All-Purpose Cleaners

Universal cleaning agents

All-purpose cleaners (APC) are preparations designed for cleaning and caring for various surfaces – from countertops and appliances to bathroom tiles and lacquered floors. Their task is to remove dirt, grease and dust using a single, simple preparation.

The choice of the right cleaning agent should be dictated primarily by the type of surface being cleaned. Since different materials require different care, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the composition of the preparation and the instructions for its use. The selection of raw materials used in the production of universal cleaning agents is of fundamental importance here – some substances effectively remove grease and oil, while others are excellent at dealing with mineral deposits. It is also worth paying attention to the form of the finished product.

Why can “universal” be effective?

The effectiveness of universal cleaning products results from the precise selection of ingredients in the finished products. The basic raw materials include, above all:

• Surfactants

These are the most important ingredients in universal cleaning agents. They are responsible for the effective removal of dirt, improved wettability and the stabilisation of the finished cleaning formulations. A mixture of different surfactants is most often used in a single product. The combination of two or more ingredients gives better results due to the synergistic effect. In the production of universal cleaning agents, anionic (with high detergency properties) and non-ionic (effective in removing grease, among other things) surface compounds are most often used.

• Chelates

Substances such as sodium citrate or EDTA are added to the formulation for more effective removal of mineral deposits. They are highly effective, even in hard water.

• pH regulators

The addition of pH regulators to finished products contributes to increased cleaning effectiveness. In addition, they protect the surfaces being cleaned – too high or too low a pH can be aggressive to delicate materials. Cleaning agents with a balanced pH (usually 6-8) are safe for most surfaces.

• Fragrances

These are used for their sensory qualities. The addition of fragrances makes cleaning more pleasant.

Chemical raw materials for the production of universal cleaning agents offered by the PCC Group

The use of proven components is key in the production of universal cleaning agents. The PCC Group offers a wide portfolio of raw materials dedicated to this industry, among which surface-active compounds, i.e. surfactants, play a key role. In ready-made formulations, they perform a number of important functions: from effective cleaning and degreasing, through emulsifying ingredients and wetting surfaces, to controlling foam levels.

The ROKAnol series is particularly well suited to the cleaning detergent industry. In particular, the ROKAnol LP series (which comprises a large group of low-foaming raw materials) is characterised by its pronounced surface activity, which allows it to be used as a cleaning detergent. Products such as ROKAnol NL8P4, ROKAnol IT8 and ROKAnol L2 are highly effective. They ensure excellent wetting of the cleaned surface and good detergency properties in combination with other surfactants.

SULFOROKAnols constitute a broad group of anionic surfactants produced by the PCC Group, including, for example, SULFOROKAnol L390/1M, SULFOROKAnol L327 and SULFOROKAnol L385/1T. They are effective emulsifiers and cleaning agents. They also have very good foaming properties, creating a soft, stable, dense and creamy foam. These products are ideal for use in all-purpose cleaner formulations.

The ROSULfan and ROKAmina series of raw materials are also worth noting. ROSULfans (e.g. ROSULfan M, ROSULfan A70) in particular combine mild action with excellent application properties. They interact very well with other anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants.

Why choose products from the PCC Group?

• The raw materials in the range meet high quality requirements, confirmed by international certificates.
• The components supplied are highly biodegradable, which allows manufacturers to create cleaning products that are in line with the “Green Chemistry” trend and Ecolabel requirements.
• The products are highly efficient.
• A partnership with the PCC Group also offers technological support for the products offered.