Alcojet

Q. Which Alconox cleaners can be used on Aluminum?

A. The Alconox brand cleaners recommended for cleaning aluminum are Alconox, Liquinox, Tergazyme, Alcojet, Alcotabs, Detojet, Citranox, Luminox, Citrajet, Solujet and Tergajet. Detergent 8 is not recommended for cleaning aluminum. Aluminum forms a natural passive layer in air that allows it to be successfully cleaned without adverse reactions with cleaner. A passive layer forms in under an hour, provided there is no oily film present. Once the passive layer is formed, the recommended Alconox brand cleaners can be used to clean the aluminum at concentrations of less than 5% at 90 deg C or less for up to one hour.

Q. How to clean weathered oxidized or aged aluminum with a dark grey buildup of oxides especial architectural aluminum or decorations on buildings.
A. We do not have a product suitable for this but we do have recommendations. Citranox and Citrajet are well suited to cleaning freshly manufactured aluminum items, but not aged and weathered aluminum items.

Q. Equipment says use soft metal safe detergent. Can you recommend a product?
A. I recommend you use soft-metal-safe Alcojet in your Labconco washer. Download the Alcojet MSDS for more information.

When cleaning aluminum, it is assumed that the aluminum has been exposed to air and has formed the typical aluminum oxide layer prior to cleaning. If recently machined, aluminum must be cleaned and it cannot be allowed to air passivate. Therefore, a cleaner that contains appropriate metasilicate inhibitors such as Solujet, Detojet, Alcojet or Tergajet must be used.

Q. Which Alconox cleaners are low foaming for use in mechanical washers?

A. Alconox, Inc makes both powder and liquid; acid and alkaline; and phosphate containing and phosphate-free low foaming cleaners. You need a low foaming cleaner for use in mechanical washers that rely on spraying to clean surfaces.