Understanding pH Levels and Their Importance: The Science Behind Cleaning

Do you ever wonder why certain cleaning solutions work brilliantly on some messes but barely make a difference on others?

The answer rests within basic chemical properties. The science of cleaning depends heavily on pH, which plays a key role in how effectively a solution tackles different types of dirt and grime.

Understanding the pH values of cleaning solutions and the nature of the dirt you want to eliminate will change your cleaning process from failed attempts into a precise, efficient, and safer system.

The pH scale demonstrates the acidity or alkalinity of substances, extending from 0 to 14. 7 is the neutral point, which matches the characteristics of pure water. A pH value below 7 is acidic, while values above 7 have alkaline or basic properties.

The logarithmic nature of the scale means that a substance at pH 5 demonstrates ten times greater acidity than a substance at pH 6. Small pH differences produce major effects on cleaning effectiveness.

Acidic Cleaners: The Mineral Masters (pH 0-6)

Acidic cleaners succeed in breaking down mineral-based materials through their dissolving action. Acid cleaners target mineral deposits and rust, along with the white chalky buildup that results from hard water. The acid substance interacts with minimal salts to break them down into a form that can be easily removed through wiping.

What They Tackle: Soap scum, hard water stains, rust, limescale, and mineral deposits.

Common Examples: White vinegar and lemon juice are natural acidic cleaning solutions. The market offers professional-grade tub and tile cleaners, descalers, and toilet bowl cleaners that contain potent acids for commercial applications.

Where to Use Them: Cleaning products within this range are very effective in bathrooms, showers, and toilets, while they can also be used to descale appliances such as kettles and coffee makers.

Use with Caution: You should use acidic cleaners with care since they dissolve minerals. They can etch marble, limestone, and travertine surfaces, so always test on a hidden area before use. Avoid using these cleaners on sensitive materials.

Alkaline Cleaners: The Grease and Grime Fighters (pH 8-14)

Alkaline cleaners excel at dissolving organic soils while operating at the far end of the pH spectrum. Alkaline cleaners effectively dissolve fats, oils, greases, proteins and all carbon-based materials. The alkaline agent performs saponification by reacting with fats, which generates soap-like substances that can be washed off with ease.

What They Tackle: Grease, cooking oils, fats, waxes, and protein-based stains (like food spills).

Common Examples: Baking soda functions as an example of a mild alkaline cleaning agent. Stronger examples include ammonia, bleach, and powerful degreasers and oven cleaners.

Where to Use Them: Most commonly used on greasy kitchen countertops, stovetops, ovens, grills, and oily floor stains.

Use with Caution: Highly alkaline cleaners can be caustic and may damage some surfaces like aluminium, painted finishes, or waxed floors. The use of these strong cleaning agents requires both protective gloves and safe ventilation conditions.

Neutral Cleaners: The Everyday Maintainers (pH 7)

Neutral cleaners serve as the best option when you need to clean surfaces that do not require specific treatment for stubborn messes. Neutral cleaners function at a pH level of 7, which makes them suitable for various surfaces while providing light-duty cleaning effectiveness.

What They Tackle: Light dust and everyday dirt and grime.

Where to Use Them: Use neutral cleaners to clean delicate surfaces such as hardwood floors, natural stone, and laminate materials. They provide effective cleaning without causing damage to surfaces. Neutral cleaning products with a pH of 7 should not leave residue.

Why the pH of Cleaning Solutions Matter

Having knowledge of pH values enables you to select safe and effective cleaning solutions for specific tasks which, over time, will improve your productivity and give you better results.

By matching the cleaning solution to the type of mess – acid for minerals, alkali for organics – you'll work with chemistry, not against it. This scientific approach ensures a more effective clean for your clients every time.

At Big Clean, we provide a wide selection of products that span all pH ranges, from strong acidic descaling agents to effective alkaline degreasers to meet any cleaning requirement.