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A Quick Guide to Understanding Cleaning Chemicals

Mar 07, 2025

Every nook and cranny needs to be cleaned, and cleanliness should always be a priority. While the process may involve many aspects, the goal is to make the home germ-free with environmentally friendly cleaning practices.

But have you ever wondered about the cleaning chemicals behind all these sparkles? If you want to eliminate rust, should you choose an acid-based cleaner? Is a bleaching agent the best choice for killing germs? And what about eco-friendly alternatives? 

This blog will help you understand the importance of using cleaning chemicals and how to make informed decisions for a healthy, clean lifestyle with the best home cleaning service

Professional cleaning chemicals

Understanding Different Types of Cleaning Chemicals

Due to the different chemical nature, tasks are based on specific chemical agents. Here are some examples:

  • Degreasers: Ideal for kitchens because they break down oils and fats. 
  • Disinfectants: Kill bacteria and viruses that may cause infection in hospitals and homes.
  • Abrasives: Use friction to remove heavy stains, allowing for very heavy scrubbing on surfaces. 

Enzymatic cleaners use natural enzymes to dissolve stains and odors without intense chemicals. Selecting natural home cleaners ensures the most effective and safe cleaning on every surface. 

Cleaning Chemicals

Choose the Right Cleaner!  

Detergents: The Most Common Cleaning Agent

Detergents are designed to separate dirt, grease, stains, and other impurities from the surface and suspend them in water. The water may contain a cleaning agent. Detergents also contain surface-active agents that reduce water’s surface tension. 
These surface active agents have hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics. One end is water-loving, which helps them effectively wash off grease and dirt, the other is oil-loving.  

Detergents can be used in laundry, washing up, and general cleaning. They are effective in most water conditions, even hard water. 

Disinfectants: Eliminating Germs and Bacteria

Disinfection is an essential process for providing a safe and healthy environment. It eliminates the harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that affect and cause illnesses in residents. Infections often result from touching highly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and bathroom surfaces.

Disinfecting Vs. Sanitizing
Using more potent chemicals, disinfectants can kill nearly 100% of germs like bacteria and viruses. 

Fact Check: Sanitation may reduce germs to a healthy level, but it does not mean all microbes must be killed.

Ensuring a Safe and Hygienic Environment

Sanitizers reduce the number of germs but do not eliminate all bacteria and viruses, as disinfectants do. They are more reactive and appear less harsh, making them suitable to use on surfaces and on hands more frequently.  

Best Use of Sanitizers at Home

  • Kitchen counters and dining table: Appropriate for surfaces where food is prepared.  
  • Children’s toys and high chairs: Mild, yet effective in cleaning children’s toys.  
  • Hands: When soap is alcohol-based, it is effective against most bacteria.  
  • Electronics: Drying effects prevent damage to electrical instruments.

Tackling Stubborn Grease and Oil

 
Removing dirt and grease before they accumulate in our kitchens is always wise. Grease residues are hard to remove, though. Grease is everywhere, and removing it completely is nearly impossible. This is when degreasers come in handy for deep cleaning a house


Most Effective Degreasers for Home Cleaning  

  • Degreasers containing citrus extract can be used on the stove and kitchen tops and are environmentally friendly.  
  • Dishwash liquid is a mild yet strong degreaser that eliminates oil spills and everyday grease.  
  • White vinegar and baking soda are perfect, environmentally friendly solutions to remove stubborn stains.  
  • Industrial degreaser is a professional cleaning chemical for kitchen cooking equipment and grills. 

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Chemical for Every Surface

Choosing the right cleaning chemical is essential to target specific surfaces. 

  • Wood: pH–neutral wood cleaners or diluted vinegar are perfect. Avoid using too much water or harmful detergents, as they could cause the wood to warp. 
  • Tile: Using mildly alkaline cleaners or vinegar, you can safely remove dirt from the surface without harming the grout. 
  • Glass: Surfaces can be cleared crystal-clearly with ammonia or a stubborn mark-free cleaner.  
  • Fabrics: Enzymatic and mild detergent-based cleaners usually give good results. Home carpet cleaning solutions can weaken the fibers. 

What Happens When You Use the Wrong Cleanser? 

  • Wood may start to warp, change its shade, or even lose its desirable exterior coating.  
  • Tile can be damaged by losing grout due to using poor-quality chemicals for cleaning tiles.   
  • Glass can turn brown spots if used with rough cleaning products or change the image.  
  • Fabrics treated with harsh chemicals can quickly shrink, fade, or break. 

The appropriate and professional cleaning chemicals are usually applied to protect these surfaces and extend their life. 

Understanding Cleaning Agents and the pH Scale

The cleaner’s efficiency and safety on various surfaces depend mainly on the pH level. These levels determine whether a surface or substance is damaged or cleaned effectively.  

Different Types of Natural Home Cleaners and How They Work  

These are three of the top 10 cleaning chemicals for every need. 

  • Acidic Cleaners (pH 0-6) – Mineral deposits, rust, and soap scum are taken off with this type. Bathrooms and hard water stains benefit the most. (e.g., vinegar and lemon juice)  
  • Neutral Cleaners (pH 7) -  Safe and gentle for daily use as floor cleaning chemicals on laminated floors.  
  • Alkaline Cleaners (pH 8-14) - Dissolve fats, oils, organic residues, and grease, making them suitable for house chemical cleaning. 

This type of cleaner is recommended for heavy-duty kitchen areas. Baking soda or ammonia are good examples of natural home cleaners. 

Safety Tips for Handling Cleaning Chemicals

Safety rules for chemicals used in household cleaning activities  

1. Read safety labels, instructions for use (including the correct dilution of the product), and indications of danger.  
2. If the wrong types of cleaners, such as ammonia and bleach, are used together, harmful gases can be produced.   
3. Protective gloves, eyeglasses, and masks are necessary when using bleach for home cleaning.  
4. Open the windows and turn on the fans to prevent the inhalation of poisonous substances.  

Green Cleaning Alternatives: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

There are various reasons why eco-friendly cleaning is better than chemical cleaning. Depending on how it is used, it reduces chemicals and internal pollution.  

Use Home Remedies  

  • Vinegar is great for stains, kills germs, and stinks.  
  • Baking soda cleans, eliminates foul odor, and effectively removes acid.  
  • Lemony-smelling ointment is effective for killing bacteria that can’t survive.  

Common Myths About Cleaning Chemicals

Myth: More Chemical = Better Cleaning
It is simply not true that professional cleaning chemicals do a better job on a surface. Using more can lead to harmful residue, damage, or health hazards. However, with most cleaning agents, overusing some cleaners could lead to toxic fumes. The directions on the label show the right amount to get the job done. 

Get Professional Cleaning with ByNext

Why should you opt for a professional cleaning service? Hiring a professional cleaning expert like ByNext can free up time, ensure a thorough cleaning with the right cleaning materials, and help promote a healthy environment in the house. We employ safe methods that work to remove dirt, allergens, and bacteria altogether. 
 
ByNext provides excellent home cleaning service due to its professional, eco-friendly personnel and customized plans for different needs. It is a reliable service that ensures home cleaning, where we sanitize the house to ensure zero headaches— book now for home cleaning services. 

Schedule Now  

FAQs - Understanding Cleaning Chemicals

What are the four different categories of cleaning chemicals?

Although there are various cleaning chemicals, the four primary categories are abrasives, acids, degreasers, and detergents. 

What are the five basic cleanings?

The five basic cleaning steps are preparation, dusting, cleaning, sanitizing, and final touches.

What is the strongest cleaning chemical?

Acids are the most powerful cleaning chemicals, but they should be used with precautions due to their poisonous and corrosive nature. 

What is the 20/10 cleaning method?

The 20/10 rule states that you clean, declutter, or organize for twenty minutes, and then reward yourself with a ten-minute break. 

Wrap Up!

One wants to know the cleaning supplies to have the proper products for safe and efficient cleaning. Adequate handling of disinfectants, degreasers, or eco-friendly alternatives will undoubtedly present a healthier, more enjoyable, and relaxing space. 

It does make everything so much easier. That’s where ByNext’s professional cleaning services come in, offering a reliable solution for keeping your space spotless and hassle-free.