Early Clear™

Sodium hydroxide is a builder that can also be found in detergents and degreasers. We use it to make a product formula clean better by affecting the molecules in the formula so that they work together better. Sodium hydroxide can also be a pH adjuster that alters the pH of a product to improve stability. Every formula has an optimum pH to make it work best. For example, a formula that’s more acidic works better for soap scum removal. Its opposite, a formula that’s more alkaline, might be more effective at removing grease or greasy soils. We use pH adjusters to make sure we achieve the best pH for a particular job. Also, the pH of a formula can affect how long it lasts within a container – for example limiting its tendency to corrode a can, container, or dispenser. In high concentrations (such as in drain cleaners), sodium hydroxide can also be used as a caustic that helps dissolve organic matter, like drain clogs.

Sodium silicate is a corrosion inhibitor that can also be found in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and hard surface cleaners. We use it in our products to help keep metallic household surfaces, such as taps and drains, free of corrosion.

Sodium hypochlorite is the basic ingredient in laundry bleach and in mould and mildew stain removers. It is also a bleach that helps to break down drain clogs.

Hydrogen peroxide is an alternative to chlorine-based bleach that can also be found in products such as mouthwash, hair products, and teeth whiteners. You might have a bottle of over-the-counter-strength hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet, since many people use it as an antiseptic, as well. It is sometimes used in household cleaning products to help remove or lessen stains and odours. We also sometimes use it in products to make foam or as a stabilizer to maintain a product when it is exposed to air, light or heat.

1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid is a chelator that can also be found in a variety of products including household cleaners, water treatment, and personal care products. The word chelator (pronounced "key-lay-tor") comes from the Greek word chele, or claw. Think of a chelator as a tiny claw that reaches out and grabs the minerals or metal ions. We use 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid in our drain products as a stabiliser. It acts by binding metal ions that may interact with other ingredients in our formulation.