Michigan
State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500302
06/24/03
Commercial Cleaners
These are made from a combination of one or more of the other types of
cleaners: acids, alkalis, abrasives, bleaches, detergents, solvents.
Most are low sudsing detergents or alkaline-based cleaners. They may
contain extra ingredients that are more effective for certain cleaning
jobs. For example, some all-purpose household cleaners contain
petroleum-based solvents, to dissolve grease and greasy soils. Always
read label and follow directions and cautions.
Types of Commercial Cleaners
Powders
Uses
Dissolve in water; use to clean large surface areas such as painted
walls, woodwork and washable floors.
Cautions- May contain trisodium phosphate a moderately strong alkali.
Most should be rinsed off.
Liquids
Uses
Dilute in water; use for same cleaning jobs as powders. Use full
strength for spot removal and touch-up cleaning.
Cautions- Follow label
instructions; rinse if label indicates.
Sprays
Uses
Use full strength from the bottle and wipe dry, usually no rinsing
required; use for touch-up cleaning and spot removal.
Cautions- Generally more
expensive to use than liquids.
Concentrated cleaners that you mix with water at home are usually the
cheapest to use.
Don't buy a lot of different types and brands of cleaners that you
never use up; they take valuable storage space, may be hazards if
children can get at them, and may create chemical environmental hazards
if disposed of improperly.
References
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus,
with references from MSU Extension bulletin Money Saving Tips on
Household Cleaners.
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This information is for
educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade
names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those
not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension.
Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product
or company.
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are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender,
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beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran
status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and
June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This
information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial
products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or
bias against those not mentioned.
This
information.was reviewed as
of June 2008. For more information about the contents please
contact costner@msu.edu
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