Why pH is Misunderstood
Why is pH Misunderstood in Cleaning?
Think you know how pH works in cleaners? Well, don’t feel stupid if you don’t. It’s a very commonly misunderstood scientific phenomenon when discussing detergent cleaners. Why? Because, there are two parts to cleaning: 1) pH, and 2) alkalinity. Many forget about alkalinity and how it relates to pH. In fact, 9 out of 10 people will probably tell you that the two terms are interchangeable. This article will explain why they’re not the same and how they are coupled together for optimal cleaning.
What is pH?
What is pH? You could look in a chemical reference book for the definition; or, you could stare into space for about 30 minutes. Both will probably have the same outcome….a sense of bewilderment. Instead, let me explain as it relates to cleaning solutions.
There are three main numbers for pH that you will need to remember: “1”, “7”, and “14”. The number “1” relates to an acid, “7” is neutral (like water), and “14” is a base. Acids are typically used in cleaning to remove scale such as rust and hard water stains. Bases are typically used to remove organic-based stains. And, products with a pH of “7”? They are used to rinse.
This article will focus on cleaners with a pH above “7”, the high pH alkaline cleaners.
What pH is Dangerous?
Many environmental professionals will tell you that a high pH is very dangerous. In some cases, they’re right. The generally understood range for a “dangerous” pH is above a pH of 12.5 or higher. This number arose out of a long held standard by the EPA regarding hazardous wastes[1]. In 2009, a new program by the EPA was developed to help facilitate the production of “environmentally friendly” cleaners, called Design For the Environment (DFE). In the DFE’s Guidelines for Safer Products, they require a pH of less than 11.5 – unless proven to be non-corrosive to the skin or eyes[2].
Eco Ice Concentrate has a pH of 12.58; so, how is it safe and not a hazardous material? Alkalinity. Eco-Ice Concentrate has a high pH but very low alkalinity.
Alkalinity v.s. pH?
What is alkalinity and how is it different from pH? Alkalinity is NOT a measure of pH. Alkalinity is a measure of how much acid it can neutralize (pH 7). Think of it this way: pH = How High while Alkalinity = How Far.
Does this mean a cleaning chemical with a lower pH is safer? No. A cleaner with a pH of 11.5 can be just as dangerous as a cleaning chemical with a pH of 13.5 because of alkalinity. This can be done through the magic of “buffering”, which we will save explaining for another article.
The “Slow” Push?
Alkalinity is the “push” behind pH. A cleaner with a pH of 11.5 and a very high alkalinity has a lot of “push” behind it which can eventually burn the skin as its “slow push” keeps pushing over several minutes. A cleaner with a pH of 13.5 and very little alkalinity has very little “push” behind it and will just give a quick “shove” to the skin and be done within seconds. In contrast to both examples, a cleaner with a pH of 13.5 and a very high alkalinity (like many caustic ink cleaners) will push very hard for a very long time and will cause rapid damage to skin.
The human skin can handle “quick shoves” but breaks down with a “slow push”.
Intentional Design?
Eco-Ice Concentrate has intentionally been developed with a pH of 12.6 to activate the removal of ink and a low alkalinity to make it safe on those who use it. This is why Eco-Ice performs as well as caustic cleaners, yet it is not corrosive to the skin.