Potential of Hydrogen is a measurement of acidic and basic substances. It defines the quantity of basicity or acidity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Neutral is 7. Above 7 is basic and below 7 is acidic. Acids and bases are used in our day to day lifestyles. This scale helps regulate the safety of products manufactured.

Acids and bases are vital in the cleaning industry. Acids can help remove rust through a procedure called pickling. This removes stains, inorganic contaminants, and impurities from a variety of different metal types. Sulfuric acid is among one of the stronger acids used in commercial cleaning. A common product containing an acid are drain cleaners. Sulfuric acid is popular in drain cleaners. When pouring down a drain, activate the chemical by rinsing with cold water. Be cautious not to spill onto skin. What makes sulfuric acid an excellent cleaner are the corrosion properties. Due to those properties, if sulfuric acid comes in contact with skin, lather the area with soap and rinse with warm water.

A strong commercially used base is Sodium Hydroxide. It helps clean ovens and unclogs drains. Sodium hydroxide is also known as Lye. It liquefies clogs to be easily washed down pipes. Oven cleaners that are caustic lye-based help break through baked on soil in ovens. Lye can lead to chemical burns if contacted with skin. The knowledge of pH levels in commercially used cleaners gives awareness on how to approach a cleaner along with it’s safety properties.

Becoming familiar with pH levels when cleaning can improve safety in handling and exposure. Applying protection is important in getting results while maintaining ones safety. Always prevent exposure during commercial usage of acidic and basic products by using caution.

For more information on acidic and basic cleaners, go to Products on our Multi-Clean’s webpage.