Combining Detergents for Difficult Pharma Residues

Q: We are one of your dealers and we received a call from a pharmacy technician who is looking to manually clean and neutralize hormone and vitamin residues from labware. She is interested in combining Alcojet and Detonox. Would that combination be a good starting point?

A: Combining detergents can open a whole new world if you will of cleaning applications.  In some cases eliminating the need for multiple cleaning cycles in the case of difficult residues.  In others, accomplishing something that might otherwise need longer, more aggressive, higher pH, higher temp, etc. cleaning cycles.  A 50/50 mixture of Alcojet and Detonox detergent solutions would make a very good detergent.  You are combining the oxidation mechanisms of Alcojet® Low Foaming Powdered Detergent, along with the powerful emulsification of Detonox® Ultimate Precision Cleaner.  Oxidation is very useful in breaking down proteins and aromatic residues, while emulsifiers are able to bring challenging organic residues into solution so that they can be easily and quickly cleaned away during the rinse.

Now, it may not be necessary, as both detergents are pretty darn good on their own.  But if there are difficulties being found in your particular application with the hormone and vitamin residues, this is certainly something to consider.

There are many other detergent combinations that are being used in the field right now by our end users.  The ratios and nature of the combinations, as one might imagine, will vary vastly from one application to another.  We are happy to discuss this any time.

Some detergent combinations, like combining and acid and alkaline detegent will not be helpful.  A natural question to ask is, why don’t we offer “good” combinations as off the shelf options.  Many combinations may not be stable.  Some might need 75/25, etc.  for a given application.  Again, we’d seek to work with cleaning challenges of all sorts in all industries and strive to the find the best cleaning recommendation to get the job done.  The vast majority of the time, this can be done with just a single one of our over 15 detergents.  On occasion, a combination is needed.  Our experts are at the ready to assist!

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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Related Products

Alcojet – Low Foaming Powdered Detergent: Nonionic, low foaming powder cleaner for use in labware washers, parts washers, power-spray systems, manual and ultrasonic cleaning. Free rinsing for reliable results and no interfering residues. USDA authorized. Dilute 1:200. pH 11.5.

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Detonox is a non-caustic detergent for exceptional removal of botanical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical polymers, sticky extracts, resins, creams and lotions. Concentrated, highly emulsifying and penetrating formula is free rinsing, and leaves no residues.

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