In exterior cleaning and building restoration, not all chemicals work the same way—even when the results may look similar at first glance. Two products frequently compared by contractors, restoration professionals, and drone-cleaning operators are Restore All vs Cleanse All.

When comparing exterior restoration chemicals, few topics generate more questions than Restore All vs Cleanse All. While both products are designed to remove oxidation and surface contamination, they rely on very different chemistry and carry very different levels of risk.

While both are designed to remove oxidation, staining, and surface contamination, they rely on fundamentally different chemistry. Understanding that chemistry—especially the role of chelation and compounds like Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, tetrasodium salt, tetrahydrate (CAS 64-02-8)—is critical for choosing the right product, avoiding surface damage, and reducing liability.

This article breaks down:

• What Restore All and Cleanse All are

• How their chemistry differs

• What chelation means and why it matters

• Advantages and disadvantages of each

• Which product is best for oxidation, restoration, and drone-based cleaning

What Is Cleanse All? (Restore All vs Cleanse All Explained)

Restore All vs Cleanse All: What’s the Real Difference?

Cleanse All is best categorized as a non-acidic, alkaline restoration cleaner. Instead of using aggressive acids to dissolve contamination, Cleanse All relies on chelating agents, wetting agents, and surfactants to safely lift and remove oxidation and mineral residue.

Its performance comes from chemistry that targets contaminants, not the surface itself.

The Role of EDTA Tetrasodium (CAS 64-02-8)

A key component commonly associated with Cleanse All–type formulations is EDTA tetrasodium, a powerful chelating agent.

EDTA tetrasodium characteristics:

• CAS Number: 64-02-8

• Highly water soluble

• Alkaline (typically pH 10–11 in solution)

• Strong affinity for metal ions such as:

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

  • Iron

  • Aluminum

Rather than attacking surfaces, EDTA works by binding metal ions and keeping them dissolved in the cleaning solution.

What Does “Chelation” Mean?

To understand why Cleanse All behaves so differently from Restore All, it’s important to understand chelation.

Plain-English Definition of Chelation

Chelation means chemically grabbing and holding a metal ion so it stays dissolved in water instead of bonding to a surface.

A chelating agent acts like a molecular claw or cage. Once it captures a metal ion, that metal can no longer:

• Stick to a surface

• Form scale

• Create stains

• React with other chemicals

Instead, it remains suspended in the solution and rinses away safely.

How Chelation Works on Building Surfaces

Many common exterior issues—oxidation, chalking, discoloration, and hard-water staining—are caused by metal ions embedded in or bonded to the surface.

Common examples include:

• Calcium and magnesium from hard water

• Iron from rust and atmospheric fallout

• Aluminum oxides causing white oxidation on panels

• Trace metals from pollution and runoff

Chelating agents like EDTA tetrasodium bind to these metal ions and pull them into solution without dissolving or damaging the underlying surface.

This is why Cleanse All is considered a non-etching restoration cleaner.

Chelation vs Acid Cleaning: The Core Difference

This distinction is the most important difference between Cleanse All and Restore All.

Chelation (Cleanse All)

• Targets metal-based contaminants

• Does not eat or dissolve the surface

• Continues working as long as metal ions are present

• Allows longer dwell times

• Leaves coatings, paint, and substrates intact

Acid Dissolution (Restore All)

• Removes contamination by chemical attack

• Dissolves minerals and oxides aggressively

• Can etch concrete, glass, aluminum, and paint

• Stops working once neutralized

• Requires strict dwell-time control

In simple terms:

• Chelation removes the problem

• Acids remove material

What Is Restore All? (How It Differs from Cleanse All)

Restore All is typically an acid-based restoration cleaner. While specific formulas vary, Restore All products usually rely on strong acids (mineral or organic acid blends) to dissolve mineral buildup and oxidation rapidly.

How Restore All Works

Restore All removes oxidation through acid reaction.

Acids:

• React with calcium carbonate and mineral scale

• Dissolve metal oxides and rust

• Produce fast, visible results

However, acids do not differentiate between contamination and the surface. If allowed to dwell too long or applied to sensitive materials, they will damage the substrate itself.

Advantages of Cleanse All

1. Superior Surface Safety

Because Cleanse All is non-acidic, it is significantly safer on:

• Painted metal panels

• Aluminum cladding

• Powder-coated finishes

• Glass trim

• Architectural coatings

This makes it ideal for commercial, residential, and high-value properties.

2. No Fumes or Corrosion

Cleanse All:

• Produces no corrosive vapors

• Will not attack fasteners, wiring, or equipment

• Is safer for operators and bystanders

This is especially important in urban environments and aerial applications.

3. Wide Dwell-Time Window

Chelation-based cleaners can dwell for several minutes without etching or damage, making them well suited for:

• Soft washing

• Low-pressure systems

• Drone-based exterior cleaning

4. Cleaner, More Uniform Results

Because chelated metals remain in solution:

• Streaking is reduced

• Spotting is minimized

• Rinsing is more consistent

Disadvantages of Cleanse All

Cleanse All is not designed for every scenario.

Limitations include:

• Slower action on heavy mineral scale

• Less effective on thick calcium buildup

• Not intended for aggressive concrete etching

Advantages of Restore All

1. Speed

Acids work extremely fast. Heavy mineral deposits can be removed in seconds.

2. Effectiveness on Acid-Safe Surfaces

Restore All can be effective on:

• Bare concrete (where etching is acceptable)

• Certain stone surfaces

• Industrial steel in controlled environments

Disadvantages of Restore All

1. High Risk of Surface Damage

Restore All can:

• Etch glass

• Burn paint and coatings

• Pit aluminum

• Permanently alter surfaces

• Requires proper dwell time and thorough rinsing

2. Equipment and Corrosion Risk

Acid fumes and overspray can corrode:

• Pumps and hoses

• Drone motors and electronics

• Fasteners and fittings

3. Safety and Liability Concerns

Restore All:

• Requires full PPE

• Can generate hazardous fumes

• Often needs neutralization

• Carries higher liability in public or residential settings

Why Cleanse All Is Better for Drone Cleaning

Drone-based cleaning introduces strict constraints:

• No mechanical agitation

• Limited water volume

• Overspray exposure

• High public visibility

Chelation-based cleaners like Cleanse All excel in this environment because they:

• Allow safe dwell times

• Produce no fumes

• Do not corrode drone components

• Reduce overspray damage risk

• Minimize liability

Acid-based cleaners like Restore All are generally not recommended for aerial use.

Restore All vs Cleanse All: Side-by-Side Comparison

Final Verdict

Choose Cleanse All when:

• Surface safety is critical

• Oxidation removal must be controlled

• You are cleaning painted or coated materials

• You are using low pressure or drones

Choose Restore All only when:

• The surface is acid-safe

• Heavy mineral scale must be removed quickly

• The application is tightly controlled

• Risk is understood and managed

Conclusion

The debate between Restore All vs Cleanse All ultimately comes down to surface safety, chemistry, and risk tolerance. While Restore All and Cleanse All may appear similar on the surface, their chemistry—and their risk profiles—are dramatically different. Cleanse All represents a modern, chelation-based approach that prioritizes surface safety, consistency, and liability reduction. Restore All remains a high-risk, high-speed acid solution suitable only for specific conditions.

As exterior cleaning continues to evolve—especially with the rise of drone technology—chelating agents like EDTA tetrasodium (CAS 64-02-8) are becoming the preferred solution for professional restoration without damage.