Do you find that the solvents, brake cleaners, or the thinners you use to clean your tools and machinery quickly lose their cleaning power over time? If you answered yes, you're not alone. This is a common issue many organisations encounter, and it all boils down to the nature of the chemicals in these products - particularly, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they contain.
VOCs are the Key Culprit for Solvents Losing Cleaning Power Over Time
VOCs are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature, meaning they readily evaporate from liquid to gas. This volatility is what gives these solvents their characteristic strong smell and also contributes to their effectiveness in cleaning.
They dissolve many contaminants on contact, breaking down dirt, grease, and other residues into smaller particles, which can then be carried away from the surface being cleaned. They are really effective at doing this!
However, this process of dissolution and evaporation is also why the cleaning power of these solvents diminishes over time.
More "soil" than solvent
When you first use a solvent, it’s like using a fresh sponge—it’s clean, efficient, and absorbs everything in its path. The solvent effectively dissolves the contaminants, breaking them down and suspending them in the solution. But as you continue to use the same solvent, it starts to become loaded with these small particles of dissolved soil. This is where the problem starts.
Over time, the solvent becomes more soil than solvent. The buildup of contaminants reduces the solvent’s ability to break down and remove new dirt and grease because it’s already saturated with the old ones. Essentially, the solvent is trying to clean with a full load, and it can’t perform as effectively.
Moreover, as the solvent continues to be reused and exposed to air, more VOCs are released. This not only reduces the amount of active solvent available but also increases the concentration of VOCs in the air, which can be hazardous to both health and the environment.
The Impact of VOC Accumulation
The accumulation of VOCs over time isn’t just a problem for cleaning efficiency; it also presents significant health and safety risks. Higher concentrations of VOCs can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems. Additionally, VOCs contribute to environmental pollution, particularly in the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a key component of smog.
What’s the Solution?
1. Invest in PPE and Ventilation:
If you must continue using VOC-based solvents, ensure that your workspace is equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialist ventilation zones to mitigate the risks associated with VOC exposure. This will help reduce the health risks but won’t solve the issue of diminished cleaning power.
2. Switch to Low or No VOC Products:
The most straightforward way to address this issue is to minimise or eliminate the use of VOC-based solvents altogether. While this might seem like a big step, the good news is that there are powerful alternatives available that are both effective and safer to use.. These alternatives are just as effective, if not more so, in many industrial applications.
BIO-CIRCLE CLEANING liquids tackle industrial cleaning challenges without the need for harsh solvents. They leverage the power of bio-remediation, where microorganisms break down contaminants naturally, keeping the cleaning solution fresh and effective for longer periods. This not only maintains cleaning power over time but also significantly reduces health risks and environmental impact.
Conclusion
By understanding the role VOCs play in reducing effectiveness and exploring safer, more sustainable alternatives, you can keep your tools and machinery clean without compromising on safety or efficiency and cost-control.
Switching to low or no VOC cleaners is a responsible choice that benefits both your workplace and the environment. Get in touch to book your free site survey and see just how easy it is to slot BIO-CIRCLE into your cleaning processes, with an individual process optimisation plan tailored to your business.
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