Detergents

Q: We are working with a lab washer in a compounding pharmacy application. We are using Detergent 8 to clean glassware and utensils. The glassware and utensils came out coated in a dry white residue. Can you please advise why this is happening with this detergent?

Q: We are looking to clean an aluminum coated mirror with a neutral, mild effective cleaner.  What can Alconox Inc. recommend?
A:  Typical residues found in laboratory, aerospace and optics industry mirror applications are adhered dust, dirt and water spots.  Occasionally oil spots and coolant residues will be found as well. 

Q. We have been using Tergazyme to clean lenses and cuvettes for our light scattering equipment and it works flawlessly! My question is: Does Tergazyme enzyme detergent have any disinfection properties, like killing of bacteria such as E. coli, or viruses?

Q. Do I determine detergent dilution by weight or by volume or both?

A. In a laboratory setting, the most common method is to either make a weight/weight dilution (10-20 g Alconox detergent in 990 g of water), or a weight/volume dilution (10-20 g Alconox in 990 mL of water) for 1-2% solutions.  In manufacturing situations, often directions are written volume/volume or volume/weight.

Q: We are having trouble removing polyurethane glue from stainless steel bolts.

A: Adherent residues can be tough.  And clearly glue is adherent, per design. 

For this application we want to increase temperature to expedite the cleaning effort as much as possible, and soften the glue.  We also want to up the concentration to ensure having sufficient detergent capacity.