pH Meeting #2 pH is nothing more than the measurement of the amount of hydrogen a solution can dissolve. The pH of a chemical can tell us some interesting things about how we may use it but it is not the end all be all of a chemical’s ability. Acids The very word conjures up images of cartoon characters with limbs absent of any and all soft tissue. The truth is that acids are not more corrosive and damaging than are alkalines. These chemicals have a pH that registers below 7 on the scale, and that is all the word really tells us. In our industry acids mean happiness and sunshine. Fabrics typically like to be in an acidic state, that is where they are the softest and the most stable. Alkalines Any water-based liquid with a pH above 7 is represented here. Typically alkalines are the agent of choice for removing most soils. The reason for this is that most of the water soluble soil we see is acidic. By using alkaline cleaning solutions we neutralize the acids making them easier to remove. Neutral This is the pH of pure distilled water. Regular tap water contains dissolved minerals and other foreign matter that will change the pH of the water to anywhere between 6 and 8.5 normally. Neutral pH cleaners like the neutral tile and
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pH Meeting #2
pH is nothing more than the measurement of the amount of hydrogen a solution can dissolve. The pH of a chemical can tell us some interesting things about how we may use it but it is not the end all be all of a chemical’s ability.
AcidsThe very word conjures up images of cartoon characters with limbs absent of any and all soft tissue. The truth is that acids are not more corrosive and damaging than are alkalines. These chemicals have a pH that registers below 7 on the scale, and that is all the word really tells us. In our industry acids mean happiness and sunshine. Fabrics typically like to be in an acidic state, that is where they are the softest and the most stable.
AlkalinesAny water-based liquid with a pH above 7 is represented here. Typically alkalines are the agent of choice for removing most soils. The reason for this is that most of the water soluble soil we see is acidic. By using alkaline cleaning solutions we neutralize the acids making them easier to remove.
NeutralThis is the pH of pure distilled water. Regular tap water contains dissolved minerals and other foreign matter that will change the pH of the water to anywhere between 6 and 8.5 normally. Neutral pH cleaners like the neutral tile and grout cleaner and spotter rely on characteristics like surfactants to derive their cleaning power.
The key is to have a good understanding of the pH of the problem you are working on. Here is a quick and dirty list of the pH of some potential contaminants
Acids Alkalines
Soda pop BloodCoffee Bakes goodsTea Lake waterUrine (fresh) Cleaning agents
Vomit
Once you know the pH of the spot you have a better chance of treating the spot. If you don’t know and cant find out the pH of the spot you are working on, start with a mild alkaline such as cleaning solution and spotter as your first choice. If the spot does not respond adjust your tactics accordingly.
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