Industrial Cleaning Key Terms

Learn more industrial cleaning terminology and definitions

By Nikki Davis

Industrial cleaning key terms are pertinent to many fields. They apply to those in the cleaning industry from those who hire and oversee the cleaning crews. They are also applicable to those businessmen and women who handle their own office and company cleaning. Industrial cleaning can also apply to large company products as well. It may be applicable to large scale cleaning projects that call for heavy duty leaning supplies that require you be familiar with chemical terminology that you may not have encountered before.

Whatever the need, learning industrial cleaning key terms will help you better understand your purchasing and usage decisions. It will also help you in safety training and preparedness spectrum. Familiarize yourself with the terms and definitions to better prepare yourself for your next conversation out in the field.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable refers to substances that have the capability of decomposing by naturally occurring micro organisms. These types of cleaning products are considered earth friendly.
Try: Look at the biodegradable cleaning product information from NeutralCleaning.com.

Industrial alcohols

Industrial alcohols commonly used in cleaning products generally include methyl, ethyl as well as isopropyl. They increase the solvency and cleaning ability without causing a residue.
Try: Look at the alcohols produced by The Dow Chemical Company.

Chlorinated solvent

Chlorinated solvents are degreasing solvents that have a lower flammability and greater solvent power than normal petroleum solvents.
Try: Find out more about chlorinated solvents from Euro Chlor.

Dip tank degreasing

Dip tank degreasing involved removing grease, dirt and oil from metal parts by immersing them in a degreasing solution in a dip tank constructed of a substantial noncombustible material that has supports made of heavy metal reinforced concrete or masonry.
Try: Check out the Idaho General Safety and Health Standards for dip tanks.

M. S. D. S.

M. S. D. S. stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, and it is the form that is required by law that lists the hazardous ingredients in a product. This information must be provided to the companies who distribute or use chemical products.
Try: Find free material safety data sheets from 3E Company.

Vapor degreasing

Vapor degreasing is when a chlorinated solvent is heated in a tank and a vapor is formed that condenses onto the cooler metal parts. This then drips back into the tank cleaning the metal parts of soils and other filth.
Try: Check out the safety precautions set by Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries for vapor degreasing dip tanks.