Household Cleaning Products

What cleaning product do you purchase for a particular job? The answer is not an easy one unless you know what ingredients the products contain. The most common ingredients in household cleaning products include alkalies, acids, detergents, abrasives, sanitizers, and spirit solvents.

Alkalies

Alkalies are soluble salts that are effective in removing dirt without excessive rubbing. They are good grease removers, because the alkalies form an emulsion, a mixture where oily or solid particles are held in suspension. The particles do not separate from the rest of the liquid; therefore, they are not redeposited on the surface being cleaned.

Alkalies readily remove oily dirt. Alkaline cleaners also can remove oil from an oil-based paint, drying it and causing it to crack or peel. Alkalies also have a tendency to darken aluminum surfaces.

Alkaline substances vary in strength. Most are toxic, some are corrosive, others can irritate skin and eyes. The stronger alkalies can cause burns and, if swallowed, can cause internal injuries or death.

Mild -- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an example of a mild alkali.

Moderate -- Household ammonia is a dilute mixture of 5 to 10 percent ammonia gas in water. It can be found in all-purpose cleaners, oven cleaners, and window cleaners. Borax is a white crystalline powder, and trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a crystalline powder found in some all-purpose cleaners.

Very Strong -- Washing soda, also called sal soda, is sodium carbonate. Lye is a sodium hydroxide and is also called caustic soda, which can be found in some oven cleaners and drain cleaners.

As with any product containing chemicals, examine the label and follow the instructions carefully. Keep all household cleaners away from children and pets.

Acids

Acids are beneficial in removing hard-water deposits, discoloration from aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper and iron rust stains. Strong acids also eat away clothing, leather, and some metals. They can also irritate and injure the skin and eyes.

Examples of acids and their strengths:

Very Mild -- Vinegar is about 5 percent acetic acid and counteracts oven cleaners. Vinegar removes hard-water deposits from glassware. Lemon juice is a citric acid and works in much the same way as does vinegar.

Very Strong -- Oxalic acid is especially effective as a rust remover and is very poisonous. It is sometimes found in toilet bowl cleaners. Hydrochloric and sulfuric acid are used in dilute concentrations in some toilet bowl cleaners.

Detergents

Some laundry detergents may be used for housecleaning jobs. Detergents loosen dirt, and if complex soluble phosphates (called "builders") are added to a detergent, they will remove oily dirt. If a builder is added, the cleaning product is marked "heavy duty" or "all-purpose."

Abrasives

Abrasives are materials that wear off dirt by rubbing. Rottenstone, whiting, pumice, volcanic ash, quartz, marble, feldspar, and silica are prime examples of an abrasive. Sandpaper, plastic and nylon meshes, and steel wool are also abrasives.

Abrasive materials can be found in scouring powders and pads. In general, the larger the abrasive particles, the harsher the cleaner. Plastic or nylon mesh is the finest abrasive, and the finer an abrasive, the less damage to the surface being cleaned.

Coarse abrasives feel rough and gritty. Labels on containers of abrasive powders seldom use the term "abrasive" but rather state they are "cleansers" as opposed to the more common term "cleaner."

Regular use of harsh abrasives on a surface will gradually scratch the finish of sinks, bathtubs, and kitchen appliances. Once the surface is dull and rough, it gets dirtier and stains deeper, and you have to continue using a harsh abrasive to remove imbedded dirt and stain.

Coarse abrasives can damage plastic, glass, nonstick surfaces on cookware, painted woodwork, and plated and highly polished metals.

Bleaches

Chlorine generally is the most common bleach used in household cleaning products.

Sanitizers

Sanitizers are chemicals that reduce the number of bacteria and often are used in cleaning bathrooms and washing dishes. Use with caution and follow the directions on the bottle.

Sanitizers help keep areas sanitary. The chemicals help deodorize surfaces because they kill the microorganisms creating a bad odor.

Spirit Solvents

Most polishes and waxes for wood furniture and floors contain a spirit solvent. These solvents are similar to fluids used in dry-cleaning processes, because they remove oily dirt.

Making a Cleaner

If you would like to make a cleaner for your home, you can probably save money and control the chemicals in your home. There are certain problems related to homemade products, including:

• They may take longer to clean effectively. You may need to let the product "sit" on the surface for longer than usual, or you may have to go over a surface several times.
• More elbow grease may be required and the product may not clean as well if a harsh cleaner was used repeatedly on the surface.

If you decide to make your own cleaners, use and store them safely. While the ingredients in homemade cleaners are safer, they are not all nontoxic. Remember these guidelines:

• Be careful mixing chemicals. Some chemicals, such as chlorine bleach and ammonia, produce a toxic gas when mixed together.
• Do not mix more than a month's supply at a time. The chemicals may lose their effectiveness.
• Mix solutions in a well-ventilated area. Store all cleaning solutions out of reach of children.
• Store solutions in unused, store-bought containers. Use permanent storage containers that will be put in a permanent location. Never put them in old food containers. Chemicals may interact with residue from the original contents or the container may be mistaken for a food or beverage.
• Label containers carefully. This is especially important if other people in your home clean or have access to the cleaners.

Recipes for a Healthy Home

All-Purpose Cleaner I

4 tablespoons baking soda
1 quart warm water

Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Apply with a sponge. Rinse with clear water.

All-Purpose Cleaner II

1 tablespoon ammonia*
1 tablespoon liquid detergent
1 pint water (2 cups)

Mix ingredients and put in spray bottle. Spray on surface. Wipe. Rinse with clear water.

*Ammonia is a toxic ingredient. Handle it with care and store it safely.

Drain Cleaner*

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup white vinegar
Boiling water

Pour baking soda down the drain. Add white vinegar and cover the drain, if possible. Let set for 5 minutes. Then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. (The vinegar and baking soda break down fatty acids into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.)

*Do not use this method if you have used a commercial drain opener and it may still be present in the drain.

Lime and Mineral Deposit Remover

Soak paper towels in vinegar. Apply the paper towels to the lime deposits around the faucet. Leave them on for approximately one hour. The deposits will be softened and can be removed easily.

Aluminum Cleaner

2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 quart water

To clean aluminum cookware, combine ingredients in cookware. Bring solution to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Wash and dry as usual.

Brass Cleaner

Lemon juice
Baking soda

Make a paste the consistency of toothpaste. Rub onto brass with a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry.

Chrome and Stainless Steel Cleaner

Dip soft cloth in undiluted white vinegar. Wipe surface.

Oven Cleaner

Baking soda
Very fine steel wool

Sprinkle water on oven surface. Apply baking soda. Rub using very fine steel wool. Wipe off scum with a damp sponge. Rinse well and dry.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Borax*
Lemon juice

Mix lemon juice and borax to make a paste about the consistency of toothpaste. Flush toilet to wet sides. Rub paste on the toilet bowl ring. Let sit for 2 hours and then scrub thoroughly.

*Borax is a toxic ingredient. Handle it with care and store it safely.

By Dr. Frances C. Graham, Extension Housing Specialist

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Information Sheet 1436
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director

Copyright by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.

This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

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