Most people are aware that cleaning with acid is not the safest way to go. However, what they may not know is that there are a number of safer solvents that can be used in place of acid. Acid is often used for cleaning because it is effective at removing deposits. However, it is also corrosive and can be dangerous to both humans and the environment. There are a number of safer solvents that can be used for cleaning, including botanical solvents, oleo-based oils, and fruit-based acid descalers.
Solvents are made of hydro-carbon, they are not mixable in water unlike other cleaning chemicals which are generally.
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Which solvents are effective alternatives for acids?
One of the best solvents to use in place of acid is a botanical solvent, such as orange solvents. As the name implies, these solvents are derived from natural sources, such as citrus fruits or other plants. Orange solvent, for instance, is produced from the oil of the orange peel, and is a natural degreaser. It’s effective at removing deposits and is biodegradable. It is also non-flammable, that is being flame retardant solvent cleaners and safe for the environment.
Four other great non-toxic solvent to use is an oleo-based oil, such as Soya, Corn, Palm & Coconut oil. Oleo-based oils are derived from natural sources, and like botanical solvents, they are effective at removing deposits while being non-toxic and biodegradable. Coconut oil has been proven to be a powerful degreaser, and is often used in home-cleaning products due to its effectiveness and safety. These oils are blended with non ionic surfactants and not just produce the best of cleaning , but also provide shine, inhibit rust and act to preserve the surface.
For tougher cleaning jobs, you may opt to use a fruit-based acid descaler, such as Enviroscale. A home-made option could be apple cider vinegar. This type of descaler is high in organic acids, yet far less corrosive than traditional acids. It’s highly effective at removing deposits and is biodegradable.
How Effective Are These Cleaning Solvents?
When it comes to effectiveness, these safer solvents perform on par with acid-based solvents. Botanical solvents, such as orange solvent, are capable of breaking down oil and grease which also makes it an effective degreaser. Oleo-based oils, such as coconut oil, can be used to clean surfaces and remove dirt and grime. And fruit-based acid descalers, such as apple cider vinegar, are highly effective at removing deposits. It is also very easy to have access to flame retardant solvent cleaners in the market these days.
In terms of safety, these solvents are far superior to acid-based solvents. Botanical solvents are non-toxic and biodegradable, and oleo-based oils don’t cause the same levels of corrosion and environmental damage as traditional acids. Their non-toxicity makes them much safer for use in the home and around children and pets.
Are there any added benefits to solvents over acids?
These solvents provide a number of benefits when used for cleaning. They can safely and effectively clean without causing damage to surfaces or the environment, and they have a much lower risk of harm to humans and animals. Furthermore, these solvents are usually non-flammable, and some are even edible, making them even safer to use in the home. Finally, they are often less expensive than traditional acids, making them a cost-effective alternative to acid-based solvents.
What are the disadvantages of using solvents?
The main downside to these solvents is that they can be very slow in certain cleaning applications, such as removing thick tar coating or other tough deposits. However, when used in the appropriate applications, they are effective and safe to use.
In conclusion, there are a number of safer solvents that can be used in place of acid-based cleaners. These solvents include botanical solvents, oleo-based oils, and fruit-based acid descalers. These solvents are effective and, when used properly, can provide all of the same cleaning benefits without the dangerous health and environmental risks associated with acid-based cleaners.
Would you like to know how this can be implemented in your factory or industry? Do write to us and we can discuss the various solutions for your requirements.
