The purpose of cleaning products is to remove particular types of stains and dirt. You will need different types of cleaning products to clean the different types of dirt. Each product has a different purpose, and therefore also a different pH level or ‘acidity values’. this is one of the most important factors to determine the best product for a specific surface.
When a product has a pH of zero, it means that this product is an acid detergent. If the value is 14, it means that the product is alkaline. A pH value of 7 is neutral. Everything below that is regarded as acidic and everything above that as alkaline. Each step in the pH value makes the product 10 times stronger. So pH 6 is already ten times more acidic than pH 7, but pH 4 is already 1000 times more acidic than 7!
ACIDIC (pH <7):
Acidic cleaning products are useful on hard surfaces where you want to eliminate limescale or rust. Limescale deposits make a surface rougher, making dirt adhere more easily to the surface. By removing the limescale, you remove the dirt. Limescale deposits occur most on hard surfaces in areas with lots of water-contact, like bath, showers, sinks and toilets.
You should not use an acidic product on an acid-sensitive surface, such as: natural stone, enamel or marble, aluminium, copper, stone, galvanised surfaces, kitchen work surfaces, linoleum, lacquered, oiled or waxed floors, rubber, textiles or carpets.
If you use an acidic product on surfaces that are sensitive to acid, it can cause temporary or even permanent damage to the surface, such as discolouration.
NEUTRAL: (pH 7)
pH neutral products can be used on most hard surfaces, provided you follow the correct usage and dosing instructions.
ALKALINE: (pH >7)
Alkaline products are used to intensively degrease.
You should not use a highly alkaline product on surfaces that have a coating of oil or paint, like treated wood. Using such a product on this surface may lead to discolouration or (permanent) damage.
We have put together a list of our products and the related pH level to help you find the best-suited product for your hard surface cleaning.
|
Product |
pH from low to high |
|
Power Toilet Cleaner |
1.7 |
|
Limescale Remover |
2.25 |
|
Daily Toilet Cleaner |
3.00 |
|
Bathroom Cleaner |
3.75 |
|
Oven & Hob Cleaner |
6.25 |
|
All Purpose Cleaner (incl. ZERO) |
6.25 |
|
Multi Action Spray (inc. ZERO) |
6.25 |
|
Window & Glass Cleaner |
6.25 |
|
Cream Cleaner |
9.5 |
|
Floor Soap |
11.25 |
We are unfortunately not able to test our products on all materials that exist, so for other surfaces not mentioned above, we recommend you to contact the surface manufacturer and always test in an inconspicuous area first.