Need for Safe Alternatives to Caustic-Based Cleaning Products

Caustics are common in industrial and residential cleaning products, primarily in degreasers, detergents, and bleaches. They excel at cutting through grease, with sodium hydroxide and lime as traditional choices for pH control. However, these options have limitations.

Many assume branded cleaners are safe and eco-friendly, but sodium hydroxide, often labelled as LYE, remains a widely used, effective, yet hazardous ingredient. Now, let’s explore four safe caustic-based cleaning product alternatives.

The Dangers of Caustics

Caustic freezes at 15ºC to plug feed lines and is extremely hazardous to handle, causing severe chemical burns. Lime is even better known for the plugging of feed lines and wastewater transport lines thanks to the formation of calcium mineral scale, and overexposure can also result in severe burns to operators’ hands.

Caustic is toxic, corrosive, and bioaccumulative, leaving harmful residues in water even post-cleaning. While we research sustainable solutions, here’s a list of practical caustic alternatives.

Safe Alternatives to Caustic-Based Cleaning Products

Many people have been switching to non-toxic cleaning products because of the harmful chemicals in them. These cleaning products are a threat to everyone, especially children and pets. There are many options for people who want to be green and safe when they clean. Let’s now take a look at the 4 Safe Alternatives to Caustic Based Cleaning Products.

1. Oleochemistry Cleaners: Nature’s Solution

Oleochemistry is the study of plant oils and their uses. Humankind has used soaps made from oils from trees and animals from the past. Utilising fats dissolved within the wooden ash formed the known primary cleaners. Though safer and nontoxic, using plant-based chemistries is comparatively less than caustic formulations. One explanation is that caustic-based cleaners can also be made into a solid mass( sort of a bar of soap, Washing Cake ).

At the same time, this is often not yet possible with plant-based cleansers. But plant-based chemistries are non-hazardous, environmentally responsible, and readily biodegradable. They are neither flammable nor corrosive. Oleochemistry products don’t bioaccumulate, as they’re derived from carbonaceous ingredients.

However, if safety is your mantra, Oleochemistry offers excellent options for cleaning grease, oils, industrial lubricants, metal parts, floors, washrooms, deodorising, and restoring surface shine. Cleaners are available to be used to wash and wash your hands. These are extremely friendly to sensitive people, including elders, children & pregnant women. Ideal for homes, these cleaners are powerful. Formulations used in industries are approved for defence, aviation, and municipalities.

2. Potassium Hydroxide-Based Cleaners

Though less popular than caustic-based degreasers, Potassium Hydroxide forms an essential part of industry formulations. The formulations are cheap, readily available, and safer. These cleaners are available only in liquid form. Making solid blocks with KOH-based cleaners has yet to be possible.

3. Magnesium Hydroxide-Based Cleaning Products

A range of soaps is out there within the marketplace for use at homes. Though costlier, safe, and residue-free, these cleaners are best for people with sensitive skin and allergies. During a low-volume market, women and upmarket customers would be best suited. These cleaners might not be best fitted for industrial use due to their lower ability to dissolve grease and traverse inorganic oils. Yes, they are only available as liquid cleaners, and a few brands offer easily dissolvable or quick-dissolving versions.

4. Super Treated Hydrocarbon-Based Solvent Cleaners

Ideal to be used in high-performance industrial applications, super-treated hydrocarbons are called solvents thanks to their inability to combine with water. Robust and Flammable, these Hydrocarbons are excellent cleaners of grease, oils, and rust. Being Hydrophobic, Slow evaporative, and flameproof, the Super Treated Hydrocarbon Solvents possess remarkable properties, including surface protection.

Ideal to be used in factories, the solvents are freed from benzene or VOCs.Though not as safe as Oleo products, super hydrocarbons are often recycled using filters and reused. One example is Purasolve Parts Cleaner.

ESP’s Safe Alternatives to Caustic-Based Cleaning Products

ESP presents a selection of eco-friendly alternatives to caustic soda, featuring Triple7 Aircraft & Metal Cleaner, Triple7 Heavy Duty Degreaser & Cleaner, and Triple7 Mega Clean. These solutions deliver highly efficient cleaning and degreasing while strongly emphasising safety and sustainability. Industries aiming for environmentally conscious options can trust these products to excel in performance without compromise.

Summary

This blog highlights the need for safe alternatives to caustic-based cleaning products commonly used in industrial and residential settings. It sheds light on the dangers of caustics, emphasising their toxicity and environmental impact. While exploring the risks associated with traditional caustic ingredients, it introduces four safe alternatives that are both effective and eco-friendly.

Get started with these practical, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives for a safer, greener clean. To know more contact us.

FAQ

What are caustics, and why are they commonly used in cleaning products?

Caustics, such as sodium hydroxide, are commonly found in cleaning products due to their ability to cut through grease and grime effectively.

Why should we seek alternatives to caustic-based cleaning products?

Caustics are toxic, corrosive, and environmentally harmful, leaving residues in water even after cleaning, making safer alternatives essential.

What is oleochemistry, and how does it provide a safe alternative for cleaning?

Oleochemistry uses plant oils to create non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and safe for sensitive individuals.

Are there alternatives to caustic-based cleaning products for industrial use?

Yes, alternatives like potassium hydroxide-based cleaners and super-treated hydrocarbon solvents are available for high-performance industrial applications.

Where can I find these safe alternatives to caustic-based cleaning products?

You can explore eco-friendly cleaning solutions, such as Triple7 Aircraft & Metal Cleaner, Triple7 Heavy Duty Degreaser & Cleaner, and Triple7 Mega Clean, on the ESP website.