Sodium Metasilicate is an alkaline sodium silicate compound valued for its excellent cleaning, buffering, water-conditioning, dispersing, and corrosion-control properties. It is commonly supplied in powder or granular form and is available in different hydration states and grades.

In detergent formulations, Sodium Metasilicate works as a builder by helping improve cleaning performance, particularly in hard-water conditions. It can help soften water, disperse soil, maintain alkalinity, and reduce the redeposition of dirt onto cleaned surfaces.

It is widely used in laundry detergents, dishwashing formulations, industrial and institutional cleaners, degreasers, floor cleaners, and metal-cleaning products. Its alkaline nature makes it useful for removing or loosening grease, oils, and other organic soils.

Sodium Metasilicate is also used in selected textile, paper, ceramic, construction, and water-treatment applications. Depending on the formulation, it can contribute to pH control, dispersion, cleaning, and corrosion protection.

Different commercial grades may vary in SiO₂/Na₂O ratio, hydration state, alkalinity, particle size, and purity. Therefore, the exact grade should be selected according to the intended application.

Key Features

• Strong Alkaline Cleaning Action
• Excellent Detergent Builder
• Helps Soften Hard Water
• Good Soil & Grease Dispersion
• Helps Prevent Soil Rede­position
• Useful Corrosion-Inhibiting Properties
• Excellent Buffering Capacity
• Water Soluble
• Suitable for Industrial Cleaning
• Widely Used in Detergent Manufacturing

Applications / Uses

1. Detergent Manufacturing

Sodium Metasilicate is widely used in:

• Laundry Detergent
• Powder Detergent
• Dishwashing Detergent
• Industrial Detergent
• Heavy-Duty Cleaning Products
• Institutional Cleaners

It can help improve detergent performance by maintaining alkalinity, softening water, and dispersing soils.

2. Industrial Cleaning

Used in:

• Degreasers
• Floor Cleaners
• Machinery Cleaners
• Factory Cleaning Products
• Food-Processing Equipment Cleaning
• Metal Cleaning Formulations

It is particularly useful where alkaline cleaning is required.

3. Metal Cleaning

Appropriately formulated products may use Sodium Metasilicate for:

• Metal Degreasing
• Surface Cleaning
• Removal of Oils and Grease
• Industrial Parts Cleaning

The formulation should be compatible with the specific metal because strongly alkaline cleaners can affect certain surfaces.

4. Textile Industry

Used in selected textile-processing applications for:

• Alkaline Cleaning
• Scouring
• Washing
• Water Conditioning
• Processing Formulations

5. Water Conditioning

Sodium Metasilicate may be used in selected applications for:

• Water Softening
• Mineral Control
• Corrosion Control
• Industrial Water Conditioning

The appropriate grade and dosage depend on the water chemistry and treatment objective.

6. Ceramic & Construction Applications

Depending on grade, Sodium Metasilicate can be used as:

• Dispersing Agent
• Processing Aid
• Binder/Adjuvant
• Silicate-Based Formulation Ingredient

Typical Usage

The required dosage depends heavily on the formulation and grade.

These are general formulation ranges only, not universal recommendations. The actual dosage should be determined through formulation testing and according to the supplier's TDS.

How to Use

For detergent or cleaning formulations, Sodium Metasilicate can be incorporated into the formulation according to the required alkalinity and cleaning performance.

For powder products, it can generally be blended with other dry ingredients using suitable mixing equipment.

For liquid formulations, dissolve it carefully in water according to the manufacturer's recommended procedure.

Because Sodium Metasilicate is strongly alkaline, appropriate PPE and controlled addition procedures should be used during preparation.

Storage Instructions

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from moisture and humidity.
• Keep the container tightly closed.
• Avoid direct contact with water before use.
• Protect from contamination.
• Store away from acids and incompatible materials.
• Use clean and dry equipment during handling.

Safety Information ⚠️

Sodium Metasilicate is strongly alkaline and can cause serious irritation or burns to the eyes and skin depending on concentration.

• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Avoid inhaling dust.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves and suitable eye/face protection.
• Use appropriate ventilation when handling powder.
• Do not mix directly with acids.
• In case of eye or skin contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation or injury occurs.
• Follow the manufacturer's SDS for detailed hazard and first-aid information.
• Keep away from children.

Advantages

• Excellent Detergent Builder
• Strong Cleaning Performance
• Helps Control Hard Water
• Effective Grease & Soil Dispersant
• Useful Corrosion Protection
• Good Buffering Properties
• Water Soluble
• Versatile Industrial Chemical
• Suitable for Powder & Liquid Formulations
• Cost-Effective Cleaning Ingredient