Types of Cleaning Chemicals
Today's modern cleaners are strong and efficient, but if used incorrectly or mixed improperly may not only do harm to the surface being cleaned but may also be dangerous to the person using them. Reading the label may not give you the necessary information, and may not even tell you what is in the product. Although all products used in a commercial cleaning operation must have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that tells what is in the product and cautions about the hazards associated with it, this information is not readily available for household products.
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Alkaline Cleaners
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Alkaline cleaners are those with a pH of 8 or higher. Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali cleaner with a pH of 14 that is an excellent industrial cleaner, effective for cleaning grease from industrial and municipal drains and sewers. Other alkaline cleaners with pH measurements between 8 and 12 make excellent general cleaners that are effective in removing dirt and grease from surfaces. Heavy-duty alkaline cleaners are corrosive.
Acid Cleaners
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Strong acid cleaners made of sulfuric, hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acids are effective at cleaning mineral deposits, but are extremely corrosive. Mild acids are excellent in controlling and softening water. Phosphoric acid is a safe cleaner for removing soap scum and lime deposits. Mixing an acid cleaner with an alkaline cleaner can be an extremely dangerous practice. Sodium hypochlorite, (bleach) an acid, mixed with ammonia, also an acid, will release chlorine gas, which is poisonous to inhale.
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Solvents
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Solvents are best used as industrial degreasers. Because solvents do not conduct electricity, they can be used on electric motors and other parts while the device is operating with out the risk of shock to personnel or damage to machinery. Some solvents are used as paint and varnish removers. Many solvents carry considerable health risks and attention to the MSDS is important.
Soaps and Detergents
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Some of the oldest cleaners in use are detergents and soaps, which contain surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water making them effective cleaners. Soaps and detergents emulsify fats, greases and oils. Soaps and detergents are both water soluble, but are not effective in hard water.
Alcohol
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Although not as an effective cleaner as solvents, alcohol provides a more environmentally friendly cleaning solution for cleaning precision and electromechanical components. Alcohol can be used as a cleaner on optical instruments and printed circuit boards.
Citrus cleaners
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Cleaners made from citrus are quickly replacing acids, alkaline and solvent cleaners because they are better for the environment and safer to use. Citrus cleaners are made from d-Limonene, the oil extracted from the peel of citrus fruit.
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