A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous
vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film
using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water
jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical
washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more
solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises:
a) at least one anionic surfactant;
b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and
c) an alkaline agent.
Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic
acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent),
at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope,
inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline
agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5%
by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13. The concentrate may be
provided as a one-part or two part solution. Certain formulations have
been found to be shelf stable as one-part concentrate or ready-to-use
solutions, even with significantly different properties amongst the
components. The compositions of the invention are also used in cleaning
processes for surfaces, especially vehicle surfaces in car wash systems.
The compositions are used in such processes where there are single or
multiple liquid application steps.