Understanding the pH Table: Fundamental to effective and sustainable cleaning

At HeySupply, we are dedicated not only to distributing high quality cleaning products in Europe, but also to providing training in hygiene systems, treatments and protocols. Always with great respect for the environment, we believe that knowledge is the key to more efficient and sustainable practices. One of the essential concepts in this area is pH and its impact on cleaning processes.

What is the pH table and how is it composed?

The pH table is a numerical scale from 0 to 14 that measures the level of acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. A value of 7 is considered neutral (like pure water), values lower than 7 indicate acidity and values higher than 7 indicate alkalinity. This scale is logarithmic, meaning that each unit represents a tenfold change in the concentration of hydrogen ions.

Explanation of scaling and gradual division

The scale is divided gradually to reflect significant changes in the chemical properties of the substances:

• pH 0-3: Strong acids (sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid).
• pH 4-6: Weak acids (vinegar, lemon juice).
• pH 7: Neutral (distilled water).
• pH 8-10: Weak bases (sodium bicarbonate, sea water).
• pH 11-14: Strong bases (lye, sodium hydroxide).

This division allows us to understand how substances interact with different materials and types of soiling.

Development of pH scaling in cleaning

In cleaning, the pH of the product determines its effectiveness in removing certain types of soiling:

• Acidic products (pH 0-6): Ideal for removing mineral deposits such as limescale, rust and cement residues. They are common in bathroom cleaners and descalers.
• Neutral products (pH 6-8): Mild and safe for most surfaces. Used in general cleaning where strong chemical action is not required.
• Alkaline products (pH 8-14): Effective against fats, oils and proteins. Used in industrial kitchens and areas with organic matter accumulation.

Needs assessment to define the right pH level

Before selecting a product, it is crucial to analyse:

1. Type of dirt: Are we dealing with grease, limescale, rust, organic dirt?
2. Surface material: Some surfaces are sensitive to acids or alkalis. For example, marble is damaged by acidic products.
3. Environment and safety: Consider ventilation, human contact and environmental impact.

This study allows us to choose a product with the right pH that cleans effectively without damaging surfaces or compromising safety.

Variables in chemical impact according to the problem (application of Sinner’s Circle)

Sinner’s Circle teaches us that cleaning is the result of four interrelated factors: chemical action, mechanical action, temperature and time. The pH directly influences the chemical action:

• Chemical action: A proper pH enhances the product’s ability to react with the specific soil.
• Interaction with other factors:
  • If we reduce the pH (more acidic), we may need less time or temperature to remove mineral deposits.
  • If we use a less aggressive product (neutral pH), we may increase the mechanical action (more scrubbing) or the exposure time.

Setting up a chemical action plan based on collected data (application of Sinner’s Circle)

Once we have gathered information about the dirt and surfaces, we can make a plan:

1. Product selection: Choose a detergent with the appropriate pH for the task.
2. Adjusting factors:
   • Mechanical action: Determine whether manual scrubbing or machinery is necessary.
   • Temperature: Establish whether hot water can be used to improve efficiency.
   • Time: Define how long the product should remain in contact with the surface.
3. Testing and adjustment: Carry out tests on small areas to ensure that the pH does not damage the surface and that dirt is removed effectively.

Practical example:

Suppose we need to clean an industrial kitchen with grease accumulation:

• Type of dirt: Grease and oils (organic matter).
• Surface: Stainless steel.
• Action plan:
  • Alkaline product: Use a high pH detergent to dissolve the grease.
  • Mechanical action: Apply with a sponge or brush.
  • Temperature: If possible, use hot water.
  • Time: Leave the product to act for a few minutes before rinsing.

Conclusion

Understanding the pH table and its application in cleaning allows us to work smarter and more responsibly. By choosing the right product and adjusting the Sinner’s Circle factors, we achieve effective cleaning, protect surfaces and care for the environment.

At HeySupply, we are committed to educating and providing solutions that facilitate these practices. We believe that effective and sustainable cleaning is possible with the right knowledge and tools.

Are you interested in optimising your cleaning processes and becoming more environmentally friendly? Contact us and find out how we can help you achieve this!