Navigating the world of cleaning solutions can get pretty messy — especially when you’re unsure which product to use. Knowing what to reach for and when can make your cleaning tasks a breeze! Let’s break down the four main types of cleaning solutions:
The Four Types of Cleaning Solutions
ABRASIVES
Abrasives are materials designed to scrub away dirt, grime, and debris from surfaces.
Best Used For:
- Removing stubborn grime, grease, rust, or stains that resist normal cleaning.
- Kitchen: Pots, pans, ovens, and sinks.
- Bathroom: Tiles, bathtubs, and fixtures.
- Outdoors: Stains on patios, grills, or concrete.
Abrasives can come in various forms:
- Natural Minerals: Calcite, feldspar, silica, and more.
- Household Substances: Salt, baking soda, and powdered borax.
Be sure to patch test to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.
Abrasives can be chemicals, materials, or minerals like calcite, feldspar, silica, and more. They can also be substances like salt, baking soda, and powdered borax.
ACIDS
Acidic cleaning solutions have a pH of six or lower and are powerful against certain types of buildup. This acid causes a chemical reaction and breaks down the build-up.
Best Used For:
- Rust removal from metals like aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper.
- Descaling mineral deposits from kettles and coffee pots.
- Cutting grease (e.g., with lemon juice).
- Removing hard water stains and soap scum from tiles and tubs.
- Polishing metal faucets in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Breaking down protein-based stains like blood or animal fats from fabric
Always handle acids carefully and read directions for use, as they can be corrosive.
DEGREASERS
Degreasers are your go-to for removing oils, grease, and other stubborn contaminants by dissolving or emulsifying them.
Best Used For:
- Kitchens: Grease on stoves, ovens, hoods, and grills.
- Automotive: Cleaning engines, tools, and garage floors.
- Industrial: Degreasing machinery and factory equipment.
- DIY Projects: Prepping surfaces for painting by removing wax or oils.
Degreasers can be a key component in cleaning solutions for tackling tough stains on carpets, especially in high-traffic areas like entrances or parking lot-adjacent spaces, as they often accumulate stubborn residues like oil, grease, tar, and even gum.
DETERGENTS
Detergents reduce water’s surface tension, making it easier for cleaning solutions to spread over surfaces and fabrics.
Best Used For:
- Industrial Applications: Cleaning machinery, vehicles, or workspaces.
- Specialized Cleaning: Electronics, delicate fabrics, or medical equipment.
- Everyday Cleaning: Wiping countertops, mopping floors, washing dishes, and doing laundry.
For tougher stains or grease, opt for heavy-duty detergents, especially in industrial or kitchen settings.
Safety
Cleaning chemicals can be strong and harmful so be sure to always follow safety steps
Read the Label: Follow instructions carefully.
Wear Gloves And Other PPE: Protect your hands, eyes, and lungs, especially when handling strong solvents.
Ensure Ventilation: Avoid inhaling fumes, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Don’t Mix Cleaners: Combining products like bleach and ammonia can create dangerous reactions. If you don’t know the ingredients of a ready-mix cleaner, find out to avoid accidents.
Ready-Mix vs. Industrial-Grade Cleaners
Although it may be tempting to grab premixed cleaners for a quick job, they might not always be the right fit. Ready-mix cleaners are formulated for convenience and light cleaning, while industrial cleaners are better suited for heavy-duty and specialized tasks.
For typical at-home cleaning tasks, ready-mix cleaners can be perfect. However, they are typically not strong enough for larger jobs.
What’s the difference?
Ready-Mix Cleaners: Pre-diluted cleaning solutions that are ready to use straight from the container. They are typically more expensive but safer, as no handling of concentrated chemicals is required.
Industrial Cleaners: Concentrated cleaning agents that require dilution before use, allowing you to customize the strength based on the task. They can be more cost-effective in the long run but require proper storage and PPE.
Disposal of Cleaning Products
When it’s time to dispose of cleaning products, always follow local guidelines, as some are considered hazardous waste. Unless the label explicitly states it is safe, avoid disposing of cleaning products down sinks or toilets, as they can harm the environment.
Whether your mess is big or small, there’s a cleaning product perfectly suited for the job. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to find the right solution and tackle your cleaning tasks like a pro! If the job is too big to handle on your own, or requires industrial grade cleaners that you’re not comfortable with, contact our office by phone, email or text today we would be happy to help!
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