Caustic Cleaners

Caustic cleaners have been in existence for millenia. In fact, evidence of soap fragments found in ancient dwellings has been dated to around 2800 BC! Industrial ingredient supplier Bell Chem stocks a variety of caustic cleaners, such as CSAN 2170 Caustic Blend (Proprietary Blend) for your cleaning needs. 

These types of cleaners contain caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, or caustic potash. Most caustic cleaners are utilized to remove protein-based debris. These chemicals are defined by their ability to dissolve other substances – think of bleach, which contains sodium hydroxide. Caustic cleaners are generally sold as solids in a granular, pellet, or flake form, or as a concentrated liquid. 

With their ability to significantly change the pH of the areas they contact, caustic cleaners are often used as disinfectants. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses, and endotoxins are virtually eradicated with caustic cleaners. Here are some of the common uses:

• Caustic cleaners are used worldwide within industries such as hospitals, restaurants, food and beverage industries, and processing plants. 

• Oven cleaners and drain cleaners often contain caustic chemicals where they hydrolyze solid fats and act as a reagent as they cause a chemical reaction called saponification. The chemical bonds of protein-based products are broken apart to quickly remove them from solid surfaces or industrial machinery.

• Industrial plants that focus on meat-packing rely heavily on caustic cleaners to maintain their machinery and keep their workplaces clean. Caustic cleaners are effective and efficient, saving money and resources.

• Hand soap contains either sodium hydroxide (commonly referred to as “lye”) or potassium hydroxide as a main ingredient. Sodium hydroxide creates a harder bar soap while potassium hydroxide produces a creamy, liquid soap.

Because of their power, caustic cleaners also have risks. Use caution with caustic cleaners; the ability to break down proteins causes them to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, meaning they can produce severe burns on the skin and, when inhaled, in the lungs. Always use properly fitting goggles when handling any caustic chemicals since eye irritation could lead to blindness. Read all chemical labels and MSD guides to fully understand the proper handling and use of caustic cleaners and all other chemicals.

Bell Chem is an industrial ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

Caustic Potash 45%

Caustic potash is also known as potassium hydroxide and has the simple chemical formula KOH. Caustic potash is a colorless solid typically sold as translucent pellets and is considered a strong base. Because it is hygroscopic, caustic potash becomes sticky when exposed to air. The “caustic” portion of its name is apropos; most of its applications depend on its corrosive nature and how it reacts with acids. It's exothermic properties cause it to give off substantial heat when mixed with water. Caustic potash 45% is available by the industrial chemical supplier, Bell Chem, because of its varied uses.

• Caustic potash is a precursor to almost all liquid and soft soaps on the market. As caustic potash saponifies fats, the end product is potassium soaps, which are softer than normal. The solubility of caustic potash requires less water to liquefy, thereby giving it the ability to contain more cleaning agents; in other words, less product is used for the same amount of cleansing.

• Chemicals containing potassium generally begin with a reaction to caustic potash. The production of potassium carbonate from caustic potash is used to manufacture television tubes and other specialty glasses.

• Biodiesel formed from vegetable oil requires a chemical such as caustic potash to separate glycerin from the final product.

• Alkaline batteries based on nickel hydrogen, nickel cadmium, and manganese dioxide zinc require an electrolyte for their charge, and aqueous caustic potash’s high ionic conductivity gives it the ability to outperform carbon-based batteries.

• Caustic potash 45% is a common food thickener and stabilizer.

• As a cleaner, caustic potash is a versatile alternative. Lotions, hairsprays, shampoos, and denture cleaners contain KOH as an ingredient. Cleaning becomes more industrious at higher concentrations, and oven cleaners, concrete cleaners, detergents, and drain and pipe cleaners may all contain caustic potash.

• The high solubility of caustic potash 45% is ideal for use as fertilizers since potassium is one of the three major components plants need to thrive.

• Acidic soils benefit from the pH regulating properties of caustic potash. Herbicides may also contain KOH since unwanted vegetation has specific pH needs. Changing the pH will kill the weeds.

• To manufacture paper, caustic potash 45% acts as a defoaming agent.

Along with these multiple uses, caustic potash 45% is also used as a greaser, oxidizer, catalyst, and in electroplating. With so many wide-range uses, caustic potash will surely benefit your organization. Contact the industrial chemical supplier, Bell Chem, at 407-339-2355 (BELL) to learn about our complete line of chemicals and food additives. Our blogs list many of our chemicals and their uses.