TYPES OF CLEANING AGENT

What is cleaning agent?

These are substances used to remove dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells, and clutter on surfaces.
Purposes of cleaning agents include health, beauty, removing offensive odor, and avoiding the spread of dirt
and contaminants to oneself and others. Detergents are commonly available as powders or concentrated
solutions.

DETERGENT may be made from base of either pure soap or organic chemicals. Detergents are of two types:
 SOAPY DETERGENT – It is made from animal or vegetable fat and may be used as a solid block for
washing skin and clothes; as flakes for washing delicate fabrics; or as a powder for washing soft fabrics.
This type of soap is made by boiling fat with a strong alkali.
strong alkalis (lyes) include barium, sodium, ammonium, calcium, lithium, and potassium hydroxides. They are
present in many household cleaning solutions and have historically been ingested in suicide attempts, causing
death secondary to airway occlusion.

 SYNTHETIC DETERGENT – It is made from organic chemicals derived from petroleum. They may be in
the form of a powder, liquid, gel, or crystals. These are used extensively in housekeeping like cleaning
tasks and washing up the floors.
Petrochemicals are chemical products made from the output of petroleum refineries, gas plants or synfuel
plants. These chemicals are extracted during the refining process when crude oil or gas is distilled or cracked.

What's the difference between synthetic detergent and soap?

The main difference between synthetic detergents and soap is the ingredients used during manufacturing.
While synthetic detergents are made from petroleum products, manufacturers make soap from lye and
natural fat.

ACID CLEANERS These cleaners should be used in solution followed by thorough rinsing. As cleaning agents
may vary from mild acid or strong concentrated hydrochloric acid.
All the acid cleaners, except citric and acetic acid, should be used under supervision with extreme
caution and with the protection of rubber glove because strong acids are poisonous and corrosive.
Examples:
 Citric acid and acetic acid for metal cleaning
 Diluted hydrochloric acid to remove lime scale from sanitary ware
 Oxalic acid removes stubborn water stains from hard floors and sanity ware

ALKALINE CLEANERS It is used for laundry and are particularly good for removing grease. Very strong alkali
materials are known as caustic materials and are extremely corrosive and poisonous. They must be used under
strict supervision.
Examples:
 Sodium carbonate (washing soda) to soften water and remove light grease marks
 Sodium hydroxide (causing soda) to remove grease from grills and blocked drains
 Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) to whiten and remove stains from hard and soft surfaces

SOLVENT CLEANERS These are used for dry cleaning and stain removal. They have strong fumes and should be
used in a well-ventilated room. Solvent is useful in removing and cleaning grease or polish from surfaces. They
evaporate and are ideally used to clean windows, mirrors, and picture frames.
Examples:
 Methylated spirits - alcohol for general use that has been made unfit for drinking by the addition of
about 10 percent methanol and typically also some pyridine and a violet dye.
 Turpentine, white spirit, and acetone

DISINFECTANT – These are used in areas where harmful germs are likely to exist. Disinfectants kill harmful
bacteria and have a strong smell. Therefore, they should be used in recommended amounts in areas where
germ control is required.