Understanding Why these Surfaces Lose Shine and Integrity Over Time

A clean, shiny, and pristine surface is always more appealing and noticeable than one that looks dull and worn. It's easy to overlook the surfaces around us and assume that "what you see is what you get." This can seem true for items like metal kitchen appliances, glass windows, plastic containers, laminate countertops, and more. However, the gradual degradation of metals, plastics, and glass is more than just an aesthetic concern; it can lead to corrosion, cracking, and weakening, ultimately affecting the performance and lifespan of equipment, tools, and everyday objects.

Did you know?
Various factors contribute to the degradation of metals, plastics, and glass. Environmental conditions and the use of harsh cleaning chemicals can both accelerate this process. Understanding the causes and adopting a routine with non-toxic surface cleaners can help significantly extend these items' lives.

1. Corrosion of Metals

Metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper are highly corrosion-prone. Exposure to oxygen, moisture, and pollutants can lead to rust and other forms of degradation. Stainless steel naturally forms a thin oxide layer that protects it from rust. However, harsh chemicals in many cleaners can damage this protective layer, making the metal more vulnerable to oxidation, rust, and pitting.

Did you know?
Commercial cleaners with chemicals like chlorine and strong acids can speed up corrosion, damaging metals and reducing their lifespan. A non-toxic surface cleaner designed for metal surfaces can help maintain structural integrity while preserving shine.

2. Plastic Degradation

Plastics degrade over time due to photodegradation, a process in which UV light breaks down plastic’s polymer chains. This results in fading, brittleness, and cracking. Exposure to harsh chemicals can accelerate this process, especially when using cleaners with solvents like acetone or alcohol. Such products can erode plastic surfaces, making them more prone to stress cracking and failure.

Did you know?
Non-toxic and UV-resistant plastic cleaners help prevent surface degradation and stress cracking, extending the life of plastic surfaces. Opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to protect plastic equipment from UV light and chemical exposure.

3. Glass Deterioration

The glass might seem impervious to degradation, but exposure to environmental pollutants and chemicals can lead to "glass corrosion" or "glass disease." When moisture, particularly in humid environments, interacts with alkali ions in glass, it can cause clouding and etching. This reduces clarity and strength, making the glass more susceptible to breaking.

Did you know?
Harsh chemicals found in some industrial glass cleaners can cause micro-abrasions and streaking. A non-abrasive glass cleaner protects glass surfaces, ensuring clear visibility and enhancing longevity.

4. Environmental Factors That Accelerate Degradation

Environmental conditions play a crucial role in surface degradation. Here are some common factors:

Humidity: Speeds up metal corrosion, glass etching, and plastic degradation.

Pollutants: Airborne sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides can corrode metals and weaken plastics.

UV Exposure: Sunlight accelerates plastic breakdown and weakens certain metals.

Salt and Chemicals in the Air: Salty air, especially near coastal areas, and industrial pollutants can hasten metal corrosion and degrade glass.

5. Setting Expectations for Surface Longevity

Maintaining a clean and pristine surface isn’t just about appearance; it’s about extending the life of your equipment and household surfaces. Regular cleaning with non-toxic, gentle cleaners helps prevent the buildup of grime, pollutants, and contaminants contributing to degradation. For instance, CLEARVIEW by DERMAGLOVE offers a food-safe cleaning solution that leaves no harmful residues behind.

6. Prolonging the Lifespan of Equipment

Industrial machinery, kitchen appliances, and other tools often rely on metal and plastic components to perform critical functions. Corrosion in metal parts can lead to mechanical failures, while cracks in plastic components may cause leaks or safety hazards. Investing in eco-friendly surface cleaners like CLEARVIEW helps prevent these issues, extending the useful life of valuable equipment.

7. Establishing a Routine for Surface Maintenance

A consistent cleaning routine using the right products keeps surfaces in top condition, reduces breakdown risks, and saves money on repairs. Using a multi-surface cleaner designed for different materials helps keep metal, glass, and plastic surfaces pristine without harmful effects.

8. Maintaining Health and Safety Standards

Keeping surfaces undamaged is crucial for meeting health and safety standards in industries like food service, healthcare, and manufacturing. Corrosion, scratches, and degradation can harbor bacteria, making it harder to sanitize effectively. A gentle, non-toxic surface cleaner for industrial and household surfaces ensures a hygienic and safe environment.

9. Enhancing Visual Appeal and Professional Appearance

A well-maintained surface enhances the visual appeal of any environment, from homes to industrial settings. Shiny metals, transparent plastics, and streak-free glass create a professional, organized look. In contrast, degraded surfaces, even when clean, appear dull and uninviting.

Why CLEARVIEW by DERMAGLOVE?

Not all cleaners are created equal, and using the wrong one can do more harm than good. CLEARVIEW is an environmentally conscious, multi-surface cleaner that ensures surface brilliance while preventing degradation. Suitable for metals, glass, acrylic, aluminum, and plastic, CLEARVIEW preserves the integrity of each surface it touches. Read more about How to Get a “LIKE NEW” Finish with CLEARVIEW here.

Did you know?
With CLEARVIEW’s non-toxic, ammonia-free formula, surfaces are restored without harmful residues contributing to degradation. Its self-foaming coating forms a barrier against environmental stressors. CLEARVIEW leaves surfaces protected and pristine for stainless steel kitchen appliances or industrial food prep equipment.

10. Finding a Solution

Using non-toxic, eco-friendly surface cleaners like CLEARVIEW helps slow natural degradation, ensuring surfaces look their best while extending the life of your equipment and tools. Regular maintenance with the right products is an investment in appearance and longevity.

Shop CLEARVIEW today: