Industrial cleaning products come in various forms, each tailored to specific cleaning challenges. Choosing the right product depends on the industry, the type of contaminants involved, and the materials being cleaned. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of industrial cleaning products and their applications

Types of Industrial Cleaning Products

Degreasers are powerful cleaning agents that remove oils, grease, and other stubborn contaminants from surfaces, especially in industrial settings where machinery and equipment generate oily residue. They’re often used in automotive workshops to clean engines and parts, factories to degrease heavy machinery, and food processing plants to clean grease-laden surfaces and equipment. They are either solvent-based or water-based. Solvent-based degreasers are typically used for heavy-duty cleaning, while water-based degreasers are more environmentally friendly and safer for frequent use.

Disinfectants kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens on surfaces. These are essential in maintaining hygiene standards in environments where contamination control is critical, such as hospitals, laboratories, and food processing facilities. Disinfectants are used universally, but they’re essential in healthcare facilities for sanitizing medical equipment and surfaces, food production areas to eliminate bacteria, and public spaces like schools and offices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Common disinfectants include quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), hydrogen peroxide, and bleach-based products.

Used to remove mineral deposits, rust, and other inorganic materials, acid cleaners are also commonly found in industrial settings. They are especially effective in dealing with limescale and calcium buildup. Factories and workshops use acid cleaners to remove rust from metal surfaces. They’re also used extensively by water treatment plants to clear mineral deposits from pipes and equipment. Dairy and beverage industries use them to clean and descale processing equipment. Acid-based cleaners include hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and citric acid solutions, which are selected based on the type of deposit being removed.

Alkaline cleaners are potent cleaning agents that break down oils, fats, and proteins. These are seen most often in environments where organic matter needs to be cleaned, such as to clean equipment contaminated with grease and fat in the food and beverage industry. They’re also used in the automotive industry, from manufacturers to repair shops, on oil-stained floors. Any company dealing with heavy industrial equipment employs it to remove grime from equipment and surfaces. The higher the pH, the stronger and cleaner, making caustic soda one of the most powerful in this category. However, milder alkaline cleaners like sodium bicarbonate are used for more delicate applications.

Solvent cleaners dissolve grease, oils, waxes, and adhesives. They are highly effective in cleaning tasks that involve sticky or stubborn materials. Printing and packaging industries use solvents to remove ink and adhesives from machinery, while the electronics industry uses them to clean delicate components without damaging sensitive surfaces. Metalworking facilities also use solvents to degrease and remove residues from metal parts. Typical solvents include acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and mineral spirits, each suited to different cleaning needs.

Abrasive cleaners contain particles or materials that help physically scrub away dirt and grime. They are typically used for cleaning tough stains or materials that are hard to remove with chemical cleaners alone. Both home and industrial kitchens regularly use abrasives to remove baked-on food residue from ovens and grills. Construction sites use abrasives to clean floors and surfaces stained with cement or other hard substances. Metal fabricators use abrasive cleaners to remove corrosion or surface imperfections. Abrasive cleaners are available as powders and liquids and are typically used on surfaces that can withstand some wear and tear, such as metal or stone.

Enzymatic cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic matter, such as proteins, fats, and starches. They are popular in places where harsh chemicals are not desired or where environmentally friendly cleaning solutions are required, such as hospitals, food and beverage processing plants, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Foam cleaners are specialized products that expand into foam when applied, covering larger surface areas and allowing for longer contact time. They are often used in industries where large-scale surface cleaning is required. Applications include the agriculture industry for cleaning animal housing and equipment, the food and beverage industries to clean large vats, tanks, and food preparation surfaces, and Industrial manufacturing plants to sanitize large equipment or surface areas. These cleaners are especially useful in vertical surfaces where liquid products are ineffective.

Austin Hardware’s Industrial Cleaners

Austin Hardware’s 4^TH GEN brand of industrial cleaners includes a ready-to-use Glass and Hard Surface Cleaner and an All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser. Also available from our partner, Nuance Solutions, are two super-concentrates to reduce costs related to shipping, handling, storage, and dilution.

They include Quantum NuBlend Sigma, a green, all-purpose cleaner/degreaser with a moderate pH, as well as Quantum NuBlend Alpha, their high-performance degreaser. Alpha is an odorless, fact-acting, super-concentrated degreaser and cleaner that’s safe for floors, walls, and equipment. Both can be delivered via the durable and flexible Eclipse Dispensing System. You can learn more about all our industrial cleaners by visiting our dedicated Industrial Cleaners web page.