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Home products for steel cleaning

26/06/2024

Introduction

Steel cleaning products, such as Smac Brilla Acciaio, are formulated to remove stains, fingerprints, food residue and other impurities from stainless steel surfaces. These products not only clean, but often provide a protective shine that helps prevent future stains and tarnishing. Let's see in detail how they work and what their main components are.

Operating Principles

Dirt Removal:

  • These products contain surfactants, which are cleaning agents that lower the surface tension of water, allowing them to lift and remove dirt from surfaces.
  • Surfactants can be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric, each with specific properties for different types of dirt.

Abrasive and Chemical Actions:

  • Some products may contain abrasive microbeads that help remove stubborn stains without scratching the steel.
  • Chemical ingredients such as mild acids (e.g. citric acid) can be used to dissolve mineral residues or limescale stains.

Protection and Polishing:

  • Polishing agents create a protective film that makes surfaces less susceptible to future stains and oxidation.
  • Silicones or mineral oils may be included to enhance shine and provide temporary protection against fingerprints.

Main components

Surfactants:

  • Sulfates and Sulphonates: Often used for their effectiveness in removing grease and dirt.
  • Alkyl Polyglucosides: Non-ionic surfactants that are gentle and biodegradable.

Acids:

  1. Citric acid: A weak acid that is effective against limescale stains and light rust.
  2. Lactic Acid: Often used for its effectiveness and safety on steel surfaces.

Abrasive Agents:

  • Calcium Carbonate: Used in fine powder form to gently remove stains without scratching.
  • Silicon Dioxide: A light, non-scratching abrasive.

Polishing Agents:

  • Silicones: Create a protective film and improve shine.
  • Mineral oils: Can be used to give a shiny and protective finish.

Various Additives:

  • Preservatives: To prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the product.
  • Fragrances: To leave a pleasant smell after cleaning.
  • Dyes: To improve the appearance of the product.

Use and Application

The application of products such as Smac Brilla Acciaio is simple:

  • Spray the product directly on the surface to be cleaned.
  • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and residue.
  • Polish with a second clean cloth to obtain an optimal shine.
  • Precautions
  • Test on a small area: Before using the product on a full surface, it is advisable to test it on a small, hidden area to ensure that it does not cause damage.
  • Use in well-ventilated areas: Some products may have vapors that require good ventilation.
  • Wear gloves: To protect your hands from possible irritation caused by chemical components.

Smac Brilla Acciaio formulation

Smac Brilla Acciaio is a product specifically formulated for cleaning and polishing stainless steel surfaces. Although the exact formula may be a trade secret, the typical composition of products of this type includes the following components:

  • Non-ionic surfactants: They help lift and remove dirt from surfaces. Typical percentage: 1-5%
  • Citric acid: Removes limescale stains and other mineral impurities. Typical percentage: 0.5-2%
  • Silicones (e.g., dimethicone): They create a protective film and improve shine. Typical percentage: 0.5-1%
  • Mineral oils: They add shine and protection against fingerprints and smudges. Typical percentage: 1-3%
  • Isopropyl alcohol: It promotes rapid evaporation, avoiding streaks. Typical percentage: 1-3%
  • Water: The main solvent of the formula. Percentage: >85%
  • Fragrances and preservatives: Added to improve the smell and shelf life of the product. Typical percentage: <0.5%

Example composition

  1. Water: 85-90%
  2. Non-ionic surfactants: 2-5%
  3. Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇): 0.5-2%
  4. Dimethicone: 0.5-1%
  5. Mineral oils: 1-3%
  6. Isopropyl alcohol (C₃H₈O): 1-3%
  7. Fragrances and preservatives: <0.5%

Alternative products and their formulations

In addition to Smac Brilla Acciaio, there are several other brands that offer products for cleaning and polishing stainless steel surfaces. Below are some popular brands and a description of their typical formulas.

Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner (with Vinegar)

Typical formula:

  1. Non-ionic surfactants: 0.1-1%
  2. Acetic acid: 0.5-2%
  3. Isopropyl alcohol: 1-2%
  4. Water: >95%
  5. Fragrances and dyes: <0.1%

How It Works: The Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner uses acetic acid (vinegar) to dissolve dirt and grease, while non-ionic surfactants help lift and remove impurities. Isopropyl alcohol promotes rapid evaporation, leaving surfaces streak-free.

Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Typical formula:

  1. Oxalic acid: 5-10%
  2. Anionic surfactants: 1-3%
  3. Silica (abrasive): 10-20%
  4. Water: >70%
  5. Fragrances and preservatives: <1%

This product contains oxalic acid, which is very effective in removing oxide and limescale stains. Silica acts as a light abrasive to clean without scratching, while surfactants help remove residual dirt.

Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Typical formula:

  1. Ethoxylated alcohols (non-ionic surfactants): 1-5%
  2. Isoparaffin (solvent): 5-10%
  3. Mineral oils: 1-5%
  4. Water: >75%
  5. Fragrances: <0.5%

Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish uses ethoxylated alcohols to remove grease and dirt, while isoparaffin helps dissolve oily residue. Mineral oils give a protective shine to surfaces.

Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Typical formula:

  1. Non-ionic surfactants: 1-3%
  2. Dimethicone (silicone): 1-2%
  3. Mineral oils: 3-5%
  4. Water: >85%
  5. Fragrances: <0.5%

This product combines non-ionic cleaning surfactants with dimethicone, which creates a protective, shiny film. Mineral oils help maintain shine and protect surfaces from water and fingerprints.

Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner

Typical formula:

  1. Non-ionic surfactants: 1-3%
  2. Citric acid: 0.5-1%
  3. Isopropyl alcohol: 1-2%
  4. Water: >90%
  5. Fragrances and preservatives: <0.5%

The Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner uses citric acid to dissolve mineral residues and isopropyl alcohol to promote rapid evaporation. Non-ionic surfactants help remove grease and dirt, leaving surfaces clean and shiny.

Conclusion

Stainless steel cleaning products vary in their formulas, but share similar principles: combining surfactants to remove dirt, acids to dissolve mineral residues, light abrasives to remove stubborn stains, and polishing agents to protect and improve the shine of surfaces. Choosing the right product depends on the specific cleaning needs and the type of surface to be treated.

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