Times like these make us question different cleaning agents that we have in our cleaning cabinet. We wonder how well they do the work we need them to do. Will they be safe for the surfaces we’re using them on? Are they strong enough to do the job right? Or are they mild enough to be gentle on delicate areas?
Differences between Common Cleaning Agents
We are going to discuss the differences between common cleaning agents to help you understand more about their proper usage, which will in turn help you to know which agents are best for your cleaning job.
Common Cleaning Agents
We all are accustomed to using soaps and detergents in our daily lives. Soaps are gentle to clean our hands but tough enough to decontaminate if used long enough and properly. Soap will dissolve oils and dirt, making soap a great substance for washing hands. It is also strong enough to kill microorganisms when mixed with water and friction is applied. The contaminants are washed away when rinsed with more water. Detergents are very similar to soaps, but they dissolve better in water, making them perfect for washing linens and other laundry items.
Disinfectants like bleach are another popular type of cleaning agent used often and on a regular basis. Bleach is considered an oxidizing agent type of solution. Through the chemical process of oxidizing, this cleaning agent is great for whitening laundry and linens. But this oxidizing process is also what makes it capable of killing bacteria and pathogens that can be unhealthy.
Ammonia is another great cleaning agent. It can be added to soaps to help break down dirt and grime. But ammonia is a fantastic cleaning agent to encourage a streak-free cleaning like in your window cleaning. Use ammonia when you want to remove grease and still have a great shine as well, for example, on your stove or microwave.
All-purpose cleaning agents offer a combination of some of the cleaning and sanitizing solutions listed above. Many of these solutions are concentrated and can be diluted with water. Some can be used right from the bottle and are gentle enough to use on a variety of surfaces from countertops, to mirrors, and to porcelain. When it comes to all-purpose solutions, make sure to review the types of cleaning agents you need with the solutions in the bottle to ensure you will achieve the type of cleaning you’re looking for.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Agent
These agents listed above are the basis for many cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting solutions that clean tough to gentle surfaces. When you decide the cleaning process you need to perform, you can easily decide which cleaning agent to choose.
Just remember to read all the labels and only mix the cleaning agents that are advisable to mix so as not to create a chemical process that is toxic. Since the ingredients are listed on the side of the bottle, you can also research the cleaning agents further to make sure they will be tough enough or gentle enough for your surfaces and the items you want to clean.
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