Aren't All Stainless Steel Cleaners Alike? courtesy of Chase Products

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Judith A. Albazi President/CEO Chase Products Co

In this podcast, we interview Judith A. Albazi President/CEO Chase Products about about Stainless Steel Cleaners

The question today is "Aren't All Stainless Steel Cleaners Alike?" I would have thought that they were, but maybe not. Judy, is there a difference between stainless steel cleaners?
"There certainly is a difference, Charles. For example, at Chase Products we manufacture aerosol cleaners and polishes in three different formulas: an oil-based and a water-based formula, and one that's an oil-in-water emulsion. We also have propellant-free aerosols, and we have wipes. And they all have their own features and benefits."

So we're here to talk about more than the aerosol cleaners that Chase is known for manufacturing. "That's right. Chase was founded in 1927, and we pioneered the manufacture of aerosols 63 years ago, but we know that different customers have different needs, so we offer a full range of cleaners—in this case, for stainless steel."

Just where do we start, in choosing the perfect cleaner?
"Well, all of our products are pre-measured and ready to use, with no waste and minimal training required, so the decision really starts with the delivery system—do you need a traditional aerosol, in a traditional strength; a propellant-free spray with a pistol-grip handle; or a pre-moistened wipe?

Let's start with the Champion Sprayon traditional aerosols. Even though we're increasingly concerned about the environment, as everyone is, and we've developed new, alternative cleaners, these are still our most popular products—especially the Oil-Based Cleaner. This is your go-to cleaner for the tough jobs—the outdoor grill that hasn't been cleaned all year, the exterior steel entry, the really grimy exhaust hood—even other metals like aluminum and chrome. It cleans without abrasion and leaves them like new, with no scratches, and with a protective coating.

The Water-Based Stainless Steel Polish & Cleaner cleans in much the same way, but this is the aerosol we recommend for those commercial kitchens—the counters, appliances, even pots and pans—and for drinking fountains. Because it's water-based, it cleans and polishes beautifully, but leaves no oil on the surfaces. And the food-safe formula doesn't have to be scrubbed off of kitchen surfaces as many oil-based products do.

The oil-in-water emulsion, our Stainless Steel Cleaner, Polish and Protectant, can be a great compromise, if you're cleaning a variety of surfaces. It's the popular choice for elevator doors particularly, and for refrigerators, and decorative metallic fixtures.

So it's the oil-based aerosol for the tough jobs, the water-based for food-contact surfaces, and the emulsion for general use. And maybe the fact that the aerosols are our most popular cleaners means that, contrary to what some people think, the majority understand that an aerosol can be the environmental choice, since the chemicals and propellants are stringently regulated —plus, you never use more than you need, there are no spills or waste or mistakes in measuring, and the packaging is made from recycleble materials, and is recyclable."

And what about the propellant-free sprays? "At Chase, those are our Green World products. They're in recyclable cans with comfortable trigger sprays—there's a Stainless Steel Cleaner specifically for metal surfaces, and an All-Purpose Cleaner for various hard surfaces, including stainless steel, if you need one multi-tasking spray! These cleaners meet all of the EPA requirements for DfE recognition. Design for the Environment cleaners have to meet the EPA's criteria for products that support human and environmental health—no harsh chemicals, no residue or fumes, biodegradable ingredients and more. This is the class of cleaners mandated by many schools today—and welcomed by medical facilities, pre-schools, homes perhaps—places where you just don't want to use solvents and other strong chemicals."

Well, obviously they're a responsible choice. But do they work? "Cut right to the chase, Charles! Yes, they work—they take a little more time and more elbow grease than the aerosols, but part of the DfE requirement is having them tested for efficacy, or performance, by an independent lab. They work, and they're a good choice for cleaning near children or the elderly or anyone sensitive to chemicals—or for those extremely concerned with the environment."

Tell me about Chase's wipes. "For quick clean-ups, for tough jobs in small areas, they're a great way to go. The Stainless Steel Cleaner Wipes give you 40 pre-moistened towels to whip through a kitchen, for example, leaving the stainless refrigerator, stove and sink really clean and shining. Each wipe has one side that gently scrubs, and a smooth side that polishes, so they can handle that outdoor kitchen, too. And while they weren't really intended for huge commercial facilities, we're finding that they're very versatile. They're a great choice for many customers. In fact, given the popularity of stainless steel appliances in homes these days, and the limited choices of cleaners on retail shelves, distributors should be looking at many of the products I've talked about for the retail, as well as the jan-san market. The water-based aerosol, the Green World Sprays, and the wipes work particularly well in the home—and I can say that because I use them myself, in my own kitchen and on my patio.

It all comes down to knowing the individual products, so you can make the right decision, based on your specific needs."

"For more information about stainless steel cleaners and polishes from Chase Products Co., including Champion Sprayon®, Champion Wipe On™, and Green World™ products visit our website at chaseproducts.com."

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posted on 10/14/2010