One Monroe EFI, located in Canton, MA, understands many facilities such as factories, warehouses, power plants, military installations, and manufacturing facilities require more robust cleaning standards, while other institutions require specialized cleaning beyond the capabilities of standard commercial cleaners. Thus, finding the right industrial cleaners for any operation and application is imperative.
Depending on the type of machinery and surface material, as well as the nature of the grime and contaminants affecting it, there are a few different industrial cleaners you can choose from. These include:
- Industrial solvents: Compounds that dissolve other compounds or materials placed within it. For example, nail polish remover, paint thinner, and trichloroethylene (TCE) can act as solvents. Organic solvents can effectively dissolve grease and other fat-based compounds.
- Detergents: Water-based, non-flammable, and pose few threats to the workplace environment or the health and safety of the workers. Many detergents are also biodegradable, making them easier to safely dispose of than industrial solvents. Detergents include compounds called surfactants, which act by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to clean machinery parts.
- Acid and alkali cleaners: Chemical cleaning agents known for their aggressive removal of all types of grime from any surface. Acidic cleaners can remove substances like starches and carbonates, while alkali cleaners remove oils, greases, and organic residue.
- Citrus-based cleaners: Eco-friendly, safe, and non-toxic, citrus-based cleaners are derived from orange and other citrus fruit peels and are effective in removing both organic, inorganic, and mixed compounds from all types of machinery and surfaces. Citrus cleaners are fortified with citrus-based cleaning compounds that can safely and effectively remove grease, rust, dirt, and grime from industrial machinery.
Regardless of the industry, regular machinery cleaning should be a part of a regular preventative maintenance program. Equipment that is regularly and thoroughly cleaned has a longer life span and can function more efficiently throughout its life. In addition, clean equipment presents fewer workplace hazards and provides a safer environment for workers. However, choosing the right industrial cleaners, can be challenging – what’s appropriate for a manufacturing facility may be dangerous if used in a food packaging plant. Different industries and applications require different cleaner types and formulations. Cleaning effectiveness depends upon the formulation and how the product is used and various other factors, such as type of soil, water hardness, tools used, and even the training on the proper procedure and the execution of the procedure by the individuals doing the cleaning.
Because industrial cleaners are typically stronger and potentially pose greater risks than consumer or commercial products if improperly used, they often can require special training and handling. Here are six tips for safe and secure handling and storage of them:
- Keep all cleaning chemicals in their original containers and never mix chemicals, even if they are the same “type†of chemical.
- Store chemicals in well-ventilated areas away from HVAC intake vents; this helps prevent any fumes from spreading to other areas of the facility.
- Maintain a complete list of all cleaning chemicals used in the facility, including how many containers are stored and their sizes, where they are stored, and the potential hazards of and necessary precautions for each.
- Keep Safety Data Sheets (formerly referred to as Material Safety Data Sheets) for each chemical used or stored.
- Properly dispose of chemicals that have not been used for a prolonged period.
Still, if you’re unsure of what industrial cleaners are best suited for your needs, contact the experts at One Monroe EFI. We’re ready to help you assess what products may be best suited for your facility’s cleaning requirements.
