Product-Material Compatibility
Material compatibility is the ability of a cleaning product to act on a surface without corroding, staining, dulling or degrading it.
It depends mainly on the type of chemistry. Acids dissolve calcium carbonate, so they attack marble, terrazzo, limestone and cement grout, and they also corrode metals such as iron or zinc. Strong alkalis attack aluminium, zinc and galvanised steel, and can damage some paints and varnishes. Certain solvents swell or crack some plastics. Concentration, temperature and contact time also play a part: a product that is compatible at the stated dose can damage the material if it is used more concentrated, hotter or left to dry on the surface.
The reference is always the product's technical data sheet. If it does not mention a material, compatibility should not be assumed: the prudent approach is to test first on a small, inconspicuous area. Examples of what Instaquim technical data sheets state verbatim:
- Neugras (degreaser, pH 11.3): «Can be used on all types of metals, even aluminium».
- Acid Foam (descaler, pH 1 %: 2.2): «Does not attack aluminium or stainless steel».
- Acid Pro (descaler, pH 1 %: 2.0): «Does not attack chrome-plated or enamelled materials, rubber seals or plastic».
- Cemex (acid cleaner, pH 1 %: 1.7): «Avoid contact with aluminium and natural stone».
- Oxin (acid abrasive powder): suitable for «stainless steel, brass, bronze and iron»; «must not be applied to marble, mosaics or acid-sensitive materials».
- Decal (sulphamic acid): «Attacks iron, cast iron and zinc»; aluminium, copper and copper alloys «are practically not vulnerable when cold».
- Di elec (dielectric degreaser): «Does not attack metal surfaces»; «may slightly attack certain types of plastics, especially polystyrene».