Griot’s Garage Rubber Cleaner vs All Dressed Up

Which keeps rubber, trim, and tires fresher longer—Griot’s Rubber Cleaner or All Dressed Up? This detailed breakdown compares cleaning ability, finish, and long-term performance.

Introduction

Rubber and trim care is critical for keeping vehicles looking fresh. Faded tires and weathered plastics can ruin an otherwise clean detail. Two popular products for rubber care are Griot’s Garage Rubber Cleaner and All Dressed Up from Jimbo’s Detailing. While Griot’s focuses on cleaning, All Dressed Up takes it further—cleaning, conditioning, and leaving behind a natural protective finish.

Product Overviews

Griot’s Garage Rubber Cleaner

This product is marketed as a strong cleaner for rubber and tires. It works to strip away old dressings, browning, and grime. While effective at cleaning, it doesn’t add any finish or UV protection, meaning an additional product is needed to restore the look of rubber and trim.

All Dressed Up

All Dressed Up is a water-based dressing that doubles as a cleaner and conditioner for rubber, vinyl, plastic, and trim. It leaves behind a matte, OEM-style finish that won’t sling, streak, or feel greasy. It also contains UV inhibitors to help prevent fading over time. It can be diluted for different levels of sheen, making it highly versatile.

Comparison Table

Cleaning Power

Griot’s Rubber Cleaner does a great job of stripping old dressings and pulling out tire browning. However, once the rubber is clean, you’ll need to apply a separate dressing. All Dressed Up, while milder as a standalone cleaner, still removes surface grime effectively—especially when paired with a Scrub Buddy Pad. The key advantage is that it not only cleans but leaves behind protection and a fresh finish in one step.

Finish & Protection

Griot’s leaves rubber bare after cleaning. All Dressed Up, on the other hand, restores a deep black matte look that mimics factory trim. Its UV inhibitors protect rubber and plastic from drying and cracking, extending lifespan and appearance. For those who dislike greasy shine, All Dressed Up delivers the subtle OEM finish enthusiasts love.

Application Process

• Griot’s Rubber Cleaner: Spray onto surface, agitate with a stiff brush, and rinse. Follow with a separate dressing for protection and finish.
• All Dressed Up: Spray onto an All Blacked Out Applicator or microfiber towel, apply evenly, and walk away. For a higher sheen, apply multiple coats.

Real-World Scenarios

Tire Cleaning & Dressing

With Griot’s, you’ll need two steps—clean, then dress. All Dressed Up simplifies this by cleaning lightly and dressing in one go, saving time without sacrificing results.

Trim Restoration

Griot’s isn’t made for plastics or trim. All Dressed Up excels here, bringing faded plastics back to life with a clean, uniform finish.

Engine Bays & Interiors

All Dressed Up is safe for engine bay plastics, hoses, and even interior rubber and vinyl. Griot’s is limited to exterior rubber surfaces only.

Customer Feedback

“I liked Griot’s for cleaning, but I always needed another product to dress. All Dressed Up does both in one.” — Nathan, CA

“The OEM matte look is perfect. No more greasy tires or shiny dashboards.” — Lisa, FL

Final Verdict

Griot’s Rubber Cleaner is effective but limited—it cleans but doesn’t protect or restore. All Dressed Up goes beyond cleaning, offering a full solution that restores, protects, and enhances with a matte finish. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, it’s the smarter all-around choice.

FAQ

Does All Dressed Up clean as well as Griot’s Rubber Cleaner?

Griot’s is stronger as a dedicated cleaner, but All Dressed Up balances cleaning with conditioning, saving time by leaving behind protection.

What finish does All Dressed Up leave?

It leaves a matte, OEM-style finish. Apply multiple coats for more sheen if desired.

Can I use All Dressed Up indoors?

Yes. It’s water-based and safe for interior vinyl, plastic, and rubber, unlike Griot’s Rubber Cleaner which is exterior-only.