Understanding the pH of a professional cleaning product
Cleaning products are divided into three main categories from a chemical perspective. These are:
- "Alkaline" or "Basic" cleaning products
- "Neutral" cleaning products
- "Acid" cleaning products.
Of course, if you are a user of household cleaning products , it is very likely that this notion of pH (Potential of Hydrogen) is not a cause for concern ! Indeed, household cleaning products are made to present the minimum risk in use except for certain categories such as drain cleaners , toilet descalers or products containing chlorine (bleach).
If you are a pool user, this concept is not unfamiliar to you through the dosage of pool chlorine in particular and the regulation of said pH to maintain adequate bathing water quality .
This is not the case for professional cleaning products which offer more powerful active ingredients and therefore increased danger for the user and the surfaces treated.
This is why the initial training of a cleaning operative always begins with two important concepts: Sinner's Circle and the concept of pH . We will therefore begin by explaining the implications and what this concept of the pH scale entails.
pH Professional cleaning product, alkaline or basic
"Alkaline" or "Basic" cleaning products are characterized by a potential of hydrogen (pH) greater than 8. These cleaning products are generally floor strippers, oven cleaners, degreasers, laundry detergents, automatic washing fluids, etc.
The higher the pH, the more "alkaline" the product. Bleach is a highly alkaline product. Above 11.5, the product is considered to fall into the category of very alkaline cleaning products.
The main property of an Alkaline or Basic product is to degrease, and it is for this reason that a large part of detergent products are found in this part of the pH scale, particularly in the world of professional kitchen products or laundry products.
pH Acidic cleaning product
"Acid" cleaning products are characterized by a potential of hydrogen (pH) less than 6.
These cleaning products are generally descalers, toilet gel, sanitary descalers … which act against limescale.
You can also find descaling products for washing machines or coffee makers.
It should also be noted that one should be wary of cleaning products that are highly effective against limescale, which are often overloaded with hydrochloric, phosphoric or other acids, and which can therefore damage your surfaces and taps.
A cleaning product with a pH below 4 is considered highly acidic.
pH neutral cleaning product
So-called "neutral" cleaning products are products whose hydrogen potential (pH) is between 6 and 8.
These cleaning products are generally used on delicate floors and fragile surfaces.
It can also be found on cosmetic products (soap, etc.).
Certain surfaces, such as thermoplastic floors protected by an emulsion, must be maintained with a so-called neutral cleaning product.
These cleaning products are generally less effective but do not damage your surfaces.
pH is affected by the action of the cleaning product, but not only that.
pH partly reflects the potential "strength" or relative "effectiveness" of a product, but this is not enough to guarantee optimal results for your cleaning.
Indeed, the same cleaning product used manually or with a machine ( floor scrubber , single-disc machine, etc.) will not have the same effectiveness. If you add a mechanical action to the cleaning product, you can then reduce the amount of product used or choose a less aggressive product (for example, an eco-labeled cleaning product).
Similarly, a cleaning product used hot or cold will not have the same effectiveness.
Example on your washing machine, dishwasher or even washing your vehicle.
Another factor in the proper use of cleaning products is the contact time. The more time you allow the cleaning product to work, the less mechanical action (scrubbing with or without a machine) you will need to perform.
Our advisors can help you choose the right maintenance product. Call us on the AZUR number.