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Cleaning agent
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<h2 id="chemical-agents">Chemical agents</h2> <h3>Acidic</h3> <p>Acidic cleaning agents are mainly used for removal of deposits like <a href="/facts/Fouling/4UxQP5Wk">scaling</a>. The active ingredients are normally strong <a href="/facts/Mineral_acid/MaftYXr0">mineral acids</a> and <a href="/facts/Chelation/4G79sXBB">chelants</a>. Often, <a href="/facts/Surfactant/zgVX6g8o">surfactants</a> and <a href="/facts/Corrosion_inhibitor/3PIHf1A8">corrosion inhibitors</a> are added to the acid. </p><p><a href="/facts/Hydrochloric_acid/HqItJlUT">Hydrochloric acid</a> is a common mineral acid typically used for concrete. <a href="/facts/Vinegar/yC27CDkw">Vinegar</a> can also be used to clean hard surfaces and remove <a href="/facts/Calcium/hf252CC0">calcium</a> deposits. <a href="/facts/Sulphuric_acid/Wom6fymJ">Sulphuric acid</a> is used in <a href="/facts/Chemical_drain_cleaner/DvtePqwl">acidic drain cleaners</a> to unblock clogged pipes by dissolving organic materials, like greases, proteins, and even <a href="/facts/Carbohydrate/Geuuzxsf">carbohydrate</a>-containing substances such as toilet tissue. </p> <h3>Alkaline</h3> <p><a href="/facts/Alkalinity/qWjbkx33">Alkaline</a> cleaning agents contain strong <a href="/facts/Base_(chemistry)/M9wA7qeM">bases</a> like <a href="/facts/Sodium_hydroxide/xjtdYtq7">sodium hydroxide</a> or <a href="/facts/Potassium_hydroxide/NBhPBuXc">potassium hydroxide</a>. <a href="/facts/Bleach/QPxAysPl">Bleach</a> (<a href="/facts/PH/RnSv8D7y">pH</a> 12) and <a href="/facts/Ammonia/MtLtJFtz">ammonia</a> (pH 11) are common alkaline cleaning agents. Often, <a href="/facts/Dispersant/EFI5dmry">dispersants</a>, to prevent redeposition of dissolved dirt, and <a href="/facts/Chelation/4G79sXBB">chelants</a>, to attack <a href="/facts/Rust/sajUmaz8">rust</a>, are added to the alkaline agent. </p><p>Alkaline cleaners can dissolve <a href="/facts/Fat/87HcP11s">fats</a> (including grease), <a href="/facts/Oil/fsgX2IRM">oils</a>, and <a href="/facts/Protein/Jxmagu3E">protein</a>-based substances. </p> <h3>Neutral</h3> <p>Neutral washing agents are pH-neutral and based on non-ionic <a href="/facts/Surfactants/zgVX6g8o">surfactants</a> that disperse different types. </p> <h2 id="scouring-agents">Scouring agents</h2> <p>Scouring agents are mixtures of the usual cleaning chemicals (<a href="/facts/Surfactant/zgVX6g8o">surfactants</a>, <a href="/facts/Water_softener/66wnC1ml">water softeners</a>) as well as <a href="/facts/Abrasive/UJ9TvVMx">abrasive</a> powders. The abrasive powder must be of a uniform particle size. </p><p>Particles are usually smaller than 0.05 mm. <a href="/facts/Pumice/lWTnk1Tg">Pumice</a>, <a href="/facts/Calcium_carbonate/UQ1wLFna">calcium carbonate</a> (<a href="/facts/Limestone/8ntvtFnR">limestone</a>, <a href="/facts/Chalk/b6hepsNS">chalk</a>, <a href="/facts/Dolomite_(rock)/EGXDL0zm">dolomite</a>), <a href="/facts/Kaolinite/N7D6K65q">kaolinite</a>, <a href="/facts/Quartz/4n86tE2G">quartz</a>, <a href="/facts/Soapstone/g0bAFg66">soapstone</a> or <a href="/facts/Talc/9sUSo6rA">talc</a> are often used as <a href="/facts/Abrasive/UJ9TvVMx">abrasives</a>, i.e. <a href="/facts/Polishing/SqMg0yh9">polishing</a> agents. </p><p>Special bleaching powders contain compounds that release <a href="/facts/Sodium_hypochlorite/sp99uHHQ">sodium hypochlorite</a>, the classical household bleaching agent. These precursor agents include <a href="/facts/Trichloroisocyanuric_acid/kNHaptxG">trichloroisocyanuric acid</a> and mixtures of <a href="/facts/Sodium_hypochlorite/sp99uHHQ">sodium hypochlorite</a> ("chlorinated <a href="/facts/Orthophosphate/jAvA75lM">orthophosphate</a>"). </p><p>Examples of notable products include <a href="/facts/Ajax_(cleaning_product)/pePpzE7v">Ajax</a>, <a href="/facts/Bar_Keepers_Friend/5qUyLKaf">Bar Keepers Friend</a>, <a href="/facts/Bon_Ami/GWTjuq46">Bon Ami</a>, <a href="/facts/Comet_(cleanser)/04t1qJjh">Comet</a>, <a href="/facts/Vim_(cleaning_product)/HV8EHpgh">Vim</a>, Zud, and others. </p> <h2 id="purposes">Purposes</h2> <h3>Oven cleaners</h3> <p>Traditional oven cleaners contain <a href="/facts/Sodium_hydroxide/xjtdYtq7">sodium hydroxide</a> (lye), solvents, and other ingredients,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3"><sup>3</sup></a> They work best when used in a slightly warm (not hot) oven. If used in a <a href="/facts/Self-cleaning_oven/56maIKKY">self-cleaning oven</a>, the lye can cause permanent damage to the oven. </p><p>Some oven cleaners are based on ingredients other than lye. These products must be used in a cold oven. Most new-style oven cleaners can be used in self-cleaning ovens. </p><p>One popular oven cleaner brand in the US is "Easy-Off", sold by <a href="/facts/Reckitt_Benckiser/zIB2rhHK">Reckitt Benckiser</a>. Popular choices in the UK include "Zep Oven Brite" and "Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner". </p> <p class="note">For more information on the history and composition of oven cleaners, see <a href="/facts/Mr_Muscle/o4hvnKBS">Mr Muscle § Oven cleaner</a>.</p> <h3>All-purpose cleaners</h3> <p>All-purpose cleansers contain mixtures of anionic and nonionic <a href="/facts/Surfactant/zgVX6g8o">surfactants</a>, <a href="/facts/Polyphosphate/f4ykkLuK">polymeric phosphates</a> or other <a href="/facts/Sequestering_agent/4G79sXBB">sequestering agents</a>, <a href="/facts/Solvent/LoMPMz8S">solvents</a>, <a href="/facts/Hydrotrope/M3DjNL08">hydrotropic substances</a>, polymeric compounds, <a href="/facts/Corrosion_inhibitor/3PIHf1A8">corrosion inhibitors</a>, skin-protective agents, and sometimes <a href="/facts/Perfume/prN8beWz">perfumes</a> and <a href="/facts/Colorant/uqSBnEWe">colorants</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:4" href="#fn:4"><sup>4</sup></a> <a href="/facts/Aversive_agent/cnEa8moo">Aversive agents</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Denatonium/vHQtKhDD">denatonium</a>, are occasionally added to cleaning products to discourage animals and small children from consuming them. </p><p>Some cleaners contain water-soluble organic solvents like <a href="/facts/Glycol_ether/4LL9PrnU">glycol ethers</a> and <a href="/facts/Fatty_alcohol/VyaF3Wm5">fatty alcohols</a>, which ease the removal of oil, fat and paint. <a href="/facts/Disinfectant/33fF2QzG">Disinfectant</a> additives include <a href="/facts/Quaternary_ammonium_compound/bNpF1goc">quaternary ammonium compounds</a>, <a href="/facts/Phenol/ACJs5NIU">phenol</a> derivatives, terpene alcohols (<a href="/facts/Pine_oil/Is4Yavyq">pine oil</a>), <a href="/facts/Aldehydes/xSIRkW03">aldehydes</a>, and aldehyde-amine condensation products. </p><p>All-purpose cleaners are usually concentrated solutions of <a href="/facts/Surfactants/zgVX6g8o">surfactants</a> and water softeners, which enhance the behavior of surfactant in <a href="/facts/Hard_water/Ay4aksF4">hard water</a>. Typical surfactants are <a href="/facts/Alkylbenzene_sulfonate/kPzkb09u">alkylbenzene sulfonates</a>, an anionic <a href="/facts/Detergent/4FLKXR6p">detergent</a>, and modified <a href="/facts/Fatty_alcohol/VyaF3Wm5">fatty alcohols</a>. A typical water softener is <a href="/facts/Sodium_triphosphate/0tWU3U9U">sodium triphosphate</a>. </p><p>All-purpose cleansers are effective with most common kinds of dirt. Their dilute solutions are neutral or weakly alkaline, and are safe for use on most surfaces. </p> <h3>Dishwashing agents</h3> <h4>Manual dishwashing detergent</h4> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Dishwashing_liquid/DrP09SYu">Dishwashing liquid</a></p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Dishwashing_liquid/DrP09SYu">DELENEX DTR</a> dishwasher detergent is an alkaline detergent for manual dishwashing dishwashers, with controlled foam, formulated to clean dish-ware and glassware.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5"><sup>5</sup></a></li></ul> <h4>Automatic dishwashing detergents (ADDs)</h4> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Dishwasher_detergent/hWQIAbob">Dishwasher detergent</a></p> <h3>Laundry detergents</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Laundry_detergent/J7yf1cQP">Laundry detergent</a></p> <h3>Floor cleaners</h3> <p class="note">See also: <a href="/facts/Floor_cleaning/IAPlV77v">Floor cleaning</a></p> <h3>Carpet cleaners</h3> <p class="note">See also: <a href="/facts/Carpet_cleaning/LNmspFjS">Carpet cleaning</a></p> <h3>Toilet cleaners / hygiene / deodorant products</h3> <p class="note">See also: <a href="/facts/Toilet_cleaner/WFWm3DTn">Toilet cleaner</a>, <a href="/facts/In-tank_toilet_cleaning_tablet/X8tFwC4V">In-tank toilet cleaning tablet</a>, <a href="/facts/Toilet_rim_block/bEs1VzcJ">Toilet rim block</a>, and <a href="/facts/Urinal_deodorizer_block/jS4APITP">Urinal deodorizer block</a></p> <p>Toilet bowl cleaning often is aimed at removal of calcium carbonate deposits, which are attacked by acids. Powdered cleaners contain acids that come in the form of solid salts, such as <a href="/facts/Sodium_hydrogen_sulfate/moMwTIpD">sodium hydrogen sulfate</a>. Liquid toilet bowl cleaners contain other acids, typically dilute <a href="/facts/Hydrochloric_acid/HqItJlUT">hydrochloric</a>, <a href="/facts/Phosphoric_acid/l6NbwyCv">phosphoric</a>, or <a href="/facts/Formic_acid/o6cFsbNc">formic acids</a>. These convert the calcium carbonate into salts that are soluble in water or are easily rinsed away. </p> <h3>Drain cleaners</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Chemical_drain_cleaners/DvtePqwl">Chemical drain cleaners</a></p> <h3>Metal cleaners</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Parts_cleaning/wQBt1G3o">Parts cleaning</a></p> <p>Metal cleaners are used for cleaning <a href="/facts/Stainless_steel/IDdo8bEx">stainless steel</a> sinks, faucets, metal trim, silverware, etc. These products contain <a href="/facts/Abrasive/UJ9TvVMx">abrasives</a> (e.g., siliceous <a href="/facts/Chalk/b6hepsNS">chalk</a>, <a href="/facts/Diatomaceous_earth/kQVwJICV">diatomaceous earth</a>, <a href="/facts/Alumina/wXM9P6pI">alumina</a>) with a particle size < 20 μm. Fatty alcohol or alkylphenol polyglycol ethers with 7-12 <a href="/facts/Ethylene_oxide/4WDVKX2r">ethylene oxide</a> (EO) units are used as surfactants.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a> </p><p>For ferrous metals, the cleaners contain <a href="/facts/Chelating_agent/4G79sXBB">chelating agents</a>, <a href="/facts/Abrasives/UJ9TvVMx">abrasives</a>, and <a href="/facts/Surfactant/zgVX6g8o">surfactants</a>. These agents include <a href="/facts/Citric_acid/EgKGQBdl">citric</a> and <a href="/facts/Phosphoric_acid/l6NbwyCv">phosphoric acids</a>, which are nonaggressive. Surfactants are usually modified <a href="/facts/Fatty_alcohol/VyaF3Wm5">fatty alcohols</a>. Silver cleaning is a specialty since silver is noble but tends to tarnish via formation of black <a href="/facts/Silver_sulfide/muzsPR6v">silver sulfide</a>, which is removable via silver-specific complexants such as <a href="/facts/Thiourea/69a3dfSc">thiourea</a>. </p><p>Stainless steel, <a href="/facts/Nickel/KwMCHYRP">nickel</a>, and <a href="/facts/Chromium/6sVk6Uu7">chromium</a> cleaners contain <a href="/facts/Lactic_acid/BsVRFx7s">lactic</a>, <a href="/facts/Citric_acid/EgKGQBdl">citric</a>, or <a href="/facts/Phosphoric_acid/l6NbwyCv">phosphoric acid</a>. A solvent (<a href="/facts/Mineral_spirit/qDgcURve">mineral spirits</a>) may be added. </p><p>Nonferrous metal cleaners contain <a href="/facts/Ammonia/MtLtJFtz">ammonia</a>, ammonium soaps (<a href="/facts/Ammonium_oleate/v1NcpJRK">ammonium oleate</a>, <a href="/facts/Ammonium_stearate/QXhbVlTN">stearate</a>) and <a href="/facts/Chelating_agent/4G79sXBB">chelating agents</a> (<a href="/facts/Ammonium_citrate/bSQgJhce">ammonium citrate</a>, <a href="/facts/Ammonium_oxalate/63k4l9Nj">oxalate</a>). </p><p>For special type of precious metals especially those used for luxury watches and high-end jewelry, special type of cleaning agents are usually used to clean and protect them from the Elements. Some examples of these cleaners include jewelry cleaner from Weiman,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> watch cleaning solution from HOROCD<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a> & even cleaning metal plates from Holland Hallmark. </p> <h3>Glass cleaners</h3> <p>Light duty hard surface cleaners are not intended to handle heavy dirt and grease. Because these products are expected to clean without rinsing and result in a streak-free shine, they contain no salts. Typical window cleaning items consist of alcohols, either <a href="/facts/Ethanol/3lCLfBSP">ethanol</a> or <a href="/facts/Isopropanol/7KqgIkUd">isopropanol</a> like <a href="/facts/Windex/LY9lzqFW">Windex</a>, and surfactants for dissolving grease. Other components include small amounts of <a href="/facts/Ammonia/MtLtJFtz">ammonia</a> as well as dyes and perfumes.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a> </p><p>These are composed of organic, water-miscible solvent such as isopropyl alcohol and an alkaline detergent. Some glass cleaners also contain a fine, mild abrasive. Most glass cleaners are available as sprays or liquid. They are sprayed directly onto windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces or applied on with a soft cloth and rubbed off using a soft, lint-free duster. A glass cloth and soft water, to which some methylated spirit or vinegar is added, is an inexpensive alternative to store-bought glass cleaner. </p><p><a href="/facts/Household_silver/yEMnXKb7">Silverware</a> can be freed of <a href="/facts/Silver_sulfide/muzsPR6v">silver sulfide</a> tarnish with <a href="/facts/Thiourea/69a3dfSc">thiourea</a>, and either <a href="/facts/Hydrochloric_acid/HqItJlUT">hydrochloric</a> or <a href="/facts/Sulfuric_acid/Wom6fymJ">sulfuric acid</a>. </p> <h3>Building facade cleaners</h3> <p>For acid-resistant building facades, such as brick, acids are typically used. These include mixtures of <a href="/facts/Phosphoric_acid/l6NbwyCv">phosphoric</a> and <a href="/facts/Hydrofluoric_acid/wdXqu4bE">hydrofluoric acids</a> as well as surfactants. For acid-sensitive facades such as concrete, strongly <a href="/facts/Alkaline/s6NqPGSP">alkaline</a> cleaners are used such as <a href="/facts/Sodium_hydroxide/xjtdYtq7">sodium hydroxide</a> and thickeners. Both types of cleaners require a rinsing and often special care since the solutions are aggressive toward skin. </p> <h2 id="environmental-impacts">Environmental impacts</h2> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Environmental_impact_of_cleaning_agents/IlHSYQHT">Environmental impact of cleaning agents</a></p> <h2 id="common-cleaning-agents">Common cleaning agents</h2> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/List_of_cleaning_products/jBmqB8cg">List of cleaning products</a></p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Acetic_acid/uyBKA2Pd">Acetic acid</a> (vinegar)</li> <li>Various forms of <a href="/facts/Alcohol_(chemistry)/Y0SCTDkh">alcohol</a> including <a href="/facts/Isopropyl_alcohol/7KqgIkUd">isopropyl alcohol</a> or <a href="/facts/Rubbing_alcohol/8t0un7bD">rubbing alcohol</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Ammonia_solution/pRg1m03X">Ammonia solution</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Bleach/QPxAysPl">Bleach</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Borax/IQrXRJ3N">Borax</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Carbon_dioxide/xGzpppEp">Carbon dioxide</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Citric_acid/EgKGQBdl">Citric acid</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Freon/JkfAjIb9">Freon</a> (e.g. dichlorodifluoromethane) (use is often discouraged due to damaging effects on the <a href="/facts/Ozone_layer/v4KfjalC">ozone layer</a>)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Soap/S3nJa1oY">Soap</a> or <a href="/facts/Detergent/4FLKXR6p">detergent</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Sodium_carbonate/P6RHvIoK">Sodium carbonate</a> (washing soda)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Sodium_bicarbonate/S9oSol0R">Sodium bicarbonate</a> (baking soda)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Sodium_hydroxide/xjtdYtq7">Sodium hydroxide</a> (lye)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Sodium_hypochlorite/sp99uHHQ">Sodium hypochlorite</a> (liquid bleach)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Sodium_perborate/rNw3Hnst">Sodium perborate</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Sodium_percarbonate/tdPKeNvI">Sodium percarbonate</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Tetrachloroethylene/6cGlBNMG">Tetrachloroethylene</a> (dry cleaning)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Trisodium_phosphate/ho0E4DcI">Trisodium phosphate</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Water/0lkXnJPK">Water</a>, the most common cleaning agent, which is a very powerful polar <a href="/facts/Solvent/LoMPMz8S">solvent</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Xylene/BEGggD9s">Xylene</a> (can damage plastics)</li></ul> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Disinfectant/33fF2QzG">Disinfectant</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Green_cleaning/qRPyuu1V">Green cleaning</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Laundry_detergent/J7yf1cQP">Laundry detergents</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/List_of_cleaning_products/jBmqB8cg">List of cleaning products</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Christian Nitsch; Hans-Joachim Heitland; Horst Marsen; Hans-Joachim Schlüussler (2005). "Cleansing Agents". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a07_137. ISBN 3-527-30673-0. <a href="3-527-30673-0" target="_blank">3-527-30673-0</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Wisniewski, Karen (2007). "All-Purpose Cleaners and their Formulation". In Tsoler, Uri (ed.). Handbook of detergents, Part 2. Surfactant science series. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-57444-757-6. <a href="978-1-57444-757-6" target="_blank">978-1-57444-757-6</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/oven-cleaner-poisoning Oven cleaner poisoning, The Mount Sinai Health System, retrieved April 18th, 2021 <a href="https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/oven-cleaner-poisoning" target="_blank">https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/oven-cleaner-poisoning</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>Christian Nitsch; Hans-Joachim Heitland; Horst Marsen; Hans-Joachim Schlüssler (2007), "Cleansing Agents", Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (7th ed.), Wiley <a href="/wiki/Ullmann%27s_Encyclopedia_of_Industrial_Chemistry" target="_blank">/wiki/Ullmann%27s_Encyclopedia_of_Industrial_Chemistry</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>"Dishwashing Detergent". at Azoss. <a href="https://azoss.com/collections/chemicals" target="_blank">https://azoss.com/collections/chemicals</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>Christian Nitsch; Hans-Joachim Heitland; Horst Marsen; Hans-Joachim Schlüssler (2007), "Cleansing Agents", Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (7th ed.), Wiley <a href="/wiki/Ullmann%27s_Encyclopedia_of_Industrial_Chemistry" target="_blank">/wiki/Ullmann%27s_Encyclopedia_of_Industrial_Chemistry</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>Chan, Tim (13 May 2020). "After Washing Your Hands, Here's How to Clean and Disinfect Your Watches and Jewelry". Rolling Stone. <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/how-to-clean-jewelry-watch-disinfect-997925/" target="_blank">https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/how-to-clean-jewelry-watch-disinfect-997925/</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>DEBBY KWONG, HAYDEN NG. "How to take care of your watches and jewellery". Her World Singapore. Her World Singapore. <a href="https://www.herworld.com/gallery/fashion/watches-jewellery/clean-care-jewellery-watches/" target="_blank">https://www.herworld.com/gallery/fashion/watches-jewellery/clean-care-jewellery-watches/</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>Christian Nitsch; Hans-Joachim Heitland; Horst Marsen; Hans-Joachim Schlüussler (2005). "Cleansing Agents". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a07_137. ISBN 3-527-30673-0. <a href="3-527-30673-0" target="_blank">3-527-30673-0</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>