Your guide to different types of cleaning products

When you’re standing in the shop trying to choose a cleaning product, it’s easy to get confused. There are so many types to choose from.

But what exactly is the difference between a kitchen spray and a bathroom spray? And can’t you just use soap or all-purpose cleaner? What exactly is all-purpose cleaner, by the way?

If you’ve ever wondered which product to use when cleaning, this post is for you. Now we’re going to uncover the secrets of cleaning products!

There are really only four types of cleaning products

Four types? But there are thousands of products on the market that all do different things?

Basically, there are four different functions that the cleaning product can serve. It can be a detergent, in other words, cleaning.

It can also be degreasing, abrasive, or be an acid that dissolves limescale and similar dirt. Although different things are written on the bottles and the products may have slightly different properties, it is one of these functions you are aiming for when choosing a cleaning product.

This means that you don’t have to have twenty different bottles at home, often it works well to use the same product for many things. Now let’s take a closer look at the four categories of cleaning agents and see what type of cleaning they are suitable for.

Detergents

According to the Swedish Academy’s glossary, a detergent is a "washing and dispersing agent". To disperse means to mix, spread or break down (as in the English "disperse").

A detergent is usually a synthetic substance that is water-soluble. It can remove oils and various dirt and is a versatile tool when cleaning.

Detergents come in many forms, for example washing-up liquid and laundry detergent.

What almost all have in common is that they need to be mixed with water to work. Many cleaning sprays already contain water so you can just spray and wipe off.

Detergent products generally contain surfactants. These are surface-active agents that make oil able to mix with water.

They do this by reducing surface tension. You can read more about surfactants and whether they are dangerous in our post The Truth About Ecological Cleaning.

The following cleaning products are detergents:

– washing-up liquid

– laundry detergent

– soap

– all-purpose cleaner

Avoid using detergents on:

– leather

– silk

– cast iron.

https://youtu.be/F7-ie4uWX04

Degreasing cleaning products

Cleaning products that work as degreasers are mostly used in the kitchen to remove fat from cooking.

To dissolve fat effectively, a product with a high pH value is required. These are also called alkaline cleaning agents.

An example of an alkaline cleaning agent is oven cleaner, but there are also milder variants that may be suitable, for example, to wipe the stove or kitchen counter.

A good rule of thumb to remember is not to mix alkaline cleaners with other substances such as bleach or acids, as they create a chemical reaction together.

The following cleaning products are degreasing:

– oven cleaner

– kitchen sprays

– drain cleaners

– bleach.

Avoid alkaline cleaners on:

– silver

– aluminium

– stainless steel.

Abrasive cleaning products

Sometimes it can be practical to use an abrasive cleaner. These are available as powders and in liquid form, often as a cream. Some kind of grit is used here to polish away dirt. The brand most well-known is Cif.

This type of scouring product is best used on stains on surfaces that are not very sensitive. When you can’t quite remove dirt with any other product, it can be a good alternative.

Avoid using abrasives on:

– linoleum

– leather

– textiles

– marble

– porcelain (e.g. toilets and sinks).

Be careful with:

– aluminium

– painted surfaces.

https://youtu.be/MJSzRzimWaM

Products with acids

An acid has a pH of 6 or lower. These cleaning products can range from very mild to really strong. For example, Coca-Cola, vinegar and lemon have a low pH value.

Acids can break down tough stains like rust and limescale. If you use a really strong acid product, you need to have safety glasses and gloves. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging. Do not let the product act longer than indicated on the bottle.

The following cleaning products contain acids:

– limescale remover

– bathroom sprays

– toilet cleaners

– rust removers

– mould removers.

Do not use acidic products on:

– taps and mixers

– shower walls

– marble and other porous stone.

Best possible cleaning

When we at Städade Hem perform home cleaning in Stockholm, we use the right product for the right dirt. And if you want, we’ll make sure you always have good products at home.

When you start a cleaning subscription with us, a cleaning kit with products that make your home shine comes included. How great is that!