Chemicals & dosing
Choose the cleaning agent by pH and surface
Acidic for limescale, neutral for daily use, alkaline for grease
pH determines what a cleaning agent can dissolve — and which surfaces it is gentle on. The guide helps you choose acidic, neutral or alkaline chemicals according to the task and the surface, and covers the important safety rule of never mixing acid and alkali.
Know the pH scale
The pH scale runs from 1 to 14: 1 is strong acid, 7 is neutral, and 14 is strong base. The further from 7, the stronger — and the more aggressive towards both dirt and surface. Always choose the mildest product that does the job.
Scale1 (acid) – 7 (neutral) – 14 (alkaline)Acidic (approx. 0–5) against limescale
Strongly acidic products dissolve limescale, oxides, rust and salt deposits and are used as descalers and sanitary cleaners on taps and toilets. They must NOT be used on acid-sensitive surfaces (natural stone, limestone, marble, terrazzo containing lime), where they etch the surface.
pHapprox. 0–5Neutral (approx. 6–9) for daily cleaning
Daily/neutral agents easily dissolve light grease and dirt and are gentle on most surfaces. They are the standard choice for general-purpose cleaning and daily floor washing, where you do not need an aggressive agent.
pHapprox. 6–9Alkaline (approx. 10–14) against grease
Strongly alkaline products dissolve vegetable and animal fats as well as proteins and are used for heavy-duty cleaning and degreasing. The higher the pH, the more powerfully they dissolve grease — and the more aggressive they are. Use protective equipment.
pHapprox. 10–14Check the surface's acid sensitivity
Before you choose, find out what the surface can tolerate. Natural stone, marble and limestone are acid-sensitive and need a pH-neutral product. Clinker/tiles tolerate most things (watch the grout), while linoleum and wood often need a neutral product and limited water. Always follow the floor and product data sheets.
NEVER mix acidic and alkaline — and never chlorine and acid
Never mix strongly acidic and strongly alkaline products, and never mix chlorine with acid. This can produce toxic gases. Use one product at a time, and rinse the surface between two different products.
One agent at a time. Chlorine + acid = toxic gas.
Source
Based on SUS «Rengøringsmidler og overflader» (pH division 0–5 / 6–9 / 10–14, educational — not a legal limit) and Discebo's pH article.