My vapor degreasing fluid is being discontinued. What should I do?

When a manufacturer learns that their trusted line of vapor degreasing cleaning fluids will soon be discontinued, they may be left wondering how to move forward.  Solvents including nPB, TCE and 3M™ Novec™ fluids are either under scrutiny or are already in the process of being discontinued.  There are many factors to consider when choosing a replacement cleaning fluid, including the equipment and substrate being cleaned, the type of contamination being removed, the long-term availability of the chosen fluid, and the level of support available from the supplier. Here are three important factors to consider when replacing discontinued vapor degreasing fluids. 

1.    Consider your equipment, substrate and contamination
When looking for a replacement cleaning fluid, you should first identify the type of equipment, substrate, and contamination you are dealing with. This helps you narrow down your options and find a cleaning fluid that is tailored to your specific needs. It is also important to work with a supplier like MicroCare who has experience with similar equipment and substrates.
You should ask potential suppliers questions about their cleaning fluid’s compatibility with their substrates and equipment. For example, if you are cleaning steel parts, you should inquire about the cleaning fluid's ability to protect against corrosion. If you are using a specific type of cleaning equipment, you should ask if the cleaning fluid is compatible or if the equipment will require upgrades or modifications.

Additionally, you should start to prepare for your cleaning fluid transition now. This may involve testing new cleaning fluids on a small scale to ensure that they are effective and do not cause any damage to your equipment or substrates. It may also involve training your employees on how to use the new cleaning fluid and making adjustments to the cleaning process to ensure optimal performance. 

2.    Know the long-term availability of your chosen replacement fluid
When selecting a replacement cleaning fluid, you should choose a fluid with a proven track record and a long-term sustainability profile. This means choosing a fluid that has been on the market for a significant amount of time, like the MicroCare Tergo™  line  that has a proven record of effectiveness. You should also consider the long-term availability of the chosen fluid. If a fluid is only available for a limited time, it may be difficult to find a replacement when it is needed.

You should also consider the environmental impact of the chosen fluid. Many newer cleaning fluids are designed to be more environmentally friendly than older ones. This may include fluids that have a low global warming potential, or are free of hazardous air pollutants. Choosing an environmentally friendly cleaning fluid may not only benefit the environment but also the health and safety of employees who work with the fluid.

3.    Determine what support you’ll get for the replacement cleaning fluid after you buy
Finally, you should choose a supplier like MicroCare  that understands the dynamics between cleaning chemistry and cleaning equipment and has a critical cleaning lab and application experts to support a smooth transition. This means choosing a supplier that offers technical support, troubleshooting, and training on the new cleaning fluid. You should also choose a supplier that has a long-standing, good reputation for customer service and is available to answer any questions or concerns that might arise.

In conclusion, replacing discontinued vapor degreasing fluids can be a daunting task. However, by considering the equipment, substrate, and contamination being cleaned, the long-term availability of the chosen fluid, and the level of support available from the supplier, you can select a replacement cleaning fluid that provides optimal cleaning performance with the least impact on the environment and their cleaning processes.