Bilt Hamber Surfex HD - The Ultimate Guide to Dilution Ratios
Bilt Hamber Surfex HD is a water-based, biodegradable all-purpose cleaner (APC) and degreaser that packs the cleaning power of solvent-based products without too harsh chemicals. Whether you’re tackling greasy engine bays, dirty wheels or interior grime, knowing how to dilute Surfex HD correctly is key to getting the best results.
What Surfex HD Is... and Isn’t
Surfex HD uses surfactants to emulsify grease, dirt and grime, making them easy to rinse away. It’s ideal for general cleaning tasks, but it’s not designed to tackle substances that can’t easily be emulsified, such as tar, glue or adhesives. In those cases, a specific tar remover may be necessary.
Affordable and Concentrated
One of the standout features of Surfex HD is its cost-effectiveness. A 5-litre container costs just €26.00, and being a high-concentrate APC, a little goes a long way. Even at stronger dilutions, the price per litre of ready-to-use solution is incredibly low, making it one of the most economical APCs on the market.
Dilution Ratios – How to Use Surfex HD
Here’s a quick-reference chart for all the main applications:
| Application | Dilution Ratio | Approx. % Solution | Notes / Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme degreasing (engine bay, gearboxes, thick oil) | Neat – 1:1 | 50% | Emulsifies heavy grease and oil spills |
| Heavy exterior cleaning (wheels, tyres, engine bays, wheel arches) | 1:9 | ~10% | Removes surface dirt and grease; safe for most exterior surfaces |
| Medium cleaning / prep wash (pads, bugs, moderately dirty cars) | 1:19 | ~5% | Use in pump sprayers, foam, or snow foam lances |
| Lighter exterior & interior cleaning (door jambs, rubber seals, lightly soiled carpets) | 1:49 | ~2% | Strong enough for moderate grime; safe for interior surfaces |
| Standard interior cleaning (dashboards, gear knobs, leather, headlining) | 1:99 | ~1% | Use brush + microfiber; effective for general interior grime |
| Gentle interior maintenance (delicate leather, painted surfaces) | 1:199 | ~0.5% | Very light cleaning; minimal risk for sensitive surfaces |
Application Methods
Surfex HD can be applied using:
- Trigger sprayers
- Pump sprayers
- Pump foam applicators
- Snow foam lances
Always apply on cool surfaces and test first on sensitive areas. For interior surfaces, wipe instead of rinsing.
Additional Benefits
- Rust inhibition: ideal for older cars and exposed metal parts
- Safe on paintwork, wheels and interior surfaces
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable formulation
- Extremely affordable even at stronger dilutions
Conclusion
Bilt Hamber Surfex HD is a versatile, powerful and cost-effective APC. Comes in 1L and 5L and, with the right dilution, it can handle everything from extreme degreasing to gentle interior cleaning. By keeping a few different ratios ready, you’ll always have the perfect mix for any detailing task.
