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.