KBS Klean should always be diluted with water. What people mean by full strength is the strongest documented ratio, which is 1 part hot water to 1 part KBS Klean, used on heavily soiled surfaces. It is a concentrate, so using it straight out of the can is not stronger cleaning, it is the most common cause of a residue you then have to scrub off.

KBS Klean Dilution: Quick Facts

Full strength: 1 part hot water to 1 part KBS Klean
Moderate soil: 5 parts hot water to 1 part
Light soil: 10 parts hot water to 1 part
Non ferrous metals: 25 parts hot water to 1 part
Warmer water cleans better than a stronger mix. The warmer the water you mix KBS Klean with, the more effective and powerful the cleaning action. Reach for hotter water before you reach for a richer ratio.

The Four Documented Ratios

From the KBS Klean directions:

  • Heavily soiled surfaces: 1 part hot water to 1 part KBS Klean. This is full strength.
  • Moderately soiled surfaces: 5 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean.
  • Lightly soiled surfaces: 10 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean.
  • Non ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper and brass: 25 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean, which is 4 percent strength.

Effective dilution rates vary according to the type and degree of contaminants as well as the surface material, so treat these as starting points and adjust toward the soil level you actually have.

Why Undiluted Is Worse, Not Better

KBS Klean is a powerful concentrate. Using it undiluted, or at too strong a concentration for the job, is the most common cause of residue left on the surface. Any cleaner left behind can interfere with the adhesion of the next coating step, which defeats the reason you cleaned the part in the first place. If you have already done it, see what to do about KBS Klean residue.

Cleaning a Fuel Tank Interior

Tank interiors are the heavily soiled case, so the ratio is 1 part hot water to 1 part KBS Klean. That is the same number as the heavily soiled row above; there is no separate tank specific ratio. The full tank procedure is on the tank sealing dilution page and in the Tank Sealer directions.

How Long to Work the Solution

Shake well before each use. For general purpose cleaning, apply the KBS Klean solution liberally and wash the surface for 5 to 10 minutes, or as long as needed to produce a clean surface. For heavy duty cleaning, extended soaking times of up to 24 hours or more may be necessary. Use a bristle brush or scouring pad to speed up heavily soiled surfaces, and retreat with more solution as needed until the surface is clean.

Do not allow KBS Klean to dry before rinsing. Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning and let the surface dry. Wear protective rubber gloves and safety glasses at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions: KBS Klean Dilution

KBS Klean should always be diluted with water. The strongest documented ratio, which people call full strength, is 1 part hot water to 1 part KBS Klean for heavily soiled surfaces. Lighter soil uses 5 to 1 or 10 to 1, and non ferrous metals use 25 to 1.
A water based cleaner and degreaser. KBS Klean is diluted with hot water, washed on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly and dried, and it does not leave the invisible residue that solvent based cleaners can leave behind to interfere with paint adhesion.
1 part hot water to 1 part KBS Klean. A tank interior is the heavily soiled case, so it uses the same full strength ratio as any other heavily soiled surface. There is no separate tank only ratio.
Yes. The warmer the water used, the more effective and powerful the cleaning action of KBS Klean. Raising the water temperature is usually a better move than mixing a richer ratio.
25 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean, which is 4 percent strength. Use a very soft non abrasive pad, wipe rather than soak, and rinse immediately so the solution does not dry on the surface.
For general cleaning, wash the surface for 5 to 10 minutes or as long as needed to get it clean. For heavy duty cleaning, extended soaking up to 24 hours or more may be necessary. Never let it dry on the surface before you rinse.
Yes. Mixed KBS Klean can be kept in a standard chemical spray bottle and reused, and it does not have to be warm to use. Label the bottle with the ratio you mixed.

Still have questions about KBS Klean dilution ratios? Contact us for help.

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