Non-ionic detergent
The detergent conservation work actually names, chosen for two properties: low toxicity, and the fact that it rinses off.
Precautions
- Rinse thoroughly afterwards
- Test on an inconspicuous area first
In detail
Most detergent in a household is anionic — it carries a negative charge, and that charge is what makes it cling to surfaces and need rinsing several times. A non-ionic detergent carries no net charge, and the federal conservation guidance names the consequence when it directs one for cleaning outdoor bronze: detergents increase the wetting action of water, and non-ionic ones are low in toxicity and CAN BE EASILY RINSED FROM SURFACES. It is sold concentrated and only a small amount is added to water to get good sudsing. That rinsing property is the whole reason it appears in conservation procedure rather than an ordinary washing-up liquid: on a porous or corrodible surface, residue left behind is a slow problem, and a surfactant that will not come off is one. Its limits are the ordinary ones. It is a surfactant and nothing more — it does not dissolve mineral scale, does not act on carbonised residue, and carries no disinfecting claim. And a separate conservation source prohibits detergents of any kind on a finished-wood surface, so a permission for the class does not travel across materials.
Properties
- pH
- Approximately neutral
What works
Non-ionic detergent is effective against Verdigris Established practitioner practice
Non-ionic detergent is safe on, in specific conditions, Architectural bronze
Safe only in specific conditions
This is only appropriate within specific limits, and nothing is established outside them.
Only within these limits:
- A SMALL amount in water, with natural or plastic bristle brushes
- Dry soft-bristle brushing first, to dislodge loose dirt and debris
- Rinse until no cleaning effluent remains, then dry thoroughly by blotting rather than wiping
- Keep the substrate beneath flooded with clean water throughout, so effluent is not absorbed into it
- A bright, dry, warm day, so water and solvent evaporate quickly
The expectation is set before the method: cleaning and waxing RETARD corrosion and cannot restore the original appearance. The piece will look darker and less green afterwards, not new.
Precautions
- Wear gloves
- Rinse thoroughly afterwards
Evidence
Supported
Sources
Conserve O Gram 10/5: Caring for Outdoor Bronze Plaques, Part II — Cleaning and Waxing
National Park Service, US Department of the Interior · Government or regulator
Relied on for: That the plaque is scrubbed with water and a small amount of a non-ionic detergent using natural or plastic bristle brushes, that dry brushing precedes it, that the surface is rinsed until no effluent remains and dried by blotting, that the substrate is kept flooded, and that the work is done on a bright dry warm day. (states this directly)
Non-ionic detergent is safe on, in specific conditions, Vehicle clear coat
Safe only in specific conditions
This is only appropriate within specific limits, and nothing is established outside them.
Only within these limits:
- Grime removal only — not oxidation, which the source treats separately
- A non-ionic detergent, not a household washing-up liquid or a caustic cleaner
- Rinse and dry; the clear coat is the protection and nothing should be left sitting on it
A conservation source names a non-ionic detergent for an outdoor painted or plated surface. The two agree, but they are NOT independent — both come from the same series.
Precautions
- Rinse thoroughly afterwards
- Test on an inconspicuous area first
Evidence
Supported
Sources
Conserve O Gram 10/3: Preparing Historic Motorized Vehicles For Storage Or Exhibit
National Park Service, US Department of the Interior, 1999 · Government or regulator
Relied on for: That grime is removed from painted vehicle surfaces with a nonionic detergent. (states this directly)
Why
- Non-ionic detergent is explained by Soap versus detergent
Aftercare and prevention
- Non-ionic detergent requires the aftercare Architectural bronze
Wax once the surface is completely dry. On outdoor bronze the wax IS the corrosion barrier, so a cleaned unwaxed plaque is left more exposed than an uncleaned one.
Sources for this page
Sources
Conserve O Gram 10/5: Caring for Outdoor Bronze Plaques, Part II — Cleaning and Waxing
National Park Service, US Department of the Interior · Government or regulator
Relied on for: That a small amount of non-ionic detergent in water is directed for scrubbing, that detergents increase the wetting action of water, and that non-ionic detergents are low in toxicity and can be easily rinsed from surfaces. (states this directly)