The Chemistry of Cleaning

  • Types of Cleaning Agents

    • Alkiline a cleaning agent that is basic, or has a high pH level, meaning it has a pH greater than 7
    • Acid a cleaning agent that has a pH level less than 7
    • Neutral a cleaning agent that has a ph of 7
    • Solvents a liquid other than water used to dissolve substances. Usually oil based such as acetone or mineral spirits 

  • Alkaline

    Bleach: Bleach is NaOCl. The O is oxygen, which is very reactive, meaning it goes around and sticks to stuff and destroys it in the process it works especially well on organic dyes and stains. When the oxygen in your bleach is all used up, you're left with NaCl, sodium chloride, which is simple table salt


    Degreaser: High pH cleaner effective on stone, concrete, marble, ceramic, porcelain, tile, metals, formica…..most surfaces except plastic, fiberglass and polymers. It will damage these materials


    All purpose cleaners: Usually low pH cleaners safe on all surfaces but not very effective


    Floor Stripper: High pH cleaner to remove wax from floors


  • Acids

    Toilet bowl cleaner: Acidic toilet bowl cleaner commonly contains hydrochloric acid. Effective on porcelain, fiberglass & metals. Do not use on plastic stone concrete or marble

    Certain acidic toilet bowl cleaners can be very effective on plastic, polymers, ceramic & porcelain tile.


    Hydrofluoric acid: Used to clean rust off of metal and fibers. It is very effective to clean aluminum


    Citrus cleaner: Usually a lemon based all purpose cleaner safe to use on all surfaces but not very effective as a commercial cleaner

  • Neutral Cleaners

    Neutral floor cleaner: Safe for all surfaces, often does not need rinsing because it usually does not leave a residue when dried

    Any neutral cleaner Safe for all surfaces except fibers marked dry clean only, but not very effective for heavy duty cleaning

    Water Safe for all surfaces except fibers marked dry clean only, but not very effective for heavy duty cleaning

  • Solvents

    Acetone Effective to remove nail polish, oil base stains & ink

    Mineral spirits Effective on oil base stains, ink & gum removal

    Alcohol Effective on some oil base stains. Very effective to remove gum & tree sap from surfaces such as glass Always check for color fastness before using any solvents. Alcohol is the safest to start with 

  • Detergents

    How Detergents Work

    1. Detergent molecules have a polar, hydrophilic head (attracted to water) and a nonpolar, hydrophobic tail (attracted to oil and dirt)
    2. The molecules orient themselves at the water's surface, reducing its surface tension, which helps water penetrate dirt and fibers
    3. In solution, the hydrophobic tails surround oily dirt, while the hydrophilic heads face outward toward the water, forming spherical structures called micelles
    4. The micelles trap the dirt and grease in their hydrophobic centers, suspending them in the water
    5. The suspended soil can then be easily rinsed away, leaving the surface clean

  • Soap

    A detergent in the broad sense, soap is a salt of a fatty acid, traditionally derived from animal fats or vegetable oils

  • Difference between Soap & Detergent

    Soap: Reacts with minerals (like calcium and magnesium) in hard water to form insoluble soap scum, which can leave residue on clothes and surfaces

    Detergent: Generally a stronger and more versatile cleaner, designed for robust cleaning in various conditions and for specific stain types

  • Enzymes

    Enzymes for cleaning are biological catalysts used in cleaning products to break down specific organic stains and odors, including protein-based (proteases), starch-based (amylases) and grease-based (lipases) stains. They work by digesting organic waste providing a safe and effective way to clean carpets, laundry, and surfaces by tackling messes at their source

How To Pick The Right Floor

Before you shop, compare the pros, cons, care, and cost of 10 popular types of flooring.

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Carpet

Pros:

  • Soft, quiet, warm underfoot Easiest and most cost- effective floor covering to replace and upgrade
  • Brings in color and texture Stain-resistant fibers available


Cons:

  • Can Stain
  • Low-quality carpets may quickly show wear


Care:

  • Clean spills immediately. Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Vacuum low-traffic areas at least once or twice a week. Vacuum high-traffic areas more often.
  • Use a deep-cleaning hot water extraction cleaning system every 12-18 months.


Cost:

  • $2-$15 per square foot, installed

Stone

Pros:

  • Extremely durable Timeless and classic design Beautiful, natural aesthetic


Cons:

  • Higher cost than many flooring materials
  • Some varieties, such as marble and limestone, readily absorb stains and dirt Difficult to repair
  • Dark, glossy surfaces show footprints and can be slippery


Care:

  • All stones should be sealed
  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Regularly dust-mop the floor with a clean, non treated mop or broom. Or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Wipe up spills immediately. Damp-mop floors using cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or contain vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh chemi- cals.


Cost:

  • $8-$50 per square foot, installed

Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Water and stain resistant Wide choice of colors, textures, and shapes Porcelain color through tile body-scratches or damage less likely to show


Cons:

  • Grout lines can be hard to clean
  • Low-quality tiles may chip Fragile items dropped on the surface probably will break Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet
  • Difficult to repair


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at en-tries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Regularly sweep tile or use a vacuum without a beater bar.
  • Regularly damp-mop the floor with a cleaner recommended by the tile and grout manufacturers. For more shine, rinse with clear water and wipe dry.


Cost:

  • $4-$12 per square foot, installed

Laminate

Pros:

  • Durable, affordable
  • Easy to clean and maintain Resists stains
  • Wide range of colors and designs
  • Resembles natural materials Excellent choice for do-it-yourself applications


Cons:

  • Can be scratched
  • Cannot be refinished
  • Be cautious when purchasing off brands; the top layer may peel or separate from the core
  • For installations in high-moisture rooms, select laminates designed for this use


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Don't refinish or sand


Cost:

  • $3-$7 per square foot, installed

Wood

Pros:

  • Wear-resistant Long-lasting
  • Provides a warm look Can be refinished


Cons:

  • Vulnerable to moisture Softer woods, such as pine, may dent easily
  • May darken with age
  • Some finishes wear unevenly and are difficult to repair Can shrink and expand, creating gaps or warping


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.


Cost:

  • $6-$15 per square foot, installed

Engineered Wood

Pros:

  • Shrinks and expands less than solid wood
  • Quicker installation time Some can be installed below grade
  • Comes prefinished so the stain and protective finishes will be more consistent and harder


Cons:

  • Typically can be refinished only once or twice
  • Off brands may have voids in core, which weakens wood surface
  • Ends may split on off brands


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
  • Never wax or use oil soap.


Cost:

  • $4-$18 per square foot, installed

Bamboo

Pros:

  • More quickly renewable re- source than wood
  • Strong
  • Clean, contemporary sensibility


Cons:

  • May darken or fade when exposed to sunlight Should not be left wet


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Use only cleaners recom- mended by the flooring manufacturer.


Cost:

  • $4-$8 per square foot, installed

Vinyl

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Water-resistant in sheet form
  • Easy to clean Comfortable
  • Less expensive than most flooring choices


Cons:

  • Difficult to repair
  • Less expensive grades may discolor
  • In tile form, moisture can get into seams between tiles


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recom- mended by the flooring manufacturer.


Cost:

  • $1-$7 per square foot, installed

Linoleum

Pros:

  • Made of natural raw materials
  • More durable than vinyl Color extends through entire material
  • Can be hand-cut for intricate patterns and installation artistry


Cons:

  • Should be resealed annually Cannot be left wet
  • May scuff if not well polished


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Polish periodi- cally to bring back shine and protection against stains.


Cost:

  • $2-$9 per square foot, installed

Cork

Pros:

  • Soft and warm, natural Resists mildew
  • Sleek, contemporary look Stain and water resistant Easy to clean
  • Polyurethane finishes typically last up to seven years before refinishing is required


Cons:

  • UV-cured acrylic finishes are not as long-lasting
  • Wax finishes need reapplication every 6-12 months


Care:

  • Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
  • Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
  • Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. To restore luster, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for refinishing.


Cost:

  • $4-$9 per square foot, installed