Efficient industrial maintenance is essential to ensuring optimal machine performance, workplace safety, and reducing downtime.
In this context, industrial degreasers play an essential role by removing accumulated oils, grease, and residues from equipment and surfaces.
However, choosing the right degreaser can be a challenge, as the market offers a wide variety of products with different formulations and characteristics.
What to look for in an industrial degreaser?
Selecting the most suitable industrial degreaser for your company will ensure maximum cleaning and maintenance effectiveness. Important things to know are:
1. Understand the Types of Industrial Degreasers
There are different types of industrial degreasers, each formulated to meet specific needs. Below, we describe the most common ones:
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Alkaline degreasers : These are ideal for removing organic grease and oil. Their basic formulation helps dissolve greasy residue on metal surfaces and machinery. They are commonly used in sectors such as automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing.
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Acid degreasers : These degreasers are effective at removing mineral residues, such as oxides and limescale. They are primarily used in industries such as the food and beverage industry, where limescale and mineral residues are a recurring problem.
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Water-soluble degreasers : These products dissolve in water, making them easy to use in large quantities and suitable for use in automatic cleaning systems. They are suitable for high-volume production environments.
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Non-aqueous degreasers : These are formulations based on organic solvents, ideal for removing very persistent grease or industrial oils. Although they are effective, they require more careful handling due to their greater toxicity.
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2. Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Degreaser
Selecting the ideal degreaser depends not only on its type but also on several factors that must be carefully evaluated to ensure its effectiveness. Below are the key factors to consider:
a. The Type of Dirt and Waste to be Removed
The type of residue you want to remove is crucial when choosing a degreaser. Light greases and oils will require a gentler product, while heavier and stickier residues, such as industrial oils or carbon, require a more powerful degreaser.
For example, in the food industry, degreasers must be effective at removing oils and food residues without compromising safety. In contrast, in the automotive or metalworking industries, more powerful and targeted degreasers are needed to remove industrial oils and lubricants.
b. Compatibility with the Surfaces to be Cleaned
It's essential to ensure the degreaser is suitable for the surfaces being treated. Some products may be too aggressive for sensitive materials, such as plastics, paints, or metal alloys, which could damage the equipment. It's important to always check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding compatibility with different materials.
For example, using acidic degreasers on stainless steel surfaces can result in corrosion if the correct product is not selected. Additionally, some formulas can be abrasive, which could damage the surfaces of more delicate components.
c. Efficiency and Action Time
The effectiveness of an industrial degreaser also depends on its exposure time. Some products require long exposure times to be effective, while others act quickly. It's advisable to choose a degreaser that offers a balance between efficiency and exposure time, especially in work environments with high equipment turnover.
Additionally, many advanced degreasers are formulated to deliver fast, scrubbing-free action, making cleaning easier in high-demand processes.
3. Environmental and Safety Considerations
Handling industrial degreasers must be carried out under strict safety regulations due to the risks posed by some of these products. It is essential to ensure that the degreaser chosen complies with local and international safety regulations, as well as environmental regulations. Some products can release toxic fumes or be corrosive, so proper protective equipment is essential.
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Environmental impact : Today, many industrial degreasers are formulated with biodegradable ingredients, which contributes to sustainability. Make sure the degreaser you select doesn't harm the environment, especially if used in large quantities.
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Staff Safety : Make sure the degreaser has a Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) detailing the hazards and precautionary measures required for handling. Additionally, if the product is flammable or generates fumes, proper ventilation is vital in the work area.
4. Long-Term Costs and Profitability
Although the initial cost of an industrial degreaser is significant, the cost-benefit ratio is even more significant. Some products may seem more economical, but if they require more quantity or application time, the total cost could be higher in the long run.
Consider not only the price, but also the product concentration, its durability, and the amount of product needed to achieve the desired results. Buying in bulk or using concentrated degreasers can result in significant savings over time.
5. Final Recommendations: Selection Based on Specific Needs
Each industry has its own cleaning and maintenance requirements. To choose the best industrial degreaser, it's crucial to consider the following aspects:
- The type of waste to be disposed of.
- The compatibility of the product with the surfaces to be cleaned.
- The safety and environmental impact of degreasers.
- Efficiency and long-term cost.
Recommendations According to the Sector
a. Food Industry
In the food industry, cleanliness is essential not only to maintain hygiene but also to avoid any risk of cross-contamination. Degreasers used in this sector must be specifically formulated to remove oils and grease without leaving residues that could alter the flavor or safety of food. It is essential that these products are suitable for surfaces that come into direct contact with products, such as tables, utensils, or processing equipment.
In addition, they must comply with strict health regulations, ensuring they do not generate toxic or chemical residues that can remain on surfaces. Degreasers of this type must have properties that guarantee deep cleaning without leaving strong odors or visible residues, which is crucial for the food environment.
b. Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, degreasers must be powerful enough to remove oils, grease, and heavy residues that accumulate on engines, metal parts, and other surfaces exposed to intensive work. Despite their power, these products must be safe for delicate vehicle materials, such as plastics, rubber, and electrical components.
It's essential to choose a degreaser that can dissolve the toughest oils without damaging parts. It should also be effective at cleaning quickly and without leaving residue that could affect the vehicle's performance.
Selecting the right degreaser also contributes to preventative vehicle maintenance, extending their useful life and ensuring efficient operation over time.
c. General Industry
In other industries, such as metalworking or machinery manufacturing, degreasers must be versatile and capable of removing a variety of industrial oils and residues.
Depending on the type of machinery and the volume of waste, more powerful products may be required, maintaining effectiveness even with thick buildup of grease and dirt. Furthermore, solutions must be easy to use, especially if applied in large volumes or through automated cleaning systems.
At La Corberana, we understand that each sector has specific requirements when it comes to industrial cleaning. That's why we offer degreasers designed to meet the most demanding needs, ensuring optimal performance and extending the life of your equipment.
Whether you need an eco-friendly solution, a highly concentrated product, or a specialized one for your industry, we have the right degreaser for you. Discover our product range and ensure effective and safe cleaning for your business.