How to Choose an Industrial Cleaning Agent Based on the Type of Contamination: A Guide for Manufacturing Companies

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Manufacturing facilities face a daily challenge – removing contamination quickly, efficiently, and without damaging materials. While universal cleaning agents may work for common dirt, specific types of contamination, such as dried oils, metal shavings, organic deposits, or chemical residues, require a targeted approach. An incorrect choice can lead to surface damage, reduced cleaning efficiency, or even safety risks. This guide will help you navigate the key parameters for selection and choose an agent that meets your requirements for effectiveness, compatibility, and safety.

1. Types of Contamination and Their Chemical Nature

Selecting the right industrial cleaning agent begins with identifying the type of contamination. The main categories include organic impurities (oils, greases, waxes, polymer residues), inorganic deposits (lime scale, rust, salts), biological contaminants (bacteria, moulds, algae), and combined contamination, where multiple types overlap. Each group requires a different chemical approach. For example, organic impurities are effectively removed using surfactants and solvents, while inorganic deposits often require acidic or alkaline cleaning agents with chelating agents that bind metal ions and prevent their redeposition.

Material compatibility is also crucial. Acidic cleaning agents can damage aluminium or zinc, while strongly alkaline products are unsuitable for non-ferrous metals or certain plastics. When selecting a product, it is therefore necessary to consider not only its effectiveness against specific contamination but also its safety for the surface being cleaned. In practice, combined preparations are often used, containing both surfactants for removing organic impurities and chelating agents for inorganic deposits, thereby increasing versatility of use.

2. Selecting a Cleaning Agent Based on Application Method

The application method significantly affects cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. Manual application (e.g., using a squeegee, brush, or cloth) requires agents with low viscosity and good wetting properties that easily penetrate the structure of impurities. Conversely, for automated processes such as immersion, pressure cleaning, or ultrasonic cleaning, concentrated products with high foam stability and the ability to quickly emulsify impurities are suitable. For example, low-foaming alkaline cleaning agents are often used for pressure washing to prevent nozzle clogging.

When selecting a method, working conditions must also be considered. High-temperature cleaning (above 60 °C) enhances the effectiveness of many cleaning agents but may be unsuitable for sensitive materials or in environments with high humidity. Conversely, low-temperature applications (below 30 °C) require specially formulated products with active surfactants that maintain their effectiveness even at lower temperatures. Another important factor is the contact time – some contaminants require longer exposure to the cleaning agent, which must be taken into account when designing the cleaning process.

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3. Safety and legislative requirements

The safety of industrial cleaning agents is regulated by a number of regulations, the most significant of which are the REACH and CLP/GHS regulations. REACH sets out obligations for the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemical substances, while CLP/GHS defines the classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous mixtures. When selecting a cleaning agent, it is therefore essential to verify that the product meets these requirements and that the supplier is able to provide the necessary documentation, such as safety data sheets (SDS) and technical specifications.

In addition to legislative requirements, it is important to consider safety for workers and the environment. For example, agents containing chlorinated solvents or strong acids can be highly effective, but at the same time pose a risk to health and ecosystems. Modern trends are moving towards the use of biodegradable surfactants, low-toxicity solvents and products with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. It is also advisable to prefer concentrated products, which reduce transport and storage volumes, thereby minimising the environmental footprint.

4. How to choose a reliable supplier of chemical raw materials

The selection of a supplier of industrial cleaning agents should be based on several key criteria. The first is expert support – a reliable supplier should provide technical advice, including recommendations for suitable products for specific types of contamination and materials. Flexibility in deliveries is also important, particularly the ability to respond to specific customer requirements, such as custom formulations or tailored packaging. Another factor is the stability of deliveries and the ability to ensure consistent product quality in the long term.

Certifications and references are equally important. The supplier should hold certificates in accordance with current standards (e.g., ISO for quality management systems) and be able to demonstrate experience in supplying similar industrial sectors. It is also advisable to verify whether the supplier invests in research and development, which guarantees innovative solutions and long-term cooperation. Finally, economic aspects should be considered, such as price transparency, discounts for larger volumes, and the overall value of the service offered, including employee training and support in optimizing cleaning processes.

Photo: Crystal Kwok / Unsplash

Impact of pH and concentration on the effectiveness of cleaning agents

Choosing the right pH of a cleaning agent is crucial for effectively removing a specific type of contamination. Acidic cleaners (pH < 7) are ideal for dissolving inorganic deposits such as limescale, rust, or metal oxides. Typically, organic acids (e.g., citric or glycolic acid) are used, which are less aggressive than mineral acids but still effective. Conversely, alkaline cleaning agents (pH > 7) excel at removing organic dirt such as grease, oils, or proteins. Strongly alkaline solutions (pH 12–14) are often used in industrial washing lines for degreasing metal parts before surface treatment.

The concentration of active substances directly affects both the effectiveness and economics of the process. Too low a concentration may lead to insufficient cleaning and the need to repeat the process, while too high a concentration increases costs and the risk of surface damage. It is recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it based on test results. For surfactants, the optimal concentration is often in the range of 0.1–5%, while for acids or alkalis, it is 1–10%, depending on the type of contamination. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and perform tests on small material samples.

Specifics of Cleaning Different Materials: Metals, Plastics, Glass, and Ceramics

Different materials require a distinct approach to cleaning due to their chemical resistance and surface properties. Metals, especially steel or aluminium, are generally resistant to most cleaning agents but may corrode under prolonged exposure to strong acids or alkalis. For aluminium, mildly acidic or neutral agents are recommended, whereas stainless steel can also tolerate strongly alkaline solutions. It is important to thoroughly rinse the surface after cleaning to prevent subsequent corrosion.

Plastics and polymers are more sensitive to chemical exposure, particularly to organic solvents, which can cause swelling, cracking, or changes in mechanical properties. For cleaning plastics, neutral or mildly alkaline agents with a low surfactant content are often used. Glass and ceramics are chemically inert but can be damaged by abrasive particles in cleaning agents. For these materials, alkaline or neutral agents with gentle cleaning effects that do not scratch the surface are suitable.

Optimising the Cleaning Process: Time, Temperature, and Mechanical Action

Cleaning efficiency does not depend solely on the choice of the correct chemical agent but also on the physical parameters of the process. Temperature plays a crucial role—higher temperatures generally increase the effectiveness of the cleaning agent but can also accelerate the evaporation of volatile components or damage sensitive materials. For most industrial applications, a temperature range of 40–70 °C is recommended, while for sensitive materials (e.g., certain plastics), it should not exceed 50 °C. For heavily soiled surfaces, it may be necessary to increase the temperature up to 80 °C.

Exposure time and mechanical action are other key factors. Longer exposure increases effectiveness but may lead to undesirable reactions with the material. Mechanical action, such as brushing, ultrasound, or pressure washing, significantly improves results, especially for stubborn dirt. In industrial washing lines, chemical cleaning is often combined with mechanical action (e.g., jet washing) to achieve optimal results. When designing the process, it is important to strike a balance between these parameters to ensure that cleaning is efficient, cost-effective, and gentle on the material.

Need help choosing?

Every industrial cleaning agent has its specific properties and limitations. GCG Group provides detailed safety and technical data sheets for each raw material, and our experts are happy to advise you on selecting the optimal solution for your specific type of contamination and material. Contact us – or browse our catalogue of over 1,300 products.