TechNotes

Q: We use Alconox on the medical device parts we manufacture that need cleaning before shipment. Alconox detergent is working in an excellent way with austenitic stainless steel parts, but is not working that well with martensitic stainless steel. Actually, at the end of the process cleaning martensitic steel, we notice some marks on the material. Any recommendations?

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Clean laboratory glassware is essential in all laboratories. No scientist, engineer, laboratory technician, or analyst has time to fail an experiment because of contaminated glassware.  

Good, well-built, precision detergents (like the Alconox, Inc. portfolio of course) can make up for quite of bit incomplete, inefficient or incorrect glassware cleaning techniques.

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Q. Currently using Alconox, but are considering a switch to liquinox. We have seen less residuals with Liquinox, which is desireable. What are the recommendations and concerns with switching from Alconox to Liquinox? What are the difference in ingredients between the two?
A. Alconox and Liquinox are functionally equivalent cleaners, but are not chemically identical. Click to learn more and access the Liquinox and Alconox msds.

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I’m looking for a cleaning solution to use in our industrial ultrasonic cleaner that is similar to the old style competitor detergent. We use it occasionally for general cleaning, removal of machining oils, cleaning for high vacuum use, and to lightly etch the oxides off of copper. 

If we did a pre-mix and let it sit until use, how long would the formulations last before degrading?

Could we also use this mix for washing microfiber towels and foam sponges that have various waxes, polymer sealants and oils on them?

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What is the best way for removing wax from pipettes and glassware? The best way to clean wax and petrolatum from pipettes is to use very hot 1% solutions.

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Q: We are looking for detergent and process recommendations for manual cleaning of a 100 gallon mixer. We make one product in the mixer which contains water, modified food starch, acidic buffers, sucralose and preservative. Currently when cleaning, we boil for 1 hour at 90°C, then cool, drain and soak in cool water while using the mixing blades.  Scrub brushes and a spray hosing follows that. The mixer is made from stainless steel.

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Can using tap water to make a 1% solution of Alconox cause there to be some undissolved Alconox particles? It will depend on the tap water. You can certainly use tap water to formulate any of our detergents. Read more….

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Q: We are cleaning heavy scale compounds of Ca, Mg, carbonates, phosphates and organic matter from reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Can you tell us some cleaning best practices and recommend a detergent?

A. If the organic matter is significant, a two-step process, cleaning by re-circulation or soaking (re-circulation may be more effective) could be needed. If the organic matter is biologic in nature, we would recommend Tergazyme® Enzyme-Active Powdered Detergent which is both a powerful emulsifier along with protein enzymes. If the organic residue is more of an oily nature…

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Making detergent solution (1%) of powdered detergent such as Alconox or Tergazyme, you can make your solutions by weight or by volume.

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Q. Why are critical cleaners essential in flavor and fragrance industries? A. Many major flavor and fragrance companies use Alconox or Liquinox detergent to soak, scrub or sonicate their manufacturing equipment. The reason they use these detergents is that they are free of all flavors, fragrances, dyes, cationic biocides or disinfectants, and emollients that might leave residues. This way…

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