Oven cleaners are alkaline solutions, with a pH ranging between 11 and 13.
Many cleaning products, such as soap and oven cleaner, are bases. Bases neutralize (cancel out) acids.
Most cleaning chemicals are alkaline (basic) because these are the types of solutions that are good for cleaning dirt stains, greases, oils, and other organics. On the other side of the pH scale, acids are more effective when working on minerals like rust spots and calcium buildup.
If you are talking about a product like Easy-Off oven cleaner, it uses Lye, ethers, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride and a bunch of other caustic and poisonous chemicals to dissolve that burnt on residue, while resisting drying out itself.
Easy Off oven cleaner is almost pure lye (sodium hydroxide) and has a pH of almost 14 on a 1-14 scale. For reference skin is around 5-5.5 and water is nuetral at 7.
pH of Oven Cleaner: 11 to 13.
Dawn: The Epitome of pH-Neutral Care
pH Harmony: Dawn's pH-neutral composition aligns perfectly with the pH preferences of natural stone. This ensures a thorough cleaning without compromising the surface's structural integrity.
Examples of Acidic Cleaners You'll Find in Stores
Oven cleaner – Many oven cleaners like easy off are acidic to break down baked-on grease and food.
This kitchen staple is a cleaning powerhouse, and its acidic nature can help break down that alkaline residue left by strong oven cleaners. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray this mixture all over the areas with white residue. Then, let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Chemical cleaners attack tough-to-remove dirt, so wear rubber or nitrile gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in the fumes. If you're wondering if it's safe to cook in an oven after cleaning with it, it's best to leave the oven at a high heat for around 20 minutes before you use it.
In general terms, acidic cleaners are great for brightening metals and removing mineral deposits or oxidation on surfaces. Alkaline cleaners, on the other hand, remove oils, fats, greases, and proteins.
Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid, forming hydroperoxide or peroxide salts with many metals.
This product's cleaning power became obvious to our cooks when they tried the overnight cleaning method recommended on the package: Spray the oven with Easy-Off and let it set overnight. In the morning, we were able to wipe away stubborn burnt-on foods and grease with a damp rag.
As you move up past the scale from 7.0, solutions become more alkaline; baking soda has a pH of around 8, Milk of Magnesia has a pH of 10, household ammonia has a pH of 11, and household bleach has a pH of 12. Oven cleaners and Drano fall between 13 and 14.
Most traditional oven cleaners are packed with grease-fighting chemicals—propylene glycol propyl ether, sodium hydroxide—that you don't want near your food.
Avoid breathing spray mist. Avoid spraying oven pilot light. Keep off all electrical connections such as heating element, thermostat, bulb receptacles, and light switch. Do not mix with other chemicals or cleaning products.
Ingredients: Water, Butane, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol Propyl Ether, Ethanolamine, Benzyl Alcohol, Smectite Clay, Paraffin Wax, Fragrance.
If stain persists, neutralize the spot with a few drops of a mild acid, such as lemon juice, white vinegar, or 10% acetic acid solution. Thoroughly sponge the area with cool water.
Oven cleaners are alkaline solutions, with a pH ranging between 11 and 13.
Dilute with water and mop up if water-soluble. Alternatively, or if water-insoluble, absorb with an inert dry material and place in an appropriate waste disposal container. Dispose of via a licensed waste disposal contractor.
An acidic cleaner is defined as an aqueous cleaner that has a pH significantly below 7, typically below a pH of 5.5. Acid cleaners contain acids and often other cleaning ingredients, such as surfactants.
It's the fact that the Platinum product is concentrated, and delivers more of the key grease-fighting, colorless ingredients called “surfactants."