Heavy-Duty Alkaline Degreaser
A heavy-duty alkaline degreaser is a very high-pH cleaner that removes grease, oil and baked-on organic soil, especially in kitchens and industry.
Its action is based on bases such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, silicates or carbonates, combined with surfactants, sequestrants and, in some formulations, solvents. Animal and vegetable fats are saponified in an alkaline medium and become water-soluble; mineral oils are not saponified and are removed by emulsification thanks to the surfactants. Heat softens the grease and speeds up the process, which is why some products are applied to hot surfaces. Rinsing is always needed afterwards to remove the soil and product residues.
They are not suitable for aluminium, zinc or galvanised surfaces, which strong alkalis attack, nor for limescale, which requires an acid detergent. They are corrosive to skin and eyes: they are handled with gloves, goggles and protective clothing. Where there is aluminium, low-alkalinity degreasers are used, such as Neugras (pH 11.3), which according to its data sheet «can be used on all types of metals, even aluminium».
Instaquim heavy-duty alkaline degreasers, according to their technical data sheets (all exclude aluminium and carry the H314 statement):
- Griddgrass (pH 1 %: 12.5; neat or diluted up to 10 %, at about 50-60 °C): kitchen griddles, ovens and surfaces with burnt-on grease.
- Hot Gras (pH 1 %: 12.0; neat, at about 70-80 °C): griddles, fryers, ovens, grills and salamanders.
- Filter (powder; pH 1 %: 12.8; by immersion at 2 to 10 %, preferably with hot water): kitchen utensils, extractor hood filters and fryers.
- Bilgras Pro (pH 1 %: 12.5; neat or diluted up to 1 %): griddles, hoods, floors, tiles and stainless steel; can be applied with a pressure washer.