Cleaning agents: acidic, neutral or alkaline?

The classification into acidic, neutral and alkaline

Not all cleaning agents are the same – and this is truer than ever in the food industry. After all, not only are there numerous types of contaminants, but also a wide variety of different objects and surfaces that need to be kept clean. Furthermore, everything is subject to strict regulations that must be complied with. Cleaning agents can be categorised as acidic, neutral or alkaline. Which category a cleaning agent falls into depends, therefore, on its pH value. If this is between 1 and 5, the agent is acidic; between 6 and 9, it is neutral; and between 10 and 14, it is alkaline:

• acidic cleaners: They are particularly suitable for removing inorganic deposits such as rust, limescale, water deposits and urine scale. This makes them ideal, for example, for cleaning systems, machinery, equipment and surfaces affected by water or limescale deposits. This also includes sanitary facilities. Thanks to acidic cleaners, stainless steel shines like new again in no time. However, the acids they usually contain can cause irreversible damage to certain materials, such as base metals, concrete or cement, which is why caution is advised.
  
  

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• Neutral cleaning agents: Neutral cleaners are ideal for removing surface dirt or for use on delicate materials. They are also suitable for cleaning tasks carried out manually, i.e. by hand. For example, when washing up by hand, cleaning delicate equipment and machinery, or cleaning floors and furnishings in changing rooms and break rooms.
  
  

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• Alkaline cleaning agents: Thanks to their high pH value, alkaline cleaning agents are the best option for removing organic stains such as egg white, grease or blood. As grease- and protein-based stains frequently occur in food production, these agents and the alkalis they contain are indispensable. Other ingredients, such as surfactants, enhance their cleaning effectiveness.

What else should you bear in mind?

First and foremost, it is essential that the cleaning agent is capable of removing the specific type of contamination. Immediately after that, the absence of residues is a key factor. This is because the cleaning agent itself must also be able to be rinsed off or removed without leaving any residues, in order to ensure a spotlessly clean workplace. After all, otherwise it could come into contact with the food being produced. Furthermore, cleaning agents should only clean without damaging the surfaces or objects they come into contact with.

Furthermore, when using neutral cleaners and similar products, you must also take the other ingredients into account. As a general rule for all products, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding concentration. Measure out the cleaning agent carefully rather than using too much straight away – for the sake of the environment, too!

Which remedy for which purpose?

The classification set out above already suggests that whether alkaline, acidic or neutral cleaning agents should be used depends primarily on the type of soiling. Nevertheless, we will of course not leave you in the lurch when it comes to choosing the right product for a specific application – after all, the world of food production is diverse and varied. Once you have made your choice from these three broad categories, there are additional selection criteria to consider, depending on the specific application. For example, the sub-categories include areas such as foam or recirculating cleaning, machine dishwashing, process aids, sanitary facilities and much more.

A well-organised operation all round with Ehlert

For flawless equipment components for spotlessly clean systems, Machines, When it comes to equipment and working environments, as well as the right cleaning solutions, a well-thought-out organisation and hygiene system is also essential. In our shop, you’ll find everything you need: from waste disposal bins and cleaning tools to cleaning and disinfectant products, as well as hand cleaning and disinfection products. Of course, we also stock wipes, sponges and other such items. Do you need swab tests, rapid tests to check the effectiveness of cleaning, or rapid allergen tests? Then you’ve come to the right place in the Hygiene management Spot on. We have everything you need for safe food production and delicious products.