Choosing the Right Cleaning Chemicals in Restoration: Work Smarter, Work Safer

Choosing the Right Cleaning Chemicals in Restoration: Work Smarter, Work Safer

Chemical safety isn’t an optional extra in restoration — it’s the foundation of professional, consistent results. Many products perform similar cleaning or disinfection functions but differ widely in hazard level, surface compatibility, and environmental impact.

At Restore Solutions, we support restorers with professional-grade chemical options like the Protox range, offering performance with control, safety and efficiency of use. Below, we explain how each chemical type works, how to apply it correctly, and which personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety practices keep you compliant and protected.

Hydrogen Peroxide vs Protox Hysan

Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is a strong oxidiser that kills mould and bacteria by releasing oxygen radicals. Protox Hysan uses sodium chlorite, which produces chlorine dioxide in a controlled reaction — offering strong microbial action with lower vapour and odour.

Aspect Hydrogen Peroxide Protox Hysan
Active Chemistry Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂)
Mechanism Oxidises organic molecules and microbes. Oxidising disinfectant; with surfactants and mechanical action to remove mould.
Benefits Fast-acting; biodegradable. Stable; longer shelf life; lower odour.
Safety Risks
  • Skin and eye irritant
  • Temporary whitening of skin possible
  • Bleaches textiles
  • Reacts with metals and acids
  • Mild oxidiser
  • May fade fabrics
  • Explosive risk if heated under confinement
Environmental Impact Decomposes to water and oxygen. Breaks down to salt and water.
Recommended PPE
  • Nitrile gloves (not latex); barrier cream under gloves
  • Safety goggles or face shield
  • P2 respirator when fogging or misting
  • Long sleeves to prevent skin contact
  • Eye-wash station as per WHS legislation
  • PPE generally optional; suggested: nitrile gloves, goggles
  • Ventilation or P2 respirator in confined areas

Method of Use

Step Hydrogen Peroxide Protox Hysan
Preparation Dilute per product instructions (usually 3–8%). Ready-to-use or dilute per label.
Application Spray or mist evenly; allow 10–15 min dwell. Spray, brush, or fog lightly; allow 15–20 min dwell.
Aftercare Wipe residues with microfibre cloths; rinse metal surfaces. Wipe or rinse on hard surfaces; allow to air-dry on porous ones.
Tools Required Trigger bottles, microfibre cloths, P2 respirator. Spray bottles, cloths or ULV fogger; PPE as above.

Quaternary Chemicals vs Protox DES

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) disrupt cell membranes, making them effective disinfectants but prone to leaving residues and irritating skin. Protox DES, based on hypochlorous acid (HOCl), is a neutral-pH disinfectant that’s equally effective but far safer for users and materials.

Aspect Quats Protox DES
Chemistry Cationic surfactants. Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl).
Mechanism Disrupt microbial membranes. Oxidises microbial enzymes and cell walls.
Benefits Effective broad-spectrum disinfection. Odour-free; low-residue; biodegradable.
Safety Risks
  • Skin dryness or dermatitis with repeated use
  • Irritates eyes and lungs if misted
  • Slippery residues increase slip hazard
  • Minimal irritation
  • Avoid direct mixing with acids or detergents
Environmental Impact Toxic to aquatic organisms; not readily biodegradable. Converts to water and salt.
Recommended PPE
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • P2 respirator if aerosolising (full face with appropriate cartridge)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Eye protection optional in open spaces

Method of Use

Step Quats Protox DES
Preparation Dilute 1:20 to 1:50 as directed. Ready-to-use.
Application Apply with mop or cloth; dwell 10 minutes. Spray or fog on clean surface; allow to air-dry.
Aftercare Rinse food-contact surfaces. No rinse required.
Tools Required Mops, microfibre cloths, PPE. Spray bottles, cloths; ULV fogger optional.

Caustic Fire Cleaners vs Protox SC20 / SC40

Traditional caustic cleaners (sodium hydroxide) quickly break down soot but are highly corrosive and hazardous. Protox SC20 (neutral) and SC40 (buffered alkaline) achieve comparable cleaning strength without the extreme hazard rating.

Aspect Caustic Cleaner Protox SC20 Protox SC40
Chemistry Sodium / Potassium Hydroxide. Neutral surfactants. Sodium Metasilicate.
pH Level >13 ~9.9 ~13
Benefits Removes heavy soot quickly. Safe general cleaner. Strong on grease and carbon.
Safety Risks
  • Corrosive to eyes, skin, lungs
  • Burns on contact
  • Can etch glass and paint
 Mild skin/eye irritant. Eye irritant; mild alkali vapour irritation.
Environmental Impact High-pH runoff harms vegetation. Biodegradable. Moderate pH effluent.
Recommended PPE
  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC)
  • Full goggles or face shield
  • Chemical overalls
  • P2 or P3 respirator
  • Boot covers
 Gloves and safety glasses. Gloves, goggles, long sleeves; respirator if foaming indoors.

Method of Use

Step Caustic Cleaner SC20 SC40
Preparation Dilute per label (often 1:10); ventilate area. Dilute 1:20–1:50. Dilute 1:10–1:20.
Application Brush, sponge, or spray; short dwell. Spray or wipe. Foam or brush; dwell 5–10 min.
Aftercare Rinse thoroughly; neutralise with mild acid. Wipe or rinse. Rinse and pH-test for neutrality.
Tools Brushes, buckets, PPE. Microfibre mops, spray bottles. Foaming applicator, sponges, PPE.

Masking Agents vs Odour-Free Neutralisers

Aspect Masking Agents Odour-Free Neutralisers
Function Perfume to hide odour. Chemically neutralise odour compounds.
Effectiveness Short-lived. Long-term.
Safety Risks Respiratory irritation; allergic reactions; VOCs. Minimal irritation; low VOC.
Environment Moderate air impact. Biodegradable.
PPE Gloves optional; ventilation important. Gloves; ventilation when fogging.

Method of Use

  • Masking agents: Spray lightly in air or on fabric; ventilate.
  • Odour-neutralisers: Spray or fog onto cleaned surfaces; allow to dry.
  • Tools: Atomisers, foggers, microfibre cloths, PPE.

Conclusion

Every chemical has its place — the key is knowing its limits. Peroxide and chlorine dioxide oxidisers sanitise effectively; hypochlorous acid disinfects safely; neutral or buffered cleaners remove soot with less hazard; odour-neutralisers finish the job properly.

By applying the correct method, wearing task-specific PPE, and following Australian SDS guidelines, restorers protect both property and people — achieving clean, compliant, and sustainable results every time.

9th Nov 2025

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