Industrial cleaners and degreasers: which product for which surface

Specific cleaners and detergents are chosen by weighing up three things: the soil (grease, limescale, oxides, dust), the surface material (stainless steel, metals, facades, floors) and the way it is applied (spray, brush, immersion, machine). The pH on the data sheet ranges from below 0.5 to above 13: products at the extremes are the most effective but also the most aggressive, so they are used only where needed.

The types

• Degreasers: for workshops and the engineering industry, such as the SG 4M Firma Chimica degreasing detergent. Some are strong alkalis, designed for very dirty parts and equipment.
• Detergents for automatic washing of mechanical parts: formulated for parts washers, such as the SG 2P Firma Chimica.
• Low-foam detergents: for machines where foam causes problems, such as the Depal LOW Foam.
• Cleaners for facades and building surfaces: such as the Kimistone Grafix Moove S, which cleans and protects.
• Stainless steel products: cleaners and polishes, for example the Glossy Steel L.
• Pickling agents and deoxidising polishes: they remove oxide from metals and restore their surface.
• Multi-surface and room cleaners: the Master Clean line from Chemical Roadmaster, for maintaining high-traffic areas, bathrooms and floors.
• Effervescent tablets and spray cans: convenient formats for small quantities or for use on the spot.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

pH. In the collection the values range from below 0.5 (strong acid) to above 13 (strong alkali), with products close to 7 for everyday use. Extreme values call for gloves, goggles and attention to the material.

Application. Some products are used by spray, brush or immersion, others hot or in a machine. The method of application is on the data sheet: if it does not match your job, that product is not for you.

Pack size. Concentrate, 200 or 400 ml spray, aerosol can, tablets: the format determines how practical it is. Concentrate is diluted and lasts longer; spray is handier for quick jobs.

Density, colour, odour. They help you recognise the product and dose it. Density is almost always close to 1 g/cm³, but varies from about 0.8 (alcohol-based products) to 1.2.

Material compatibility. Every product states which surfaces it can and cannot be used on. Check before applying it to soft metals, paintwork or plastics.

Common mistakes

• Using the wrong degreaser for the machine. A foaming product in a parts washer causes problems: look for the low-foam wording.
• Applying an acid to sensitive surfaces. It can damage marble, concrete, paintwork and soft metals. Always test on a hidden area.
• Not rinsing. Product residue leaves streaks or attacks the surface over time.
• Mixing products. Combining an acid with an alkali or with chlorine-based products is dangerous.
• Ignoring the dilution. Concentrates must be diluted as stated on the data sheet; using them neat does not clean better and can cause damage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a detergent and a cleaner?

A detergent removes soil in general; a cleaner is often formulated for a particular type of soil or surface, such as oxides, limescale or facades.

Can I use the same product on stainless steel and on iron?

It depends on the product. Some are specific to stainless steel: read the data sheet to find out which metals it can be used on.

What does low foam mean?

That the product produces little foam, so it is used in parts washers and scrubber-dryers where foam interferes with operation.

Do I need gloves?

Yes, especially with strong acids and alkalis: gloves, goggles and a ventilated area.

You will find the products in the Detergents and Cleaners collection: if you have stubborn soil or a delicate surface, describe it to the AMES technicians to get advice or a quote.