Neutral Detergent
A neutral detergent is a cleaner with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, neither acidic nor alkaline, that removes everyday soil without damaging delicate surfaces.
pH shows whether a product is acidic (below 7), neutral (around 7) or alkaline (above 7). Neutral detergents are the choice for daily cleaning and for materials that do not tolerate strong acids or alkalis well: wood, painted or varnished surfaces, treated floors and the skin of the hands in manual washing. Built-up grease calls for an alkaline detergent, and limescale for an acidic one.
Neutral does not mean disinfectant. A neutral detergent cleans but does not disinfect: to disinfect, use a product registered as a disinfectant, at the dose and contact time stated in its data sheet.
In professional cleaning, «neutral soap» usually means neutral detergent. Soap in the strict sense, made from saponified fats, is alkaline.
Instaquim neutral detergents, with the pH and use stated in their technical data sheet:
- Ambinet C (pH 7.0) and Marino (pH 7.5): all kinds of surfaces and hard floors; Ambinet C also on wood.
- Parket (pH 7.5): wood and parquet. Bio floor (pH 7.0): hard floors with organic soil, no rinsing.
- Top + and Platt (pH 6.5): manual washing of dishes and glassware.
- Neutro Foam: its data sheet defines it as a neutral multi-purpose detergent (pH 5.5), high-foaming, for all kinds of surfaces in the food industry.
- Procar (pH 7.5): vehicle bodywork in car-wash tunnels.