Beyond the Myths: The Real Science of Cleaning
In this 17-minute ISSA video, Brandon Beyer of Univar Solutions discusses common myths regarding the science behind various cleaning products.
View Notes
Video Notes: Beyond the Myths: The Real Science of Cleaning
- (2:06) "Green" cleaning products: Are they just branding / unlikely to be effective / not worth the cost?
- While greenwashing is a real concern, there are legislations that regulate the specific claims that can be made. Also, effectiveness should not be an issue if "green" is defined based on the sustainability of the raw materials involved (often, a "green" product's mechanism of action is simply "old chemistry made in new ways"). But it is true that "green" products can often be more expensive.
- While greenwashing is a real concern, there are legislations that regulate the specific claims that can be made. Also, effectiveness should not be an issue if "green" is defined based on the sustainability of the raw materials involved (often, a "green" product's mechanism of action is simply "old chemistry made in new ways"). But it is true that "green" products can often be more expensive.
- (4:19) Rinsing solutions for surfaces: Is water enough, or do you need a "chemical product"?
- Plain tap water may be enough in some cases, but "rise aids" may be added to reduce wash / drying time for applications where the formation of hard water spots is a concern.
- Plain tap water may be enough in some cases, but "rise aids" may be added to reduce wash / drying time for applications where the formation of hard water spots is a concern.
- (5:51) Enzymes: Do they come with too many restrictions to be worth the trouble?
- Enzymes can be particularly effective for "dealing with biological soils," with the possible caveat of limited applications (such as needing to stay within a certain temperature or pH range); they can be combined with surfactants for cleaning applications.
- Enzymes can be particularly effective for "dealing with biological soils," with the possible caveat of limited applications (such as needing to stay within a certain temperature or pH range); they can be combined with surfactants for cleaning applications.
- (9:28) The "TACT" principle (time, application, chemicals, and temperature): Is it true that "if you reduce one, you must increase the others"?
- Yes in general, but "it's not an equal proportion"; "there are no
shortcuts, only tradeoffs" (and in some cases mechanical action may be
added to compensate for limitations in the other factors). This is why innovations in cleaning products can be helpful, by "maximiz[ing] the chemistry [to] reduce the time."
- Yes in general, but "it's not an equal proportion"; "there are no
shortcuts, only tradeoffs" (and in some cases mechanical action may be
added to compensate for limitations in the other factors). This is why innovations in cleaning products can be helpful, by "maximiz[ing] the chemistry [to] reduce the time."
- (12:22) Caustics and bleaches: Should they always be avoided because "the safety factor outweigh their benefits"?
- The issue ultimately boils down to chemistry: They are being used because they are effective and cheap. Again, it is a tradeoff: Financial resources are limited, and sometimes less-harmful cleaning products may not be affordable. But do make sure that proper PPE is being used.
- The issue ultimately boils down to chemistry: They are being used because they are effective and cheap. Again, it is a tradeoff: Financial resources are limited, and sometimes less-harmful cleaning products may not be affordable. But do make sure that proper PPE is being used.
- (14:16) Cost considerations: Can you save money over the long term by spending more on "better" cleaning products?
- Maybe, if the process involved with the more expensive product reduces water and/or energy usage (plus that there are sustainability considerations involved).
- Maybe, if the process involved with the more expensive product reduces water and/or energy usage (plus that there are sustainability considerations involved).