What is the effect of cold weather on stored chemicals?

[bert79]

As I've mentioned before my dad and I are refurbishing a 3+1 in West Michigan. The wash has been inoperable for 7 years. There has been no heat in the equipment room where several 55 gallon drums and five gallon buckets of chemical have been stored. There are containers of wax, pre-soak, and soap. I'm wondering what the effect of freezing winters is on the stored chemicals? Is it still usable? Thanks

 

[mac]

Do yourself a favor and toss them all. I've sold soap for many years and all my suppliers have said to avoid freezing. Even if was never frozen, after that many years I wouldn't trust them.

 

[MEP001]

There are all sorts of issues you could have with old chemical even if it hasn't frozen. If you expect to run a quality wash, start with good, fresh chemicals.

 

[Randy]

Car wash chemicals that are 7 years old and have been repeatedly frozen should have gone down the drain years ago. I would never consider using a chemical that old that has been frozen. Car wash chemicals begin to go bad at around 36 degrees, they don’t have to freeze solid to go bad. The shelf life of car wash chemicals is about 12 – 18 months.

 

[bert79]

Well I thank you all for responding! I will definitely be getting rid of the old stuff and ordering new. Any thoughts on how to properly dispose of old car wash chemicals (especially large volumes)?

 

[MudMoney]

There will probably be a low rent operator that will try to buy them.LOL

 

[Earl Weiss]

Heck, if it were me I would give them a try and see what happens.

 

[carwashireland]

Im with Earl on this. I wouldn't use the presoak on the auto, but would agitate the rest and if the products have not separated, then give them a try.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

If you could use it up on the HP or BB soap on the SS bays, I can't see where that would hurt since it doesn't do much of anything anyway.

 

[Mel(NC)]

I store chemicals in an unheated storage building. The temperature dips below freezing periodically over the winter. I have never noticed any affects on the chemicals. I would try them before tossing.