Understanding pH Levels
We have probably all heard of pH before; most likely in a shampoo commercial. We are told how pH balanced shampoos are good for our hair. The science behind this is that a pH balanced shampoo ensures that hair cuticles stay closed, preventing moisture loss, taming frizz and reducing static. However, pH is critically important in the world of commercial cleaning as well.
HOW DO PH LEVELS WORK
pH stands for “Potential Hydrogen” and is a measure of how acid/alkaline a liquid solution is when mixed with water. Its levels run on a scale from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. If levels are lower than 7, the solution is acidic. If the levels are above 7 then the solution is alkaline.
HOW DOES pH AFFECT CLEANING SOLUTIONS
The higher the pH level, the more corrosive a cleaner will be. If the substance you want to remove is acidic, you will generally want to use an alkaline cleaner; if the substance you want to remove is alkaline, you will generally want to use an acidic cleaner. Both will help to bring the substance to a neutral pH, which will facilitate its removal A professional cleaner will be able to determine which type of cleaner to used based on the type of soil that needs to be removed and the type of material it needs to be removed from. Below is a chart that shows the type of soils that can be removed at different pH levels.
It is easy to see from this chart that facilities that encounter heavy greases and soils will need a cleaner with a much higher pH level than an office floor will require.
It is also worth noting that many commercial cleaning products come in a concentrated form and need to be diluted. A competent commercial cleaner will understand the importance of the dilution ratios and the consequences of using improperly diluted products.
MORE IS NOT BETTER
While we are on the subject of pH and the proper dilutions of cleaning products, it is important to remember that more is not better. Let’s say someone is about to wash a floor and is about to mix the cleaner with the water in the amount directed on the product’s bottle. Just then, they notice that the floor is dirtier than they originally thought and decide to increase the amount of cleaner. If the end product is stronger, then it must be able to do a better job, right? WRONG! Mixing in a larger quantity than directed can leave residue on the floor leaving it looking hazy and dull. Cleaning companies have put many hours of scientific research into the development of their cleaners to ensure that their mixing ratios produce the best results possible.
As you can see, understanding the products needed when creating a cleaning process for a facility is crucial. At Wright Cleaning Services Inc., we have the knowledge required to make the right choices to keep your working environment clean and healthy. Why not let us worry about the science so you don’t have to?
Erica Wright
Owner - Wright Cleaning Services Inc.
You Can’t Go Wrong With The Wright Team Erica Wright is an Entrepreneur | Motivational Speaker | Published Author | Owner of Wright Cleaning Services Inc. www.wrightcleaningservices.com
