Nonpolar Residue Recommendation

Q:  Do you have a detergent that effectively targets nonpolar residue contamination and is safe for use with cold-rolled steel?  A 1% Liquinox cleaning did not help….

A:  The term nonpolar often indicates a hydrocarbon or oily residue.  Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent should be quite ideal for such applications.  So we would look to tweak temp, time and concentration.  While heat normally quickens cleaning of these types of residues, we don’t want to risk corrosion with the tool steel.  Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend going much hotter.  However, even 5-10C can make a difference (every 10C halves cleaning time).  I would also look to maybe go to 2-3% Liquinox and clean for longer.  Mechanical action can also help.   We can also consider even better emulsifiers such as Detonox® Ultimate Precision Cleaner if we confirm compatibility with the cold-rolled steel. 

The take home point being that if something appears to not work, it may just need more help. More temp, time, detergent. Or more/different chemistry.

If we a low foaming detergent is required for CIP or washer cleaning, we would consider Alcojet® Low Foaming Powdered Detergent or Solujet® Low-Foaming Phosphate-Free Liquid, for a powder or liquid concentrate, respectively.

Do you have a critical cleaning question for the experts at Alconox Inc.?  Search TechNotes to see if it’s been answered before or Ask Alconox.

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