The Science Behind pH7X®
The chemistry, measurements and field evidence behind our cleaner.
Oxygen-powered cleaning
Sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. It provides oxygen-based cleaning alongside the formula’s alkaline ingredients. Disodium metasilicate contributes alkalinity and buffering, helps keep loosened soils dispersed, and supports emulsification of oily residues. Silicates can also help inhibit corrosion in cleaning formulations.
Mildly alkaline at 1%
In distilled-water tests, a 1% solution measures pH 8.6–8.9 when the starting water measures pH 7.0. Non-caustic does not mean pH-neutral. Readings vary with source water, concentration and measurement conditions, and can change as the solution reacts with residue.1% pH7X® and 2% caustic both delivered very low post-clean ATP readings in our restaurant field comparison. See the results.
Equipment care and compatibility
pH7X® is designed to be easier on beverage lines, hoses and gaskets than strong caustic cleaning. Its milder working pH and silicates support metal-surface care. For equipment containing stainless steel, galvanized components, copper or aluminum, confirm compatibility with the equipment manufacturer for the dilution, temperature and contact time you plan to use. Different alloys, coatings and elastomers can respond differently, especially during extended soaking. Avoid use on Teflon-coated items.
A less extreme pH at the drain
Replacing a pH 13–14 caustic solution with a mildly alkaline working solution can help limit high-pH inputs to wastewater treatment. The peroxide component breaks down into water and oxygen. pH alone does not measure total alkalinity or establish the treatment requirements of the complete used solution; dilution and the soils removed also matter.
What the field evaluation found
In the reported 15-minute comparison at a national restaurant chain, two lines cleaned with 1% pH7X® had post-clean faucet ATP readings of 1 and 0. Two different lines cleaned with 2% caustic had readings of 2 and 0. Both produced low readings in that single-site evaluation. The report also describes an initial 2% deep clean before routine 1% cleaning.
ATP readings help assess ATP-containing residue; they do not establish microbial kill rates, log reductions or equivalent performance in every application. The full report explains the protocol and conditions. Read the national restaurant field evaluation.
Why line care matters
A study co-authored by Dr. Darla M. Goeres, Coordinator of Industrial Development at Montana State University’s Center for Biofilm Engineering, examined vinyl beer tubing after simulated years of caustic and acid cleaning. Biofilm recovered more quickly in tubing aged to simulate five years, even though caustic cleaning reduced contamination. The study examined line aging. Read the beer-line aging study abstract.
Directions and safety documents
Cleaning performance depends on concentration, contact time, temperature, circulation and residue. Follow the mixing instructions, rinse verification and handling guidance for your application.
