Acids

Solutions below 7 on the pH scale used for scale removal

Chemical compounds containing hydrogen that donate hydrogen ions H+ to other substances in reactions, including being dissolved in water, or form covalent bonds. The lower the pH of an acid the greater the concentration of hydrogen ions and thus the greater the effect of resulting reactions. In cleaning, acids are utilized during the washing step of cleaning to remove soil and bioburden when appropriate (based on the material of construction, product made, and compatibility with other cleaning agents). An acid wash is particularly useful in the removal of iron oxides to minimize steel corrosion and rouge formation.