Q. How Alkaline cleaning compounds works?
Carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides of various metals are called alkaline compounds. Alkaline cleaning compounds have a pH between 7 and 14. Cleaning compounds which have a pH near 14 are called strong alkaline cleaners, e.g. sodium hydroxide, which destroys microbes, dissolves protein and effectively disperses and emulsifies the soil. Use of silicates with sodium hydroxide makes it less corrosive but improves its penetrating and soil removing property. These are used specially in commercial ovens and smokehouses. These cleaners have strong dissolving powers and are very corrosive. If these come in contact with skin, they can lead to burns, ulcers and scarring. In fact, a prolonged contact may cause permanent damage. Inhaling its hnes or mist can cause lung damage.
Another type of alkaline cleaner is heavy-duty alkaline cleaners. These have moderate dissolving powers and are either slightly corrosive or not corrosive at all. These are often used for cleaning in-place or high pressure or other mechanized systems. They are very good at removing fats but do not remove mineral deposits. One of the widely used and cheap heavy-duty cleaner is sodium carbonate. Now, we come on to the third category i.e. mild alkaline cleaners. These are used to clean lightly soiled areas by hand. These compounds are good at softening water but do not remove mineral deposits. Sodivm bicarbonate is an example of a mild alkaline cleaner.