Have you ever wondered why there are so many cleaning products, what is the difference between them, which one should I use? Here you have the answer.
WHAT IS PH?
The pH, or potential of hydrogen, is an index that expresses the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
It is measured on a scale that goes from 0 to 14. From 0 to 6 the acidic pH, in the middle is the neutral pH 7 and from 8 to 14 the alkaline pH. In cleaning products, this classification opens up a bit, and it is considered a neutral product if its pH is between 6 and 8. Below you can see the scale in the figure.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE PH?
Having a rough idea of the pH of cleaning products is important for 2 reasons:
Depending on its pH, a product can be used on a surface without damaging it or not;
Depending on its pH, a product will be effective in removing one type of dirt in particular, but not another;
CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH ACID PH: 0-5
PROPERTIES AND USES
Their main property is that they can eliminate waste of mineral origin, waste generated by elements produced from raw materials such as iron, copper, oil. These materials are continually found in our vehicles, since all materials are of mineral origin. But there are some that are more resistant than others, for that below you will have the answer where and what to use.
CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH NEUTRAL PH: 6-8
PROPERTIES AND USES
They are cleaners that remove dirt without affecting the top layer of materials. In this way, a neutral product is a product to be used on those materials that need more attention when cleaning and that are not heavily soiled. They are used to clean delicate surfaces or materials, which do not require an acid or alkaline product.
CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH ALKALINE PH: 9-14
PROPERTIES AND USES
Their main property is that they can eliminate organic remains, such as fat, and their second property is that they are disinfectants.
They are corrosive products, that is, they gradually wear away the upper layer of the materials, so they should not be used on delicate surfaces continuously. The higher the pH, the more corrosive the product will be.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT?
An acid product (pH 0-6) to combat dirt embedded in materials that are more resistant to cleaning power, such as tires, motors, etc.
A neutral product (pH 6-8) for cleaning more delicate surfaces that require more attention such as alcantara or leather.
An alkaline product (pH 8-14) to remove grease and disinfect areas where the main dirt is of Organic origin. Plastics, textiles, Insects etc.