6 Common Types of Chemicals Used for Cleaning

What are the common types of chemicals used for cleaning?

1. Acids
2. Detergents
3. Alkalies
4. Degreasers
5. Abrasives
6. Sanitizers

Germs and bacteria are found in many areas of your home and commercial spaces. They’re just about ready to cling to any surface to contaminate them. That’s why it’s important to maintain a regular and thorough cleaning routine. 

Businesses try to get their hands on the best products to effectively eliminate dirt, germs, and bacteria. They try to find the products that contain the most effective chemicals used for cleaning. 

To understand how these products work in your cleaning routine, this article explains the different chemicals used in our regular routines. Keep reading to learn more!

Acids

These are the most powerful cleaning chemicals available. Acids should always be handled with care especially when being used for cleaning. If it’s not diluted properly by chemical manufacturers, it can become poisonous to humans and corrosive on different surfaces. 

Acids are used for cleaning hard-to-remove particles. These include hard-water deposits and discoloration brought about by rust stains from iron, bronze, brass, aluminum, and copper. 

Even when it’s used for cleaning, users should still be careful when handling acids since strong variants may eat away different kinds of clothing and metal. Make sure you also are wearing gloves and other protective gear since this chemical can either irritate or injure your skin and eyes. 

Some examples of acids are vinegar, lemon juice, oxalic acid, and hydrochloric acid. 

Vinegar and lemon juice are examples of very mild acids found inside your kitchen pantry. They only contain about 5% acid. You can make use of these kitchen staples to remove hard-water deposits found on glassware.

The stronger acids on the market are oxalic and hydrochloric. Oxalic acid is used by many as a rust remover. It is very effective, but poisonous as well. On the other hand, hydrochloric acid is often diluted to be used as a toilet bowl cleaner. 

Detergents

These are the most cleaning agents used for both residential and commercial use. Detergents can break down different kinds of dirt so that it’s easier to clean up and wash away. 

Detergents come in different forms such as powder, liquid, and gel. They are usually composed of petroleum products and sulphonic acid. Some manufacturers also add complex soluble phosphates to detergents to turn them into heavy-duty cleaners. 

Alkalies

These are soluble salts used to remove dirt without needing to put in a lot of elbow grease. This is possible because once this acid comes into contact with dirt, it begins to form an emulsion. Here, the solid particles are held in suspension, making it easier for you to wipe them away. 

However, this cleaning chemical is known to darken aluminum surfaces. So, users should be wary of where they use alkalies for cleaning. 

The mildest form of alkaline is baking soda. Many homemakers use this kitchen product to easily remove dirt found on bathroom and kitchen surfaces. For a stronger chemical, household ammonia is another example. This ingredient is found in most all-purpose cleaners. 

For heavy-duty cleaning, the alkaline used is sodium carbonate or caustic soda. This is a common ingredient found in oven and drain cleaners. 

Degreasers

Another name for degreasers is solvent cleaners. As its name suggests, degreasers are used to take out grease from different kinds of surfaces like your counters, oven tops, and backsplashes. 

Since it’s used for both residential and commercial kitchens, many industrial cleaning chemical suppliers opt to use non-toxic degreasers to lessen the risk of chemical contamination. 

Abrasives

This cleaning chemical can either come as a substance or chemical form depending on how it is used. Abrasives are either rubbed or scrubbed on surfaces to clean dirt. It’s commonly used in kitchens to clean pots and pans. Some even use this to clean the floors. 

When using this cleaning chemical, users should be careful because it tends to scratch surfaces. It’s best to avoid using this, especially when cleaning materials or products made from stainless steel or plastic. 

Sanitizers

Lastly, a sanitizer is another chemical used for cleaning. These reduce the bacteria found on various surfaces including your bathrooms and kitchens. This cleaning chemical deodorizes surfaces to neutralize foul odors. 

Key Takeaway

Having the chemicals used for cleaning is only the first step in getting germ-free and spotless surfaces. Once you find the best products on the market, make sure to establish a regular cleaning routine. It’s also important to inform those using it of the various effects these chemicals have on different kinds of surfaces. 

If you produce any of these common types of chemicals, you can contact us at Divine King! We are currently looking for new suppliers, and can distribute and sell your products to a wide market of customers interested in chemicals for cleaning and pest control. Reach out to us today!