What Is the Difference Between Cleaning Solvents and Detergents?

When industrial parts have to be cleaned, the use of ultrasonic cleaners with detergents offers several advantages over the more traditional methods of using solvent baths.

When used by themselves, detergents are not strong enough to remove tough contaminants, whereas powerful solvents that are matched to the material to be removed can dissolve even the heaviest contaminants.

However, you will be surprised to discover that using detergents in ultrasonic cleaners can actually outperform solvents and work well with all types of industrial parts, which can result in cleaner parts and reduced operating costs. They’re a better alternative to solvent-based cleaning methods.

Detergents and solvents clean in different ways. While water can dissolve many substances, plain water alone cannot get rid of compound substances, such as grease and oil. Detergents form a bridge between the water molecules and oily particles by surrounding the contaminating particles, allowing them to be rinsed away.

Solvents clean by dissolving contaminants. Some solvents can dissolve specific substances while others dissolve a whole range of various compounds. The right solvent must be used to remove the contaminants from the part surface and put it into solution, to clean the parts effectively. The solution that contains the contaminant must then be disposed of.

Solvents are chemicals that are typically aggressive, flammable, and give off noxious fumes. They can be costly when used in large soaking baths. They are also harmful to the environment, that’s why they should be treated first before disposal.

Detergents, by contrast, are safe and inexpensive. Most of them are biodegradable, and thus, environmentally friendly. Unlike solvents, detergents are non-flammable and non-toxic. They also don’t generate fumes. When used with ultrasonic cleaners, detergents can clean quickly and effectively without leaving a residue or damaging the parts to be cleaned.

Here are the benefits of using detergents with ultrasonic cleaners:

·         A cleaner, more employee-friendly workplace.

·         A safer workplace.

·         No need for special fire protection.

·         Reduced cleaning costs.

·         Reduced environmental footprint.

·         Improved manufacturing output.

Automotive ultrasonic cleaning is a challenging application, but Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaners are up to the task.

Read our complete article, What Is the Difference Between Cleaning Solvents and Detergents?, to learn more. You may contact Kaijo via email at info@kaijo-shibuya or call 408-675-5575 to set up a free consultation or discuss your specific ultrasonic cleaner needs.