, and do not contain bleach, solvents or harsh chemicals.

Effective cleaning steps for hard and/or plastic surfaces:
1. Using a clean towel, apply/spray cleaner -- leather, vinyl, plastic, interior paint, directly onto
the towel.
2. Wipe the surface with the towel/cleaner.
3. If necessary, use a soft bristle brush to work cleaner into the crevasses of the area being
cleaned.
4. Wipe off any excess cleaner from the surface.
5. Using a clean towel, apply/spray the conditioner (leather, vinyl restorer) directly onto the
towel.
6. Wipe the conditioner onto the previously cleaned area to restore the material to it's original
luster.

Important: Today's interiors are developed and intended to have a low-gloss appearance. It
is important to use only products which provide a low-gloss finish in order to maintain the
interior's integrity, customer appeal and satisfaction.

Effective cleaning steps for fabric:
1. Remove any residue by lightly rubbing the surface with a clean towel.
2. Choose the appropriate stain remover based on the stain type.
3. Spray and lightly brush the area with a clean, soft bristle brush.
4. Gently blot up the stain.
5. On upholstery/carpet, the use of a fabric protector can help to reduce or eliminate future
staining.

Leather Conditioner/Restorer
A Leather Conditioner/Restorer is also available. The restorer is safe for all vinyl and leather. It is a
water-based product and contains essential emollients to restore suppleness, conditions and adds
luster without adding gloss. The restorer will also provide protection against restaining.
Dye Transfer: Dye transfer will happen any time a natural fiber like cotton, silk, wool, or suede
comes into contact with leather. The lighter the leather color, the more quickly the dye transfer will
appear. Leather should be cleaned on a regular basis so that the dirt and grime do not adversely affect the top coat of the leather. After cleaning the leather, it is important to treat the surface with
the restorer.


Products are available from your local GM dealer.

[Michael_Js]

Originally Posted by promod55

The fact is it is a petroleum based product thus causing vinyl parts to get hard and crack.It will actually cause tires to "dry rot" prematurely

Again, over decades of use on tires, I've NEVER had an issue with rot...No, I don't use it anymore. I change to Tire SHine (or something) from Costco, and now use Zaino...

[CamaroScotty]

all covered in the pdi form link - attached

[Rogue Leader]

I cant say it damages anything, what I can say is that you use it and everything feels greasy, and then as soon as it gets wet (say your door gets a little rain on it when you get out in the rain) it gets all streaky. Screw that, I'll stick with wiping down with a damp rag.

[wrek]

I just hear people swear to never use it but I see it out at car shows all the time. I don't use it, I have my own mix I use.

[NAHURRY]

Armour all changed the ingredients about 10 years ago. It use to be oil
based , not any more. But if you ever try 303 aerospace protectant,
you will throw everything else out. It outlast any of them!

[wrek]

Free Samples of 303 products for $6 S&H