Cleaning Agents: Choice of Cleaning Agent
Cleaning Agents: Choice of Cleaning Agent
A cleaning agent removes or assists in removing or removes physically or chemically any soil from the
surface. Dust being composed of loose particles, is removed comparatively easily by the use of various
piece of equipment; dirt, however, owing to it’s adherence to surfaces by means of grease or moisture
requires the use of cleaning agents as well as equipment if it is to be removed efficiently; and a
knowledge of different types is important so that deterioration of surfaces is prevented.
Cleaning agents are classified according to the principle method by which soil or stains are removed
from the surface. This will be determined by their composition.
The principle classes are:
1. Water
ALKALIS Ph USES
Sodium hydroxide 14 Removing stubborn grease from ovens and equipments.
(caustic soda)
Ammonia 11 removing stubborn grease
Sodium carbonate 10 Used as an alkalis builder in synthetic and soapy detergents.
Clearing blocked drains.
Sodium Per-borate 10 Removing stains and whitening due to bleaching action at higher
temperature (above 40.C)
Sodium Hypo- 9 Removing stains and whitening due to bleaching action on various
Water-based polished are emulsions in which fine particles of natural and synthetic waxes are dispersed
in water. They are suitable for use on thermoplastic, rubber, PVC, asphalt and combination floors as
spirits can affect them. They can also be used on sealed flooring of wood, cork, magnesite and linoleum.
Water-based polishes are always liquid but maybe fully buff able, semi-buff able or dry bright. The
build-up polish can be removed by loosening the wax synthetic resin with hot water and alkali – no
detergent.
Floor polishes are floor waxes and have to be subjected to rough traffic. A more lasting surface
can be obtained by use of a floor seal, with or without water based polish applied on it. Seals are semi-
permanent materials, which renders the floor impermeable and protects it from dirt, stains and other
foreign matter. They are not polishes.
Furniture polishes are intended for wooden furniture and fittings. They are protective finishes,
which provide the surface of the furniture with a thin layer of wax or resin. This layer gives protection
against abrasion, absorption of spillages and a smooth surface from which light maybe reflected to give a
shine or sheen. It consists of waxes dissolved in varying amount of spirits. They are of four types –
i. Paste wax polish – high proportion of wax plus silicon
Controlled and automatic vending dispense of cleaning chemicals for efficient use.