DIY Natural Cleaning-Acidic vs Alkaline

Like a lot of people, I am always searching for the best natural cleaning recipes and there are thousands when you start searching online. When choosing a cleaning product or making your own you might come across terms like "acidic" and "alkaline." These refer to the pH level of the product, which affects its cleaning ability and the types of stains or residues it can tackle most effectively. In this weeks newsletter we will explore what each term means and how they impact cleaning!

Acidic Cleaners

pH Level: Less than 7
Common Ingredients: Vinegar (acetic acid), citric acid, hydrochloric acid,
lemon juice (weak acid)
Effective For: Acidic cleaners are great at dissolving mineral deposits, rust, and other inorganic stains. They’re often used for cleaning hard water stains, lime scale, and tarnish on metal surfaces. For example, a bathroom cleaner with acidic properties might effectively tackle soap scum and limescale in your shower.
Examples: Toilet bowl cleaners, descaling agents, and some rust removers.
Precautions: While effective, acidic cleaners can be harsh on certain surfaces, like natural stone (e.g., granite or marble), as they can erode or damage these materials over time. Always check product compatibility with the surface you’re cleaning.

Alkaline Cleaners

pH Level: Greater than 7
Common Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (lye), bleach, ammonia, castile (weak alkaline)
Effective For: Alkaline cleaners excel at breaking down organic materials such as fats, oils, and grease. They are often used in kitchens and industrial settings where grease and food residue are prevalent. They’re also effective at removing certain types of stains from fabrics and surfaces.
Examples: Oven cleaners, heavy-duty degreasers, and some laundry detergents.
Precautions: Alkaline cleaners can be caustic and might damage or discolour certain surfaces or materials if used improperly. They can also be harsh on the skin and require careful handling.

Essential Oils

An interesting fact is that essential oils generally do not have a measurable pH value because they are not aqueous solutions but rather concentrated oils. The pH scale applies to water-based solutions, as it measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a liquid.

Why You Shouldn't Mix Acidic and Alkaline Cleaning Products

When it comes to cleaning, many people are tempted to combine different products to boost their effectiveness however mixing acidic and alkaline cleaning products can be counterproductive. Here’s why you should keep these types of cleaners separate and understand the role of pH levels in cleaning:

Many of the DIY cleaning recipes that I found combined acidic and alkaline cleaners and this can lead to a neutralisation reaction. This means that the acids and bases cancel each other out, rendering both products less effective. It can also leave residues that might be difficult to rinse away. For instance, if you mix vinegar (an acid) with ammonia (a base), the result can be a neutral solution that does not clean as effectively as each product would alone.

In addition to this some acidic and alkaline cleaners can produce harmful fumes when mixed. For example, combining bleach (an alkaline cleaner) with acidic products like vinegar can release chlorine gas, which is toxic and dangerous to breathe. Mixing the wrong cleaners can also create unpredictable reactions that may damage surfaces. For instance, certain combinations might cause corrosion or discolouration, especially on sensitive materials like natural stone or certain metals.

Best Practices for Safe and Effective Cleaning

Read Labels: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings on
cleaning product labels.
Test Products: If you’re unsure about compatibility, test a small area first.
Separate Cleaners: Use one product at a time, and thoroughly rinse the surface between switching products to avoid reactions.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when using strong or potentially hazardous cleaners, especially if mixing is unavoidable.