High Ph vs. Low Ph Presoak: The Importance of Choosing the Right One

The presoak phase is the initial step in the car wash process, and it significantly influences the effectiveness of subsequent steps. Given its overarching importance, car wash owners must get the right presoaks. To achieve this, you must first understand the pH of cleaning detergents to determine whether to select high pH or low pH presoaks to deliver that showroom-clean sparkle customers desire. 

But with the myriad of presoak products flooding the market, identifying the best car wash soaps and presoaks is no small feat. You need a comprehensive understanding of pH in cleaning detergents to make the right choice. Fortunately, we have prepared this guide so you have a reliable source to refer to. 

Understanding pH in Cleaning Detergents

The term "pH" stands for “potential of Hydrogen." Derived from the German term "potenz," meaning power, and "H," representing hydrogen, pH is a scientific scale ranging from 0 to 14. It indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. 

At its core, the pH scale represents a solution's chemical balance:

• A pH of 7 is neutral, and the amount of hydrogen and hydroxide ions is one-to-one or equal. A good example is water.
• A pH value below 7 is acidic, meaning it has a higher concentration of hydrogen.
• A pH value above 7 is alkaline(or basic), meaning it has more hydroxide.

In car wash chemistry, pH determines a detergent's ability to interact with and remove contaminants. Each point on the scale represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration. As a result, even slight pH variations will impact detergents' cleaning performance. Learning how pH works in cleaning detergents is the secret to using them to your advantage and elevating car washing results. 

High pH Presoak Detergents

High pH detergents, also known as alkaline presoaks, have higher pH levels (typically 11-14) and are remarkably effective at removing organic matter. Thanks to a high concentration of hydroxide ions, these presoaks break down the chemical bonds in complex, greasy molecules into simple, easily removable soap molecules. 

In addition to a high hydroxide concentration, most of these cleaners contain molecules with hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends called surfactants. During cleaning, the hydrophilic ends interact with water molecules, while the hydrophobic ends surround oil droplets. 

This process is known as emulsification. It breaks down the oil or greasy droplets common in organic contaminants into small, easily rinsable, water-soluble particles. High pH presoaks eliminate organic (biological) soils such as protein-based stains, road film, exhaust residue, bird droppings, and carbon-based dirt and grime. 

As a result, these alkaline detergents allow for enhanced yet seamless cleaning performance for fleets exposed to:

• Construction and industrial work sites
• Agricultural environments
• Urban driving conditions with significant environmental (organic) pollutants
• Vehicles with heavy organic soils

Low pH Presoak Detergents

Low pH presoak detergents have more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions. Thanks to their acidic properties, they break inorganic contaminants into soluble, easily rinsable compounds. This chemical interaction occurs because of the exchange of hydrogen ions from the acid with the mineral ions.

Low pH presoak detergents eat away at inorganic soils that an alkaline detergent cannot effectively remove, leaving the surface clean and stain-free. Beyond cleaning, they restore the stained surface's original brightness and tend to neutralize alkaline residues from previous presoak stages. These acidic cleaners prove most effective for fleets in hard water regions, vehicles exposed to industrial mineral residues, and marine equipment.  

Low pH presoaks are unmatched in eliminating:

• Calcium and limescale
• Rust and iron oxide deposits
• Hard water stains
• Mineral-based oxidation
• Inorganic surface contaminants

Synergistic Effects of Using Both Types

High and low pH presoaks are not competing solutions but complementary tools that, when used synergistically, can deliver superior car cleaning power. 

To fully maximize their strengths, deploy the following two-step presoak strategy:

1. Initial organic soil removal: Begin with a high pH presoak to break down and emulsify organic contaminants. This first phase targets road grime, grease and oil deposits, biological residues, and carbon-based dirt accumulation. 
2. Mineral deposit and surface restoration: Follow with an acid-based presoak to address inorganic contaminants and restore surface brilliance. This second step will neutralize any left-over alkaline residues from the initial phase. It will also break down calcium, lime scale, and water spots into salt compounds that a simple pressure wash will efficiently rinse away. 

Practical Application Tips

Synergistic cleaning requires careful application. Here are some tips to maximize effectiveness:

• Always apply high pH presoaks first to remove organic materials.
• Allow sufficient dwell time for each chemical to work effectively.
• Adjust dwell times based on soil severity and vehicle condition.
• Rinse thoroughly between pH stages to prevent chemical interference.
• Consider water hardness and environmental factors in your chemical selection.

Additionally, don't use a one-size-fits-all approach for all vehicles. Instead, implement a quick pre-wash inspection process where you evaluate the vehicle's age, usage, and surface condition. Then, create a specialized cleaning wash process based on the evaluation results.  Invest in equipment that adjusts cleaning chemical concentration based on soil severity, vehicle surface type, and environmental conditions. 

Choosing the Correct Presoak for Your Needs

A car wash's success and reputation hinges on delivering exceptional cleaning results. While various factors influence a wash's ability to deliver such results, car wash chemistry is the most impactful, especially in the presoak phase. 

Using high pH presoaks in combination with low pH addresses both organic and inorganic contaminants, thus delivering stellar car wash results. While understanding pH and car wash chemicals 101 is crucial, partnering with a professional chemistry provider who offers tailored solutions is equally important. 

Apex Pro Formulators delivers high and low pH presoak solutions tailored to break through the toughest contaminants. As industry leaders in car wash chemistry, we formulate targeted cleaning detergents that address regional and industry-specific pollutant challenges.

Whether you use a one-step presoak system or manage urban delivery vehicles, agricultural equipment, or specialized industrial fleets, our custom chemistry solutions provide top-tier cleaning performance. Contact our technical team today to discuss how we can optimize your presoak solutions.