Detergent Working Temperature

The optimum temperature of a detergent is the solution temperature range in which the product cleans best. It is stated on its technical data sheet.

Temperature is one of the four factors of Sinner's circle, together with chemistry (product and dose), contact time and mechanical action. If one goes down, it has to be made up for with the others: a wash at a lower temperature needs more time, more mechanical action or a product designed to work cold.

Heat helps because it softens and melts fats, speeds up reactions such as saponification and improves the dissolution of many residues. But more heat is not always better:

• Proteins (blood, egg, milk) are denatured by very hot water and stick more firmly to the surface; that is why it is usual to start with lukewarm water.
• Enzymes lose activity above their working range.
• Active chlorine breaks down faster at high temperature.
• Some materials, fabrics and finishes do not tolerate high temperatures, and heating water costs energy.

That is why each product is formulated for a specific range. Some examples from Instaquim technical data sheets:

• Biogold (enzymatic, 5–10 g/kg of dry laundry): recommended temperature of about 40 °C.
• Alcalino Pro 1 (pH 1 %: 12.8): in CIP, 0.5 to 5 % at 45–70 °C for 20–45 minutes; do not use on aluminium.
• Hot Gras (pH 1 %: 12.0): sprayed neat onto griddles and ovens at about 70–80 °C; do not use on aluminium.

How to find and read the temperature on the data sheet for each type of product is explained in Optimal detergent temperature.

More information: CIP cleaning · Professional enzymatic detergent