Household Cleaners - Commercial Blends

The Basic Cleaning Chemical Families
Abrasives Acids	Alkalis Bleaches Commercial Blends	Detergents Solvents

Commercial cleaners are normally made from a combination of one or more of the other types of cleaner family: acids, alkalis, abrasives, bleaches, detergents, and solvents. Most are low sudsing detergents or alkaline-based cleaners. They often contain extra ingredients that are more effective for certain cleaning jobs. For example, some all-purpose household cleaners with petroleum based solvents dissolve grease better. Always read label and follow directions and cautions.

Powdered Cleaners

Dissolve in water; use to clean large surface areas such as painted walls, woodwork and washable floors.

• Caution: Most contain TSP (tri sodium phosphate) a moderately strong alkali and should be rinsed well.

Liquid Cleaners

Are diluted in water and often used for same cleaning jobs as powders. Full strength many make good spot removers.

• Caution: Follow label instructions; rinse well if label indicates rinsing.

Aerosol and Liquid Sprays

Use full strengthand wipe dry. Usually require no rinsing. For touch-up cleaning and spot removal.

• Note: Generally considerably more expensive to use than liquids.

Concentrated cleaners that you mix with water at home are usually the cheapest to use.

Using concentrated cleaners such as Quick and Brite® or NH2Orange® that are environmentally neutral and biodegradeable makes sense. You don't have to buy a lot of different types and brands of cleaners that you never use up. They just take up valuable storage space. Many have hazards if children can get at them, and may create chemical environmental hazards when disposed of improperly.

The Basic Cleaning Chemical Families
Abrasives Acids	Alkalis Bleaches Commercial Blends	Detergents Solvents

This article has been contributed in part by Michigan State University Extension