Chemical Cleaning Methods
- There are many different chemicals used for cleaning purposes.chemical glassware image by Oleg Mitiukhin from Fotolia.com
Chemicals are frequently used in the cleaning of many different materials. Chemicals can sanitize surfaces by killing germs and bacteria and therefore prevent human infection. They can also remove difficult materials such as grease or oil that are difficult to remove using just water or soap. There are a number of different cleaning methods used involving chemical agents. - Many home cleaning solutions such as kitchen degreasers or glass cleaner rely on a spray bottle delivery system to spritz the chemical on the glass or counter top. It is then allowed to sit for several moments to break up the contaminants before being wiped away with a paper towel or a rag. The friction of the rag coupled with the chemical process breaks up and removes the streaks, dirt and grease from the surface.
- Some chemicals, such as oven cleaners or some carpet cleaners, come in a powdered form that is poured over the stain or dirt that requires removal. It then settles into the surface before being forcibly removed with a brush, vacuum or rag. Water is sometimes added afterward to help eliminate the remaining chemical since it can be abrasive to human skin. Gloves should be used with powdered chemicals to help prevent possible chemical burns and skin irritation.
- Some chemicals, such as bleach and other acid-based compounds, are so strong that they frequently need to be mixed with water before they can be safely used. Many industrial floor cleaners are used in this fashion and they are mixed with water in a mop bucket before being applied to the floor. Always follow the specific instructions on cleaning chemicals that require mixing with water since not using enough water can result in a damaged surface because the undiluted cleaner is so potent that it can eat right through the surface you are trying to clean or remove any paint off it.
