{"id":37509,"date":"2023-04-04T15:02:03","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T15:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hubbardhall.com\/?p=37509"},"modified":"2024-06-26T17:38:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T17:38:29","slug":"the-8-myths-of-cleaning-according-to-our-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hubbardhall.com\/proof\/featured-experts\/the-8-myths-of-cleaning-according-to-our-experts","title":{"rendered":"The 8 Myths of Cleaning According to Our Experts. Worth the Read."},"content":{"rendered":"
Myth 1 of 8: Water is Obviously \u201cCheaper\u201d than Solvents.<\/strong><\/p>\n Regular city water alone won\u2019t clean anything. It needs surfactants and detergents that lower surface tension and remove soils. These are consumed during cleaning and need replenishing. Higher temperatures are needed to activate cleaning chemistry, which is important for ensuring good wetting and evaporation after rinsing, but that consumes energy. Also, an aqueous cleaning system needs rinse and dry units.<\/p>\n In contrast, a solvent<\/a> cleaning system uses significantly less energy for heating and drying. It occupies less space for an equivalent throughput and being less complex and needs less maintenance. Furthermore, the solvents are usually recovered and recycled. So, while a gallon of solvent cleaner may cost more than the same amount of aqueous cleaner, a solvent cleaning process has lower energy costs and consumes no water. The maintenance spend is lower and being smaller, the process may carry lower overheads.<\/p>\n Myth 2 of 8: Aqueous Systems Can\u2019t Be Used in Critical Cleaning<\/strong><\/p>\n First, let\u2019s be clear that \u201ccritical cleaning\u201d has a very specific meaning. It refers to the removal of sub-micron particles and non-volatile residues. It\u2019s required when any surface contamination would yield adverse effects. While many processes and products might qualify, the term is used particularly with reference to medical devices.<\/p>\n Second, the statement is just wrong. Aqueous<\/a> systems can be and are used in critical cleaning. However, surface tension \u2013 wetting \u2013 is a key consideration. The cleaner must penetrate every aspect of the part being cleaned. While solvents are inherently superior, with appropriate surfactants aqueous cleaners can perform as well.\u00a0However, aqueous cleaners can leave a surface residue. This makes rinsing and drying critical steps in aqueous critical cleaning. But if the surface can be demonstrably clean, to agreed levels, on a consistent and repeatable basis, aqueous cleaners can be used.<\/p>\n Myth 3 of 8: Aqueous cleaning is always \u201csafer\u201d than\u00a0solvent.<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s a misapprehension that \u201cAqueous Cleaning\u201d refers to cleaning with water. While water is involved, and under the right circumstances can be a solvent, in aqueous cleaning systems the water contains additives. These have several functions, such as lowering surface tension, creating chelation, (the drawing-out of metals,) modifying pH and saponification, (turning fats into salts of fats.) These additives, especially those strongly acidic or alkaline, can pose health hazards. Before assuming aqueous cleaning is safer, check the SDS to find out what\u2019s being used.<\/p>\n Solvents also need a close look. Some release VOCs, especially during drying. Some give off strong or unpleasant odors, and some may be hazardous. There\u2019s also the question of flammability: some are, and others aren\u2019t. But it\u2019s a generalization to say that aqueous is always safer than solvent.<\/p>\n Myth 4 of 8: Solvents are all BAD!<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cSolvent\u201d is an extremely broad term. Any substance that will dissolve another is, technically, a solvent, and that includes water. However, in popular parlance, \u201csolvent\u201d often refers to chemicals that will dissolve oil and grease. Examples include acetone, isopropanol, ethanol and butyl acetate. If these names appear familiar it\u2019s because they are widely used and available. While odors and flammability can be a concern, providing usage recommendations are followed there is no reason to avoid them. Consider also the age of solvent cleaning equipment. Modern units are engineered to minimize and mitigate any release that may occur and so don\u2019t have the emission problems of older cleaners.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t overlook the hazards of some aqueous cleaners. Anything acidic or caustic could present health risks, so the same advice applies read the SDS. And one other point to consider: disposal. Aqueous cleaners need to be disposed of appropriately. Most can\u2019t just be discharged down the drain.<\/p>\n Myth 5 of 8: Solvents will all be banned through government\u00a0regulation.<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s true that for some classes of solvents their use either has been or is in the process of being phased out. However, many others are still permitted, although in some cases there are regulations regarding aspects of usage like ventilation. In general, authorities like the EPA take the view that solvents used today will not be prohibited until equally effective and affordable, but more benign, versions emerge.<\/p>\n Some solvents used in the past have created environmental problems. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are two obvious examples. Use of these is governed by the Montreal and Kyoto protocols and they will disappear in due course. Likewise, solvents like trichloroethylene (TCE) are strictly regulated and again disappearing. Volatile organic compounds, (VOC\u2019s) are problematic and regulations regarding their use may tighten in future. But a complete ban? Not until affordable alternatives become available. Learn more.<\/a><\/p>\n Myth 6 of 8: Solvent cleaning is always the most efficient\u00a0process.<\/strong><\/p>\n Solvents make very effective cleaners, in the right application. The key points to consider are, what is being cleaned, what is it being cleaned of, and what is it being cleaned for? Solvents are highly effective for dissolving oils and their low surface tension enables good penetration and evaporation. Solvent cleaning can often be a less expensive process than aqueous cleaning. In addition, solvents that dry quickly help keep work flowing through a factory while avoiding inventory build-up and the need for storage space.<\/p>\n However, aqueous cleaning solutions work by a combination of solubilization, saponification, emulsification and chelation. More simply, there are a wide range of dirt or soil types, such as triglycerides (fats) that are removed better by water-based processes. In addition, aqueous cleaning can tackle surface oxidation, like rust, tarnish and scale, that solvent cleaning will not remove.<\/p>\n
\nSome solvents used in the past, trichloroethylene is a prime example, are now known to be hazardous to health. Some VOC-releasing solvents also have hazards associated, Likewise, CFCs and HCFCs are bad for the environment and consequently are being phased out. But to say all solvents are bad is incorrect. The key is to read the SDS and understand what\u2019s in it and the risks, if any.<\/p>\n