Detergent 8 vs. Alconox

Q. What are some differences between using Alconox or using Detergent 8 to remove oily residues from stainless steel?

A. Detergent 8 is slightly better at removing oily organic residues, natural ester oils and rosins. However, Alconox is better on particulates and inorganic residues than Detergent 8. Alconox is also effective on oily residues and will work better in hard water than Detergent 8. Use caution when cleaning aluminum. Detergent 8 has a pH of 11.5 which will attack most bare aluminum that has not been anodized or protected. Aluminum can be cleaned safely without attack in pH 9.5 Alconox, however Alconox will very slowly attack aluminum in extended contact time.

To read more about Alconox, powdered precision cleaner and Detergent 8, low foaming Ion-free Detergent download each detergent’s technical bulletin and/or Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS).