Acid Based Cleaners: Should You Use Them?

If you're familiar with the processes involved in commercial cleaning, you may have heard of acid based toilet cleaners. These can be used in toilet bowls, urinals, and sometimes even sinks. Nevertheless, many are understandably apprehensive of the idea of using acids to clean. In this article, I'm going to briefly go over the difference, and then throw in my personal opinion.

About Acid Based Cleaners

There are two types of acids used in toilet cleaners: Hydrochloric and Phosphoric. Hydrochloric acid is more common, very tough on stains, and relatively cost effective. Phosphoric acid is tougher than a typical toilet cleaner, but not as strong as hydrochloric acid, making it safer to use than the latter. However it generally tends to be more expensive. There is a big difference between the two though, in that hydrochloric acid can burn chrome surfaces and phosphoric acid won't. When hydrochloric acid comes into contact with a chrome surface, the surface immediately burns and there's no getting rid of it.

The common reason that these types of cleaners will be used is because they're stronger. You simply won't get the same punch with a bleach or hydrogen peroxide based cleaner. However, there are some drawbacks that one must consider before implementing heavy duty cleaning agents. In addition to the volatile nature of hydrochloric acid on chrome surfaces, both acids are less safe to use and require PPE (mask, gloves, eye protection) to use safely. Habitual exposure to these chemicals can be harmful.

Additionally, some industries (such as the educational industry) may have prohibitions on using such cleaners for safety reasons. So if you're a commercial cleaner you might want to check with your clients before using acid based cleaners.

There's the general background surrounding hydrochloric and phosphoric based cleaners. In my personal opinion, I wouldn't use an acid based cleaner. When it comes to the types of properties I serve, it's simply not worth it. I could see it being useful in certain industries, but for the most part I don't think it's worth the safety risk and subsequent liability associated with it.

Thanks for reading, and if you're interested in hiring a janitorial service in southeastern Pennsylvania, feel free to give us a call for a free walkthrough on your facility.

(610) 719-7590 • mike@shearerpm.com