Omar Khalid
Plexus is a plastic cleaner and polish originally developed for professional aviation applications. It is highly effective at cleaning and polishing lenses and shields, and sheds water including light mist. However, it has become increasingly difficult to find and expensive to buy. This paragraph will explore why Plexus plastic cleaner is so expensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | $18 for a small can, $26 for a large can, $54 at GP |
| Alternatives | Sprayway, Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish, Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner & Polish, ClearView, Sparkle, Brasso, IPONE Clean R Polish, Novus, Meguiar's Plastic Cleaner, Honda Pro Spray Cleaner & Polish, Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Cleaner, Muck Off, Motul Wash n Wax, Pledge |
| Reasons for Price Increase | Supply chain issues, contract fill company bought out, contains hazardous chemicals that need different packaging, reseller and opportunist pricing |
| Reasons for Shortage | COVID, change in international aviation cargo rules prohibiting air shipment of aerosol products |
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What You'll Learn
Plexus plastic cleaner is hard to find
The unavailability of Plexus on popular online retailers like Amazon, CycleGear, and Revzilla has also made it harder for customers to purchase the product. Some people have speculated that this could be due to a copyright issue or a change in the product's name. However, the owner of the company has confirmed that the shortage is primarily due to supply chain problems and the contract fill company being bought out.
The high demand for Plexus plastic cleaner has led to increased prices, with some customers reporting that the product is now six times more expensive than before. This has further contributed to the perception that Plexus is hard to find, as some customers may be priced out or choose to use alternative products.
While Plexus is known for its effectiveness in protecting and polishing plastics, there are alternative products available that offer similar benefits. Some suggested alternatives include Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish, Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner & Polish, Sprayway, Novus, and Meguiar's Plastic Cleaner. These products are more readily available at stores like Home Depot and Walmart and are more affordable than Plexus.
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The price of Plexus has increased significantly
One user on GTAMotorcycle.com reported that they were shocked by the price increase, stating that they had always used Plexus to clean their motorcycle windshield, helmet, and visor but would now have to find an alternative due to the high cost. Similarly, another user on the same platform expressed their disbelief at the price, stating that they would not be paying the "ridiculous" price of $40 per can.
The high price of Plexus has led to a search for alternative products that offer similar results. Users have recommended various substitutes, including Sprayway, available at Home Depot and Walmart; Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish; Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner & Polish; and ClearView, among others. These alternatives are reported to be equally effective and significantly less expensive than Plexus.
The unavailability of Plexus on major online retailers, such as Amazon, has further exacerbated the issue. Users have noticed its disappearance and expressed concern, with some attributing it to supply chain issues and changes in international aviation cargo rules prohibiting the air shipment of certain aerosol products.
Despite the price increase, some users remain loyal to Plexus, acknowledging its superior quality and effectiveness in cleaning and polishing plastic surfaces. They justify the expense by noting that only a small amount of the product is needed for each use, making it a worthwhile investment, even with the higher price tag.
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Supply chain issues have impacted availability
Plexus, a plastic cleaner and polish, has been described as a highly effective product for cleaning and polishing plastic surfaces, visors, windshields, and helmets. It is especially useful for removing bug remains from surfaces. However, it has become increasingly difficult to find, with reports of it disappearing from online retailers like Amazon and physical stores. This scarcity has resulted in surging prices, with some customers reporting prices as high as $54 per can, a significant increase from its previous price of around $12-$13 for a large can.
This price hike can be attributed to supply chain issues, which have impacted the availability of Plexus. The problem appears to stem from two main factors. Firstly, there is a supply chain issue with one of the chemicals in the blend, which is essential for producing the product. Secondly, the "contract fill company" that manufactures Plexus was bought out, contributing to the challenge. These factors have led to a substantial backlog, and the company is working to resolve these issues and predicts that it will take 14-18 weeks for Plexus to be back on the market.
The unavailability of Plexus has left consumers searching for alternatives. Some have opted for products like Sprayway, Novus, or Meguiar's Plastic Cleaner, which are more affordable and accessible. Others have shared homemade solutions, such as using distilled water, warm water with vinegar, or dish soap with room temperature water. These alternatives are not only cost-effective but also address the immediate need for cleaning solutions when Plexus is unavailable.
The supply chain issues impacting Plexus's availability have had a notable impact on consumers, driving them to seek substitutes. While some alternatives may not match Plexus's performance, they offer temporary solutions until the preferred product becomes readily available again. This situation highlights the delicate balance between supply and demand and how disruptions in the supply chain can lead consumers to explore new options.
It is important to note that while supply chain issues are a significant factor, other factors could also contribute to the increased price of Plexus. For instance, the cost of hazardous chemical packaging and shipping, as well as the product's effectiveness and reputation, may play a role in the pricing decisions made by resellers and opportunists.
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It is expensive to mail order due to hazardous chemicals
Plexus is a plastic cleaner and polish that is widely regarded as one of the best products on the market. It is particularly favoured by those with aircraft, motorcycles and boats, as it is suitable for use on soft plastics, and is also effective at cleaning and polishing lenses and shields.
Plexus has become increasingly difficult to source, with reports of it being unavailable on Amazon, CycleGear/Revzilla, and other online retailers. This has been attributed to a combination of supply chain issues, changes in the "contract fill company", and new international aviation cargo rules prohibiting the air shipment of certain aerosol products.
The scarcity of Plexus has resulted in a significant price increase, with some users reporting that the price has skyrocketed to $40-[54] per can, compared to the previous price of around $12-$13. This price hike has led to some customers seeking cheaper alternatives, such as Sprayway, Honda Cleaner and Polisher, and IPONE Clean R Polish.
One reason for the high cost of Plexus, particularly when ordered by mail, is the presence of hazardous chemicals in its formulation. These hazardous chemicals necessitate specialised packaging, which adds to the overall expense of the product. The cost of mailing Plexus is further exacerbated by shipping charges, which can result in a substantial final price for the consumer.
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There are cheaper alternatives that work just as well
Plexus is a plastic cleaner and polish that is well-loved by its users, particularly for its ability to shed water and remove light scratches. However, it is expensive, and there are far cheaper alternatives that work just as well.
One of the most popular alternatives is Pledge, a furniture polish that is easy to find in grocery stores and is far cheaper than Plexus. It is recommended to wipe it on in one direction only, as a circular pattern will result in swirl marks and worse glare. Another option is Plane Perfect, which is also effective, although the spray bottle nozzle has been known to leak.
For those looking for a plastic cleaner for their vehicles, there are several alternatives to Plexus. Sprayway, available at Home Depot and Walmart, is said to be at least equal to Plexus and far less expensive. Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish is another alternative, which can be purchased for around $12. Meguiar's PlastX is another product that can be used on motorcycles and cars and is a super-light touch cleaner and polish. It can be purchased from Walmart and other auto parts stores.
Other alternatives include:
- ClearView, which is cheaper than Plexus and smells better
- RainX, which is great for light precipitation or morning dew and fog
- Bug and Tar Cleaner by Turtle Wax, which leaves a wax coating after wiping bugs and grime off
- Windex, although this can cause acrylic to craze
- Muck Off
Frequently asked questions
Plexus is expensive because it contains hazardous chemicals that require special packaging. Additionally, there have been supply chain issues for one of the chemicals in the blend, and the "contract fill company" was bought out, causing further problems.
Some cheaper alternatives to Plexus include:
- Sprayway
- Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish
- Novus
- Meguiar's Plastic Cleaner
- Ipone Clean R Polish
- Brasso
- ClearView
- Sparkle
Plexus has become difficult to find online and at many retailers. It is available from EU suppliers who will ship by land or sea.
Some users believe that Plexus is worth the price because it is the best plastic cleaner on the market. It easily removes bugs and grime without soaking or scrubbing. However, others have found alternative products that work just as well for a fraction of the price.
