How to Choose the Right Industrial Cleaner for Your Facility

Introduction

In Nigeria’s expanding industrial landscape, facility managers are constantly faced with the challenge of maintaining clean, safe, and efficient work environments. Whether it's a factory floor, machinery, storage tanks, or workshop equipment, industrial spaces accumulate dirt, grease, chemical residues, and biological contaminants that can jeopardize operations if not cleaned properly.

But choosing the right industrial cleaner isn’t always straightforward. With a wide variety of products available ranging from degreasers and descalers to acid-based solutions and eco-friendly formulas picking the wrong product can damage equipment, increase downtime, and raise safety concerns.

Key takeaway: The effectiveness of an industrial cleaner depends on understanding the type of contamination, the nature of the surface, and the safety/environmental standards of your industry

Understand the Type of Contamination

Before selecting a product, identify what kind of dirt or buildup you’re dealing with. Not all cleaners are made for the same job.

Grease and Oils: Common in mechanical and automotive workshops. Best cleaned with solvent-based degreasers or alkaline cleaners like Epochem 502 Degreaser.
Rust and Scale: Found in pipelines, metal surfaces, and heat exchangers. Requires descalers or acid-based products like Epochem 120 Acid Cleaner.
Carbon Buildup: Typically on engine parts, exhausts, and combustion chambers. Needs a strong but safe carbon remover.
Dust, Grime, and Debris: General-purpose cleaners or neutral pH detergents are usually sufficient.
Microbial or Mold Growth: Requires biocidal or disinfectant formulations that comply with health standards

Match the Cleaner to Your Surface Type

Selecting the right industrial cleaner also depends on the material or surface being cleaned. Using the wrong formulation can lead to corrosion, discoloration, or surface damage.

Metal Surfaces: Require cleaners that won’t corrode or oxidize. Acid-based descalers like Epochem 120 are great for rust removal but must be neutralized properly. For sensitive metals like aluminum or stainless steel, opt for pH-balanced products.
Concrete Floors and Walls: Often found in factories and warehouses, these surfaces absorb oil and grime. Alkaline degreasers or epoxy-safe cleaners like Epochem 502 work well here.
Plastic and Painted Surfaces: These can be damaged by harsh solvents. Use non-abrasive, mild detergents or water-based cleaners.
Glass and Polished Surfaces: Require streak-free cleaning. Choose ammonia-free glass cleaners or alcohol-based formulas.
Electronics or Electrical Panels: Use only non-conductive, fast-drying cleaners specifically designed for electronic components.

Tip: Always conduct a patch test before applying a cleaner across a large surface.

Consider Safety and Environmental Impact

Worker safety and environmental compliance are key factors in industrial cleaning operations. Review the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) and labeling before use.

Toxicity: Avoid products with high VOCs (volatile organic compounds) unless proper ventilation and PPE are available.
PPE Requirements: Acid and solvent-based cleaners may require gloves, face shields, and respirators.
Biodegradability: In industries sensitive to environmental regulations, consider biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners like Epochem Teepol Multipurpose Detergent.
Storage and Disposal: Make sure the product can be safely stored and disposed of according to Nigeria’s environmental laws and guidelines.

At Tikweld, we offer a wide selection of environmentally safe and high-performance industrial cleaners that meet both local and international safety standards.

Evaluate the Application Method and Equipment Compatibility

An often-overlooked factor in choosing the right industrial cleaner is how it will be applied and whether it’s compatible with your existing cleaning equipment.

Manual Application: For small areas or localized cleaning, ensure the cleaner can be applied safely using cloths, brushes, or hand sprayers. Choose ready-to-use formulas or those with clear dilution instructions.
Pressure Washers: Some industrial degreasers and descalers are designed for high-pressure systems. Ensure the product is safe for pump seals and hoses.
Foam Sprayers and Cannons: Useful for applying cleaners on vertical or large surfaces like machinery, tanks, or walls. Use foam-compatible detergents that cling to surfaces for better dwell time.
Automated Systems: For large facilities with automatic floor scrubbers or conveyor washing systems, select low-foaming cleaners compatible with your equipment.
Heat Sensitivity: Some industrial cleaners perform better with warm water but can degrade under high heat. Review the SDS or manufacturer’s guide to avoid performance loss.

Pro Tip: Choosing a cleaner that aligns with your equipment not only ensures better results but also extends the life of your cleaning tools and reduces labor costs.

Understand Industry-Specific Requirements

Different industries have unique cleaning challenges and regulatory standards. Selecting an industrial cleaner that aligns with your facility’s sector ensures compliance and effectiveness.

Oil & Gas Facilities: Require degreasers and heavy-duty cleaners that can handle crude oil residue, tar, and hydrocarbon-based contaminants. Products like Epochem 502 Heavy Duty Degreaser are often preferred for their emulsifying strength.
Food & Beverage Industry: Must adhere to food-safe cleaning standards. Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners that meet HACCP or NSF certifications for equipment and surface hygiene.
Manufacturing Plants: Need versatile cleaners that can tackle grease, ink, paint, or corrosion. Solvent-based or alkaline cleaners with rust inhibitors may be ideal.
Marine & Offshore Sites: Cleaners must be salt-resistant, non-corrosive, and compliant with marine environmental regulations. Foam cleaners and descalers like Epochem 120 Acid Cleaner are well-suited for this setting.
Construction & Fabrication Shops: Require fast-acting cleaners for tools, formworks, concrete stains, and welding equipment. Acid-based or alkaline cleaners are used depending on the residue type.

Choosing a cleaner tailored to your industry not only ensures efficiency but also protects your assets and supports regulatory compliance.

Consider Environmental Impact and Disposal Regulations

Industrial cleaning doesn't have to come at the cost of environmental sustainability. Today’s facility managers are expected to prioritize eco-friendly practices, both for regulatory compliance and corporate social responsibility.

Biodegradable Cleaners: Opt for products labeled biodegradable and non-toxic. These break down naturally, reducing harm to the environment and improving safety for workers.
VOC Regulations: Some industrial cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution. Always check if your chosen product complies with Nigeria’s environmental standards and international guidelines such as REACH or ISO 14001.
Disposal Protocols: Improper disposal of industrial chemicals can lead to environmental contamination and hefty penalties. Ensure your team follows correct dilution, drainage, or containment methods as specified in the product’s MSDS.
Water-Based vs Solvent-Based: Water-based cleaners are generally safer and easier to dispose of. However, some jobs require the strength of solvent-based products. In such cases, ensure proper ventilation and disposal mechanisms are in place.

Prioritizing environmentally safe products not only protects your workforce and surroundings but also positions your facility as a responsible industry player in Nigeria.

The Role of Training in Cleaner Application and Safety

Even the best industrial cleaners will fail—or worse, cause harm—if not used correctly. That’s why training and awareness are as important as product selection.

Employee Training: Ensure all staff understand how to read labels, follow dilution ratios, and apply cleaners safely. Include routine sessions on updates to cleaning protocols and safety practices.
Proper Use of PPE: Train personnel on when and how to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and safety goggles. Improper handling of powerful chemicals like degreasers or acid-based cleaners can lead to serious injuries.
First Aid and Emergency Procedures: Accidental exposure or spills are always a risk. Make sure staff know the location and proper use of emergency eyewash stations, showers, and first aid kits.
Documentation and SOPs: Develop standard operating procedures for the use and storage of all industrial cleaners. Include safety data sheets (SDS) for quick reference during incidents or inspections.

A well-trained team not only ensures the effective use of cleaners but also reduces downtime, health hazards, and compliance risks.

Case Study – Tikweld's Success with Epochem Cleaners

At Tikweld.com, real-world application meets industrial-grade performance. Our experience with Epochem industrial cleaning solutions showcases how choosing the right products, training, and application processes can lead to superior operational efficiency and safety.

The Challenge:

A major client in the oil and gas sector approached Tikweld with ongoing issues of:

Stubborn grease buildup on machinery
Corroded pipeline surfaces due to chemical exposure
Unsafe working conditions due to slippery residues

The Solution:

Tikweld recommended a tailored package of Epochem cleaners:

Epochem 502 Heavy Duty Degreaser for stubborn oil and grease
Epochem 120 Acid Cleaner for rust and scale removal
Epochem 109 Multi-Surface Cleaner for daily maintenance tasks

We also provided:

Customized usage training for site workers
SOPs for product dilution, application, and disposal
PPE kits and onsite demonstrations

The Results:

70% faster turnaround time on equipment maintenance
45% reduction in chemical usage, thanks to targeted application
Zero reported incidents involving cleaner misuse or injury in 6 months
Improved compliance with HSE standards

This transformation not only improved the client's productivity but also reinforced Tikweld’s commitment to supplying practical, tested solutions for Nigerian industries.

Conclusion

Choosing the right industrial cleaner isn’t just a matter of product preference, it’s a strategic decision that affects your facility’s efficiency, safety, and longevity. From degreasers and acid descalers to multi-surface and solvent-based cleaners, each has a specific role to play depending on your industry and application.

At Tikweld.com, we understand the diverse cleaning challenges faced by facilities in Nigeria’s oil & gas, manufacturing, marine, and construction sectors. That’s why we stock only the most trusted solutions like the Epochem range of cleaners known for their superior performance and regulatory compliance.

Need expert advice on product selection?
Want to reduce maintenance time and chemical waste?

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18th Jun 2025 Tikweld Team