It is important that you understand how pH plays a major part in maintaining floors with finish. Please remember that floor finish is actually very sensitive to chemicals, both in the acidic and alkaline (base) range. All water (H2O) based (soluble) products have a pH. Remember that the scale goes from 0-14 with 7 being neutral (distilled water). Anything below 7 is considered an acid. Anything above 7 is considered alkaline or base.

Also remember that the pH scale is logarithmic in that from 7 to 8 (10 times stronger than 7) and 8 to 9 (100 times stronger than 7) with 14 being 10,000,000 (yes 10 million) times stronger than 7. In the acid range, from 7 to 6 is 10 times stronger and goes all the way to 10,000,000 times stronger at 0.

Please remember that it can be very dangerous to mix chemicals, especially acids and alkalis unless you really know what you are doing. Although one can use a mild acid rinse (often called a neutralizer) to reduce the pH of a stripper close to 7, it must be performed in a certain way to avoid a reaction that can generated toxic vapors and can do damage to the floor surface, metal surfaces and of course, human beings as well.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 4/1/2015