Chemical Guys Nonsense Review: The Cleaner With Nothing Added
Our Verdict
A colorless, odorless cleaner concentrate that Chemical Guys rates for fabric, leather, vinyl, plastic and rubber, diluted 20:1 for light work down to 5:1 for heavy soil. It suits fragrance-sensitive users and pale interiors and stretches a long way. You have to mix it yourself, and it protects nothing, so plan on a separate dressing or conditioner.
Most detailing chemicals are sold on color and scent as much as chemistry. Chemical Guys Nonsense is sold on the absence of both. It is a colorless, odorless all-surface cleaner concentrate, and the appeal is straightforward. There is no dye that could tint a light fabric and no fragrance to argue with on a closed-up interior.
What you get
A 16 oz bottle of concentrate. Chemical Guys rates it for fabric, leather, vinyl, plastic and rubber, and for exterior jobs such as wheels and tires. The value is in the dilution. The brand's chart runs 20:1 for light cleaning, 10:1 for medium and 5:1 for heavy work, so the small bottle makes several quarts of working cleaner at the light ratio. Chemical Guys recommends distilled water for mixing.
How it's used
Test fabric for colorfastness in a hidden spot. Mix to the strength the job needs, apply it to the soiled area, let it dwell for 10 to 60 seconds, then blot with a clean absorbent cloth. On hard plastics and vinyl, a wipe with a microfiber towel is enough, and on textured panels or carpet a brush from our detailing brush guide helps. Keep a labeled spray bottle for each ratio you use regularly.
Where it falls short
It is not ready to use. You need a separate spray bottle, distilled water and a minute of measuring, and guessing at ratios either wastes product or leaves residue behind. It is purely a cleaner, with no UV protection, conditioning or anti-static effect, so plastics and leather still need a protectant afterward. Buyers who like a scent that signals a clean car will find it anonymous. And it is still an all-purpose cleaner, so on leather and screens, a dedicated product or a gentler one-step like Total Interior is the safer habit.
Who it's for
People sensitive to fragrances, owners of light-colored interiors, and anyone who wants one economical concentrate for interior and exterior grime. For a brand-level view, see Chemical Guys vs. Meguiar's. Check price on Amazon
Pros
- No dye and no fragrance
- Dilutes from 5:1 up to 20:1
- Works inside and on wheels and tires
- Small bottle goes far once diluted
Cons
- Must be mixed before use
- Adds no protection or conditioning
- Spray bottle for dilution not included