Industrial cleaning demands powerful, efficient solutions adapted to different types of soil. Among these solutions, alkaline detergents hold a key place thanks to their high effectiveness at removing grease, oils, organic residues and other hard-to-remove substances. In this article we explore what they are, how they work, how they differ from acid detergents and what applications they have in different sectors, with specific examples of CH Química products.
What is an alkaline detergent?
An alkaline detergent is a chemical cleaning product whose pH is above 7, normally between 9 and 14. Unlike neutral or acid detergents, alkaline ones are designed to break down grease, protein and oil molecules, decomposing them and making them easier to remove from surfaces.
This type of detergent includes compounds such as hydroxides, silicates, carbonates or phosphates, which provide the alkalinity needed for a powerful degreasing action. The higher the pH, the greater the product’s ability to attack ingrained organic soil.
pH in cleaning products
pH is the scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with values from 0 to 14. Understanding how cleaning products are classified by pH is key to choosing the right product for each task:
- pH 0–6 (acids): effective against mineral deposits, limescale, rust and calcareous scale. They are used for descaling installations, cleaning sanitary ware and removing scale.
- pH 7 (neutral): gentle and safe for delicate surfaces. Suitable for frequent maintenance cleaning and sensitive materials.
- pH 8–14 (alkaline): highly effective against grease, oils and organic residues. They are the most widely used in industrial cleaning, hospitality and the automotive sector.
Alkaline detergents are the most in demand in professional environments precisely because the most common soil in industry —grease, oils, proteins— is organic in nature and responds very well to the action of alkalinity.
Advantages over other types of detergents
- Greater effectiveness against grease and organic residues: especially useful in environments where oils, animal or vegetable fats, or proteins are handled.
- Reduced mechanical effort: thanks to their chemical action, they dissolve soil without the need for intensive scrubbing.
- Time and water savings: being more effective, they require fewer cleaning passes and less rinsing.
- Compatibility with hard water: they work well even in areas with highly mineralised water.
However, they are not suitable for all surfaces. Prolonged use on materials such as aluminium or copper can cause deterioration if the manufacturer’s recommendations are not followed.
Alkaline detergents vs acid detergents
Choosing between an alkaline detergent and an acid one depends on the type of soil to be removed, not on how severe the problem is. Both have specific applications and are necessary in a complete industrial cleaning strategy.
- Alkaline detergents: attack organic soil (grease, oils, proteins, food residues). They are the most suitable for industrial kitchens, mechanical workshops, production areas and any surface that accumulates grease.
- Acid detergents: attack inorganic soil (limescale, scale, rust, mineral deposits). They are used for descaling water installations and for cleaning sanitary ware, pipes and surfaces with calcareous scale.
In practice, many industrial cleaning protocols combine both types: first an alkaline product to remove grease and organic residues, and then an acid product to remove any remaining scale and mineral deposits. They must never be mixed directly, since the reaction between acid and alkali can generate heat, splashing and hazardous fumes.
Industrial applications of alkaline detergents
Alkaline detergents are used in a wide variety of industries. These are the sectors with the highest demand:
- Food industry: cleaning of industrial kitchens, ovens, extractor hoods, utensils and floors with organic residues. Removing animal fats and proteins requires the power of a high-pH alkaline product.
- Hospitality: maintenance of restaurant kitchens, buffets and common areas where grease builds up quickly and cleaning must be frequent and effective.
- Automotive: removal of oil and grease residues in mechanical workshops, inspection pits and vehicle maintenance areas.
- Chemical and metallurgical industry: cleaning of machinery, tools and resistant metal surfaces that accumulate cutting oils and lubricants.
- Industrial floor cleaning: the floors of production areas, warehouses and workshops accumulate grease and oil that only a powerful alkaline detergent can remove effectively.
Examples of alkaline detergents from CH Química
At CH Química we have several alkaline cleaning products designed specifically for these applications:
DG10 – Concentrated alkaline degreaser (5L)
A powerful, high-performance alkaline degreaser formulated to remove ingrained grease, oils and organic residues in industrial kitchens, workshops and production areas. Its concentrated formula can be diluted according to the level of soiling, making it a versatile and economical solution for demanding environments where fast, effective action is required.
Totgras – Ready-to-use, lightly scented alkaline degreaser
Ready-to-use alkaline cleaner, designed for quick, frequent cleaning. It leaves a pleasant fragrance, making it a perfect option for visible areas or areas in contact with the public, such as restaurant kitchens or counters. It offers a balanced alkaline action to maintain hygiene without excessive harshness on delicate materials.
Ecogras – Dilutable neutral all-purpose degreaser
Although its pH is neutral, this product is included as an example of a solution for more sensitive surfaces that do not tolerate high alkalinity well, such as certain plastics or metal finishes. It is dilutable, versatile and compatible with automated cleaning systems.
Best practices when using alkaline detergents
To ensure safe and effective cleaning with alkaline products, it is important to keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Dilute correctly: always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A higher concentration does not always mean better results and can damage surfaces or pose a risk to the operator.
- Protect personnel: use gloves resistant to alkaline products, safety goggles and suitable protective clothing to avoid direct contact with skin or eyes.
- Avoid sensitive materials: do not apply to aluminium, copper or lacquered surfaces without first testing in an inconspicuous area.
- Ventilate the area: ensure proper ventilation in enclosed areas or areas with poor air circulation to prevent fumes from building up.
- Rinse thoroughly: remove product residues with clean water after application, especially in areas in contact with food or the public.
- Do not mix with acid products: directly combining alkaline and acid products can cause dangerous reactions. If both are used in the same protocol, apply them in separate stages with an intermediate rinse.
Conclusion
Alkaline detergents are essential in professional and industrial cleaning thanks to their ability to remove grease, oils and organic residues quickly and effectively. Understanding how they work, knowing how they differ from acid detergents and choosing the right product for each application ensures lasting, safe results that respect the treated surfaces.
At CH Química we offer a complete range of degreasing products and alkaline detergents for all kinds of professional needs. Contact us to receive technical advice or personalised recommendations for your company.
Frequently asked questions about alkaline detergents
What is an alkaline detergent and what is it used for?
An alkaline detergent is a cleaning product with a pH above 7 —usually between 9 and 14— formulated to dissolve and remove grease, oils, proteins and organic residues from surfaces. It is mainly used in industrial cleaning, hospitality, the automotive sector and food, where this type of soil is the most common. Its chemical action removes soil with less mechanical effort and in less time than a neutral detergent.
What is the difference between an alkaline detergent and an acid one?
The main difference lies in the type of soil each one removes. Alkaline detergents attack organic soil: grease, oils and proteins. Acid detergents attack inorganic soil: limescale, scale, rust and mineral deposits. In industrial cleaning protocols it is common to use both in alternation, but they must never be mixed directly because the reaction between acid and alkali can be dangerous.
Are alkaline detergents safe for all surfaces?
No. High-pH alkaline detergents can damage aluminium, copper and zinc surfaces or certain plastics and lacquered finishes if used for a prolonged period or undiluted. Before applying an alkaline product to a new or delicate surface, it is advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area. For these surfaces there are neutral or slightly alkaline pH detergents that offer greater safety.
What are examples of alkaline detergents for industrial use?
Some examples of alkaline detergents for industrial use are concentrated degreasers such as CH Química’s DG10, suited to industrial kitchens, workshops and production areas with heavy grease build-up; ready-to-use degreasers such as Totgras, for frequent cleaning in hospitality; and alkaline cleaners formulated for machinery and resistant metal surfaces. The choice always depends on the level of soiling, the surface to be cleaned and the frequency of use.
How are cleaning products classified by pH?
Cleaning products are classified into three main groups according to their pH: acids (pH 0–6), suited to removing limescale, scale and mineral deposits; neutral (pH 7), suitable for maintenance cleaning and delicate surfaces; and alkaline (pH 8–14), the most effective for removing grease, oils and organic residues. In general, the higher the alkalinity, the greater the degreasing power, but also the greater the care needed when handling them and choosing compatible surfaces.