Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Cleaning and Detergent Products: Answers to What You Need to Know
How to choose the right cleaning agent for different materials? Why do some products corrode metal? And how to store concentrated chemicals? We answer the most common questions from manufacturing companies and technologists.
Photo: PuroClean of Fort Worth / Unsplash
Selecting and using industrial cleaning and detergent products is not just a matter of effectiveness, but also safety, material compatibility, and economic efficiency. Many manufacturing companies face similar challenges: How to remove heavy soiling without damaging the surface? Why do some products lose effectiveness during storage? Or how to properly combine different types of surfactants for optimal results? In this article, we will focus on specific questions that our clients most frequently ask—from selecting the right pH to preventing deposits in washing lines. Practical tips will help you avoid common mistakes and streamline your processes.
How to choose the right industrial cleaning product for a specific material?
Choosing the right cleaning agent depends primarily on the type of contamination and the material to be cleaned. For metal surfaces such as steel or aluminium, alkaline cleaners containing hydroxides or phosphates are often used, as they effectively remove grease and organic dirt. Conversely, for sensitive materials like plastics or painted surfaces, mildly acidic or neutral preparations are more suitable, as they do not damage the material's structure. It is also important to consider the application temperature – some agents require higher temperatures to achieve optimal effectiveness, while others are designed for use at ambient temperature.
Before selecting a product, it is advisable to perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area to verify compatibility with the material. In cases of heavy contamination, such as dried coatings or corrosion products, special degreasers or rust removers containing acids or chelating agents may be necessary. Safety data sheets should always be consulted, and the manufacturer's instructions followed, particularly regarding concentration, exposure time, and protective equipment.
What are the differences between alkaline, acidic, and neutral cleaning agents?
Alkaline cleaning agents, often based on hydroxides or carbonates, are effective against organic contaminants such as fats, oils, or proteins. Their pH typically ranges between 9 and 14, making them ideal for cleaning metals, ceramics, or glass. In contrast, acidic agents, containing, for example, phosphoric, citric, or sulphuric acid, are used to remove inorganic deposits such as limescale, rust, or oxides. Their pH is below 7, and they are frequently applied to stainless steel, ceramics, or concrete.
Neutral cleaning agents, with a pH around 7, are more versatile and gentler on materials. They often contain surfactants that reduce surface tension and facilitate easier removal of dirt. They are suitable for sensitive surfaces such as plastics, painted materials, or textiles. When selecting a product, it is important to consider not only the type of contamination but also the material to avoid damage or corrosion.
Photo: Toon Lambrechts / Unsplash
How to properly dilute concentrated cleaning agents and why is it important?
Diluting concentrated cleaning agents is key to achieving optimal effectiveness and safety. Too high a concentration can lead to material damage, excessive foaming, or unnecessary waste. Conversely, too low a concentration may be ineffective and prolong the cleaning time. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions provided in the technical data sheet, which specifies the recommended dilution ratios for various applications. For example, a dilution of 1:10 to 1:20 is often used for general metal degreasing, while heavy soiling may require a 1:5 dilution or the use of an undiluted product.
When diluting, it is important to use clean water at an appropriate temperature – usually water at 40–60 °C is recommended, as it enhances the effectiveness of surfactants and accelerates the dissolution of dirt. Always add the concentrate to the water, never the other way around, to avoid dangerous reactions or foam formation. For precise dosing, it is advisable to use measuring containers or dosing systems to ensure consistent results and minimize the risk of errors.
What are the ecological and safety requirements for industrial cleaning agents?
Industrial cleaning agents must meet strict ecological and safety requirements, primarily defined by the REACH and CLP/GHS regulations. Under REACH, all chemical substances must be registered and evaluated for their impact on health and the environment. This includes assessing toxicity, biodegradability, and bioaccumulation potential. Products labeled as ecological should contain readily biodegradable surfactants and should not contain phosphates, chlorine, or heavy metals, which can pollute water sources.
From a safety perspective, it is crucial to follow the instructions on labels and safety data sheets, which provide information about risks such as corrosiveness, flammability, or toxicity. According to the CLP Regulation, products must be properly labeled with warning symbols and standardized hazard statements (H-phrases) and safety instructions (P-phrases). When working with concentrated products, it is necessary to use protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, or respirators, and ensure adequate ventilation in the workspace.
Photo: Toon Lambrechts / Unsplash
How does water hardness affect the effectiveness of industrial cleaning agents?
Water hardness is one of the key factors that significantly affect the efficiency of industrial cleaning and detergent products. Water with a high content of calcium and magnesium ions (so-called hard water) reduces the effectiveness of surfactants, which form the basis of most cleaning agents. These ions react with anionic surfactants to form insoluble salts that deposit on surfaces and reduce the product's ability to remove dirt. In practice, this means that when using hard water, it is often necessary to increase the dosage of the cleaning agent by 20–50 % to achieve a comparable result to that in soft water.
The problem of hard water can be addressed in several ways. The most common solution is the use of water softeners, such as chelating agents (e.g., EDTA or NTA), which bind hardness ions and prevent their negative effects. Another option is to adjust the formulation of the cleaning agent to include more nonionic surfactants, which are more resistant to water hardness. In industrial operations, reverse osmosis systems or ion exchangers are also frequently used to directly soften the water. When selecting a cleaning agent, it is therefore advisable to consider the local water hardness and, if necessary, consult with the supplier to determine the optimal composition for a specific application.
What are the most common mistakes in storing industrial cleaning agents?
Improper storage of industrial cleaning agents can lead to their degradation, loss of effectiveness, or even the creation of hazardous situations. One of the most common mistakes is exposing the products to extreme temperatures. High temperatures (above 30 °C) can cause the evaporation of volatile components, changes in viscosity, or the decomposition of some active substances. Conversely, low temperatures (below 5 °C) can lead to the precipitation or crystallization of components, which impairs the homogeneity of the product. The ideal storage temperature is usually between 10–25 °C, with exact requirements depending on the specific composition of the product.
Another common mistake is storing products in unsuitable containers or improperly sealing them. Many industrial cleaning agents are sensitive to moisture or oxidation, so it is essential to use original, tightly sealable containers and store them in a dry place. It is also important to store incompatible substances separately – for example, acidic and alkaline products should never be stored next to each other, as in the event of a leak or spillage, a dangerous chemical reaction may occur. Adhering to proper storage practices in accordance with safety data sheets and CLP/GHS labelling is crucial for maintaining product quality and safety.
How to Properly Assess the Effectiveness of an Industrial Cleaning Agent?
Assessing the effectiveness of an industrial cleaning agent should be based on objective and repeatable methods that take into account the specific application and type of contamination. The first step is defining the target surface and type of soil – for example, grease, proteins, mineral deposits, or biological contaminants. For each type of soil, standard testing methods exist that allow for the comparison of different products under the same conditions. For instance, to evaluate degreasing efficiency, tests using artificially soiled metal or glass plates are often employed, where the weight loss of the soil after applying the cleaning agent is measured.
In addition to laboratory tests, it is important to conduct practical trials under real operating conditions. These include monitoring parameters such as contact time, temperature, mechanical stress (e.g., brushing or high-pressure cleaning), and water consumption. Results should be documented and compared with reference values or competitors. Another important aspect is assessing side effects, such as corrosivity, surface damage, or residue left behind. In industrial settings, rapid field tests are often used, such as indicator papers or optical measuring devices, which allow for immediate evaluation of surface cleanliness.
Need advice on selection or application?
Every chemical raw material from GCG Group is supplied with a detailed safety data sheet and technical data sheet, containing all the necessary information for safe and efficient use. Our experts will be happy to advise you on selecting the right product or optimizing your processes – just get in touch. Contact us – or browse our catalog of over 1,300 products right away.
