Selecting a Solvent Based Cleaner: Key Considerations

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Unlike a water based cleaner that contains water as the main ingredient, a solvent based cleaner features one or more chemicals as the main ingredient. Water based cleaners can be just as effective at removing tough accumulations as solvent based cleaners. However, there are some situations in which the latter are more efficacious for certain cleaning operations.

If you need a solvent based cleaner, it’s important to make some key considerations before you place an order. When you choose a solvent cleaner based on the considerations below, you increase the chance that the product will be a long-term solution for your needs and avoid requiring replacement due to safety problems, performance issues, or budgetary concerns.

  1. Chemical Profile

The chemicals a solvent based cleaner contains impact more than its cleaning power; they also affect the health of those who work in close contact with cleaner. Particularly important is to select a cleaner that emits no EPA listed hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), as these, toxic substances are well-known to cause several types of acute and chronic health problems in workers.

  1. Range of Application

Some solvent based cleaners are generals cleaners, while others are designed for cleaning a specific substance or a family of substances (e.g. chromium alloys). Using a general cleaner for all cleaning is the most economical choice in terms of solvent cost. However, if you have substances that a general cleaner isn’t designed to clean, using a cleaner that’s designed for them can be the most economical option in terms of preventing rework and productivity lags.

  1. Flammability

The flammability of the cleaner, as determined by its flashpoint, has a significant impact on how the product can be used and stored. In most cases, solutions that have a high flashpoint or no flashpoint are a better option than ones that have a low flashpoint. Cleaners that have a low-hazard flammability profile are easier to store and apply without creating a fire hazard.

  1. Supply Cost

On average, how much would it cost to use the cleaner on a monthly basis? This is a question that should be answered at the outset of choosing solvent based cleaners. Otherwise, you could arrive at a point where you must replace the product with a less expensive one — a process that could temporarily disrupt cleaning processes and compromise productivity.

When determining the cost of supplying the product, be sure to consider whether the product’s active ingredients can be recycled and reused, as well as exactly how much of the product will be used based via the method of application (e.g. spray cleaning, tank cleaning, aerosol, etc.).

Need New Solvent Based Cleaners?

If so, Ecolink will help you choose the right solution for your needs based on the considerations above, as well as considerations that apply to your organization’s unique cleaning needs. In addition to supplying stock solvent based cleaners that are ready for immediate shipment, we also supply cleaners whose custom formulation is designed for the user’s unique requirements.
We specialize in supplying powerful, eco friendly, industrial cleaning solutions that are competitively priced. To get started on receiving new solvent based cleaners, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact page on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!