What is a solvent?
A solvent is a substance (usually liquid) capable of dissolving, diluting, or extracting other components without chemically altering them.
What are they used for?
In cleaning and disinfecting products, solvents are mainly used to dissolve grease, oil, ink, or polymer residues.
Their solubilizing power determines their effectiveness: a polar solvent will be suitable for hydrophilic dirt, while a nonpolar solvent excels at removing grease and organic matter.
In addition to their cleaning role, they also help adjust the viscosity of formulations, which facilitates the application, drying, or spraying of the product.
- Dissolves grease: solvents improve a product's ability to remove stubborn stains before the disinfection phase. They eliminate grease, oil, and any stubborn residue.
- Facilitating product application: they allow the viscosity of formulas to be adjusted so that they can be easily sprayed, even over large areas. Thanks to them, the product spreads evenly, without leaving drips or smears.
- Accelerating product drying: Solvents play a key role in fast-evaporating formulations, particularly those based on alcohols, by accelerating drying and improving overall product performance. Their presence also reduces the appearance of streaks and rings on sensitive surfaces such as stainless steel and glass.
Types of solvents?
There are traditionally three main families of solvents, each addressing different performance, safety, and environmental issues. Here are the main families that can be found in formulations:
Aqueous solvents
Water-based, less aggressive, less polluting but often less effective
Organic solvents
Powerful and highly effective at dissolving grease, oils, or resins. They act quickly and clean thoroughly, but they can be more odorous and volatile than other types of solvents.
Green solvents
More responsible alternatives made from natural raw materials (corn, citrus fruits, sugarcane, etc.)
essential for formulating consistent products and ensuring consistent effectiveness.
The choice always depends on the desired effect, the type of dirt, the nature of the surface, and the desired level of safety. At Safecare, each formulation is designed to strike the right balance between safety and durability.