Understanding the pH of a professional cleaning product
Cleaning products are divided into three main families from a chemical point of view. We distinguish:
- “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 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 unblockers , WC descalers or products containing chlorine (bleach).
If, on the other hand, you are a swimming pool user, this concept will not be unknown to you, particularly through the dosage of swimming pool chlorine and the regulation of this pH to maintain adequate bathing water quality .
The same is not true 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 beginning of the training of a cleaning agent always begins with two important notions which are the Sinner Circle and the notion of pH . We will therefore already explain the implications and what is this notion of pH scale.
pH Professional alkaline or basic maintenance product
“Alkaline” or “Basic” cleaning products are characterized by a hydrogen potential (pH) greater than 8. These cleaning products are generally floor strippers, oven cleaners, degreasers, detergents, automatic washing liquids, etc.
The higher the pH, the more "Alkaline" the product will be. Bleach is a highly alkaline product. Above 11.5, the product is considered to be a highly alkaline cleaning product.
The main property of an Alkaline or Basic product is to degrease and this is why we find in this part of the pH scale a large part of detergent products, particularly in the world of professional kitchen products or laundry washing products.
pH Acidic maintenance product
“Acid” cleaning products are characterized by a hydrogen potential (pH) of less than 6.
These cleaning products are generally descalers, toilet gel, sanitary descalers , etc. which act against limescale.
We also find descalers for washing machines and coffee machines.
It should also be noted that you 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 lower than 4 is considered strongly acidic.
pH Neutral maintenance product
So-called “neutral” cleaning products are products whose hydrogen potential (pH) is between 6 and 8.
These maintenance products are generally used on fragile floors and fragile surfaces.
It is also found on cosmetic products (soap, etc.).
Some surfaces such as thermoplastic floors protected by an emulsion must be maintained with a so-called neutral maintenance product.
These cleaning products are generally less effective but do not harm your surfaces.
pH is the action of the cleaning product but not only
The pH partly reflects the potential "power" or relative "effectiveness" of a product but it is not enough to guarantee an optimal result for your cleaning.
Indeed, the same cleaning product used manually or with a machine ( floor scrubber , single-brush machine , etc.) will not have the same effectiveness. If you add a mechanical action to the action of your cleaning product, you can then reduce the dose of cleaning product or take a less aggressive cleaning product (example: ecolabel cleaning product).
Along the same lines, 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 parameter for the proper use of the cleaning product is the action time. The more time you give the cleaning product to act, the less you will have to act mechanically (rubbing action with or without a machine).
Our advisors can help you choose the right maintenance product. Call us on the AZUR number.