Alconox Citranox Concentrated Metal Cleaner 1 Gal - Lab Grade

Our review of Alconox Citranox finds it best suited to labs and industrial shops that need a reliable, phosphate-free cleaner for metals and precision parts. The single biggest reason to buy is its high performance removal of metal oxides, scale, salts and inorganic residues while remaining corrosion inhibited and free rinsing, which reduces the risk of interfering residues in downstream analysis. Packaged in a 1 gallon plastic bottle and diluted for use, it is particularly useful where trace metal analysis or ultrasonic cleaning are routine.

Key Features

• Concentrated formula: A small measured dilution provides effective cleaning power for manual and ultrasonic processes, extending product life and lowering cost per use.
• High performance removal: Removes metal oxides, scale, salts and inorganic residues so parts and labware are returned to a bright, usable condition.
• Corrosion inhibited: The formula reduces the risk of attacking base metals during cleaning, making it safer for common lab and shop alloys.
• Free rinsing: Rinses away cleanly to avoid leaving interfering residues that can affect trace analysis or subsequent coatings.
• USDA authorized: Suitable where a recognized authorization is required, easing specification for certain regulated environments.

Who It's For

Alconox Citranox is aimed at laboratories, maintenance shops and facilities that run ultrasonic cleaners or perform manual cleaning of metal parts and analytical glassware. It is a good choice when trace metal analysis is needed because the free rinsing, phosphate-free formulation minimizes contamination risk.

Users who need a gentle all-purpose household cleaner or a product for organic soil removal should look elsewhere, since this product is formulated specifically for inorganic residues and metal brightening rather than general degreasing of food soils.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective at removing oxides and inorganic residues, improving cleanliness for inspection or analysis.
• Works well in ultrasonic cleaning when mixed at recommended dilutions, delivering reliable cleaning action.
• Corrosion inhibited and free rinsing, reducing downtime for additional rinses and protecting sensitive parts.
• Concentrated 1 gallon packaging offers value for facilities that use it regularly.

Cons

• Acidic pH (2.5) means it requires careful handling, appropriate PPE and attention to material compatibility.
• Not designed for heavy organic grease or food residue; performance is focused on inorganic soils and metal brightening.

Specifications

Product	Citranox Concentrated Cleaner and Metal Brightener
Volume	1 Gallon
Dilution	Dilute 2:100 (use concentration may vary by application)
pH	2.5
Formula type	Phosphate-free, corrosion inhibited
Packaged as	Plastic bottle
Authorized	USDA authorized

Our Verdict

Alconox Citranox is a practical choice for labs and industrial users who need a concentrated, phosphate-free cleaner that reliably removes inorganic residues and brightens metals without leaving interfering films. Given its corrosion inhibition, free rinsing behavior and 1 gallon concentrated packaging, it offers strong value where ultrasonic or manual precision cleaning is routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dilution should be used for ultrasonic cleaning?
The product information recommends diluting 2:100; some users report effective results at stronger dilutions for heavy soils, but follow facility protocols and manufacturer guidance.

Is it safe on common alloys and stainless steel?
The corrosion inhibited formula is designed to reduce attack on metals, but because the pH is acidic, test on representative samples and use proper PPE.

Can it interfere with trace metal analysis?
No, the free rinsing phosphate-free formulation is intended to avoid leaving residues that would interfere with trace metal analysis when rinsed properly.