HOW TO MAKE 5 GALLONS OF KITCHEN EXHAUST DEGREASER SIMILAR TO ZEP SUPER DOUG
Based on the Safety Data Sheet for Zep Super Doug, here is a step-by-step guide to creating a similar degreaser formula, adjusted to a 10:1 dilution ratio which comes out to about 1/2 gallon in a 5 gallon mix.
Brenntag has an office in almost every state. If you buy your caustics locally you will save a boat load on shipping. If you can't find a local supplier contact us to see if we can help.
Also remember when you buy pre-made liquid degreasers, you are buying about a 1/2 gallon of water per gallon of degreaser. You are also paying for them to ship you water.
Contrary to what the chemical distributers will tell you, mixing these chemicals together will not create some kind of explosion or poison gas, they tell you that to keep you hooked on their expensive products.
Remember these are approximate amounts and you can add more or less of each based on your needs. This mixture should cost you about $5 total for 5 gallons.
We have been making this approximate mix on site for over 20 years and have never had any problems
For the dry chemicals, an 8oz cup is about a pound.
INGREDIENTS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- Water: 4-5 gallons
- Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda): 30-50% concentration (about 2 lbs)
- Decyl Glucoside: 1-5% concentration (about 2 oz) BUY HERE
- Potassium Hydroxide: 1-5% concentration (About 2 oz)
- Octan-1-ol or Butyl Cellusolve: 0.1-1% concentration (about 2 oz)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 5-gallon bucket
- Mixing stick or paddle
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, goggles, full face respirator and apron
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
- Always wear appropriate PPE when handling chemicals.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
- Follow all safety instructions on the chemical labels.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Work Area:Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Gather all ingredients and supplies.
- Add Water:Fill the 5-gallon bucket half way. This will be the base for your degreaser.
- Dissolve Sodium Hydroxide:Measure 2 lbs of sodium hydroxide (2 8 oz cups). Slowly add the sodium hydroxide to the water, stirring continuously. Be cautious as this can generate heat and fumes.
- Add Decyl Glucoside:Measure 2-5 ounces of Decyl Glucoside. Gradually add it to the mixture while stirring.
- Incorporate Potassium Hydroxide:Measure about 1/4 lb of potassium hydroxide. Slowly add it to the mixture, ensuring it dissolves completely.
- Mix in Octan-1-ol or Butyl Cellusolve: Measure about 1-2 ounces of octan or Butyl. Add it to the solution, stirring well to combine.
- Final Mixing:Fill your container with this mix and slowly add the rest of the water to your spray tank. continue stirring the mixture for several minutes to ensure all ingredients are fully dissolved and evenly mixed.