Table of contents of the page
En Ok Pool Reform, in this section within the Swimming pool pH level we will treat the What is the importance of the pH scale in cleaning products?
Importance of the pH scale in cleaning products?
If we consider the pH of our skin, which is approximately 5,5, a product with a lower pH could cause irritation, while if a product has an acidic pH it could burn our skin and an alkaline pH could even dissolve it., creating serious health problems.
For this reason, it is very important to know very well the pH of each cleaning chemical according to its final use or the surface to be cleaned. Acidic solutions are perfect for removing calcium, rust and other minerals, while alkaline solutions are better for removing dirt, grease, proteins, oils and other organic elements.
We talk about solutions since almost all cleaning chemicals are used diluted in water. and they give their wetting power to water thanks to the surfactants they contain.
Balance of pH values in the human body
Acidic, neutral and alkaline pH values
Classification of pH Value Scale
What are the pH values?
The pH scale goes from 1 to 14, with pH 7 being the neutral solution.
So, it turns out that pH is a value that is expressed with a logarithmic scale between the values 0 (extremely acidic) and 14 (extremely alkaline); In between we find the value 7 classified as neutral.
pH scale universal ph indicator
What does it mean for a substance to have an acidic or alkaline pH level?
What are acids and bases?
Acids and bases are substances that exist in nature and are distinguished by their pH level, that is, by their degree of acidity or alkalinity. The determination of whether substances are acidic or alkaline is governed by the degree of acidity or alkalinity, measured through the pH scale and goes from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline). Both, however, are usually substances corrosive, often toxic, which nevertheless have numerous industrial and human applications.
What are acidic substances?
- Acidic pH level: pH less than 7
What does it mean when the pH value is acidic?
- That a substance is acidic means that it is rich in H+ (hydrogenions): pH greater than 7
- Hence, Acids are substances with a pH less than 7. (pH of water equal to 7, considered neutral), in whose chemistry large quantities of hydrogen ions commonly appear when water is added. They usually react to other substances by losing protons (H+).
What are neutral substances?
- Neutral pH value: pH equal to 7-
What does it mean that the pH value is neutral?
- pH is a measure of how acidic/basic water is.
- The range is from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
What are alkaline substances?
- Substances with a base or alkaline pH: pH greater than 7.
What does it mean when the pH value is alkaline?
- That a substance is alkaline means that it is poor in H+ (or rich in OH bases-, which neutralize the H+).
- Therefore, Bases, on the other hand, are substances with a pH greater than 7., which in aqueous solutions usually provide hydroxyl ions (OH-) in the middle. They are usually powerful oxidants, that is, they react with protons from the surrounding medium.
Cleaning products according to their pH
Neutral products (PH from 6 to 8).
- They are products that can be used on crystallized and shiny surfaces or floors, for example marble, since they They do not alter the properties of the gloss. They may be used for personal use since they do not affect the skin.
- Examples of neutral products: Pine or lemon floor cleaner, Marble floor cleaner, Hand soap.
Alkaline products (PH 9 or higher).
- They are products that have disinfectant and cleaning properties, especially if the dirt contains pigments, proteins or fats. If the PH is very high, it is usually used as a unblocker.
- Examples of alkaline products: Degreasers, dishwashers for industrial machines, or ammoniacal floor cleaners.
Acid products (PH 5 or lower).
- They are products with properties typically scale removers, ideal for limestone remains, oxides, etc. But be careful: they should be used on non-delicate surfaces.
- Examples of acidic products: Dishwasher rinse aid, Citrus cleaners.
- At CLIM Professional you can find out the PH of our chemical products in the technical sheet of each one.
What products belong to each of these groups and in what scenario are they effective?
Neutral products
- These are products with a pH of 6 to 8 and can be used both professionally and at home since they are not dangerous for our skin. Neutral products are especially suitable for crystallized surfaces or surfaces with a certain level of gloss, since this type of product does not alter their properties. These surfaces are usually marble floors, terrazzo floors, glassware, tableware...
- The most common products with this type of pH are usually floor cleaners, hand soaps or glassware cleaners.
alkaline products
- Products with a pH of 9 or higher are very effective products against grease and dirt that contain pigments and proteins, and they also have disinfectant properties. The most alkaline products are usually used as unblockers thanks to their corrosive power. Indicated for professional use as they can be very harmful to the skin, we recommend always using them following the manufacturer's instructions and only by qualified personnel, using the appropriate protective measures. A great example of these products are ammonia cleaners, industrial dishwashers, and degreasers.
Acid products
- They have a pH of 5 or less and it is very important to know that they should never be used on delicate surfaces. They are indicated against rust, limestone remains and other non-organic mineral remains.
- The example of the most well-known and homemade acid products are lemon and vinegar, which although they are edible products, we all know their high level of acidity and they have been used for many years as homemade cleaners, in the same way as any type of citrus cleaner or polish. or dishwasher, could be considered acidic products given their pH level.