What pH level characterizes alkaline substances?

Alkaline substances are characterized by a pH level that is above 7. This indicates that the substance has a lower concentration of hydrogen ions compared to pure water, which has a neutral pH of 7. In practical terms, a pH above 7 signifies the presence of hydroxide ions and a more basic environment. This characteristic is important in various applications, including the cleaning processes used in reprocessing flexible endoscopes, where understanding the chemistry of cleaning agents can help in selecting the appropriate solutions to ensure effective disinfection and cleanliness.