| abstract |
A method for cleaning polyethylene terephthalate containers including contacting the PET container with an alkaline wash solution having a temperature ranging of less than about 60 DEG C is disclosed. The alkaline wash solution is formulated from a first concentrate, a second concentrate, an alkalinity source, and a balance of water. The first concentrate preferably has a first nonionic surfactant, a first builder, and acid in an amount effective to provide a phase stable solution. The second concentrate preferably has a second nonionic surfactant and a second builder. The first and second concentrate are present in the wash solution in a concentration ranging from about 0.3 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%. Preferably, the first nonionic surfactant has a cloud point ranging from about 5 DEG C to 60 DEG C. |