Industrial Detergents

Industrial detergents are cleaning products specifically formulated to remove dirt, stains and grease in environments that require high standards of hygiene and deep cleaning.

Unlike household detergents, industrial detergents are designed to withstand intensive use and usually have a higher concentration of active ingredients.

Detergents are classified according to their composition and specific use. Below are the main categories of detergents:

Anionic Detergents: These are the most common and are characterized by their great cleaning capacity and foam formation. They are ideal for removing grease and dirt in general, and are widely used in laundry and surface cleaning.

Non-ionic detergents: They do not generate as much foam as anionic detergents, which makes them perfect for use in automatic and industrial washing machines. They have excellent degreasing power, and are effective in hard water.

Cationic Detergents: Less common in laundry cleaning, these detergents have disinfecting and softening properties, so they are used more in personal care products and fabric softeners.

Amphoteric Detergents: These are versatile and gentle, and are generally found in specialized products for delicate surfaces or in professional detergents that require a low level of irritation, such as in hospital laundry.

Biodegradable Detergents: These detergents are formulated with eco-friendly ingredients that break down easily in the environment. They are ideal for those looking for sustainable cleaning options.

Enzymatic Detergents: These contain enzymes that help break down organic stains, such as food, blood and sweat. They are very effective in industrial and commercial laundries that require deep cleaning.

This classification allows you to select the most suitable type of detergent according to the type of fabric, the level of dirt and the specific needs of each industry or domestic application.

Laundry detergents can also be classified according to their presentation into three main groups:

Powder Detergents: These are effective at removing tough stains and are often ideal for heavily soiled clothing or for washing in hot water. Powder detergents are popular in industrial laundries for their deep cleaning ability and cost-effectiveness.

Liquid Detergents: They have the advantage of dissolving easily in water, making them effective at low temperatures and in short wash cycles. They are especially good for pre-treating stains before washing and for delicate fabrics.

Detergents in Tablets or Capsules: These forms offer convenient and precise dosing, avoiding waste and simplifying the washing process. They are popular in domestic and industrial applications for their ease of use and their effectiveness in cleaning.

In the food industry, several types of disinfectants are used to ensure the hygiene and safety of products and surfaces. Some of the most common ones include:

Chlorine-based disinfectants: These are very effective in eliminating bacteria and viruses. They are used on food contact surfaces and kitchen equipment.

Iodine-based disinfectants: They are ideal for disinfecting utensils and surfaces in contact with food, as they also have antimicrobial properties.

Hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants: They are used to clean equipment and surfaces in the food industry, as they are effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Organic acids: Such as acetic acid or citric acid, are used for cleaning and disinfecting, especially in cleaning equipment and surfaces in food processing areas.

Quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants: They are widely used in the food industry for their ability to eliminate a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria.

These disinfectants are essential to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that food is not compromised by pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, it is important that they are suitable for use on surfaces that come into direct contact with food, following food safety regulations and standards.

The main difference between detergent and disinfectant lies in their function: while detergent is responsible for removing visible dirt such as grease and residue, disinfectant is responsible for eliminating microorganisms, protecting the area from invisible contaminants.

Thus, in a complete industrial cleaning process, the detergent is first applied to clean and then the disinfectant to ensure deep and safe hygiene.

The choice between liquid and powder detergent depends on the type of cleaning you need to do. Liquid detergent is an excellent choice as it dissolves quickly in water, making it ideal for faster and more effective cleaning.

It is also perfect for delicate surfaces and for treating localised stains, as it is applied directly and distributed evenly. On the other hand, powder detergent is ideal for large surfaces or for removing heavy dirt, such as grease and oils, and is usually more economical in high-volume applications.