The Science Of Clean: How Cleaning Products Work And Fight Germs

Cleaning dirty surfaces is the first step towards maintaining a tidy and hygienic home environment. The process requires effective cleaning solutions to dislodge food spills, organic stains, buildup grease, caked-on grime and gunk from surfaces. On the other hand, sanitising and disinfecting can reduce the spread of lethal germs and potential health hazards in your home.

Thus, it becomes imperative to understand the science behind how cleaning products work to achieve a tidy home. The most challenging part is preparing a rental property for the final inspection. If you know the basics, you can easily tackle filthy areas and get your full bond back.

So, here is a complete guide to help you understand the science behind cleaning and the great ways various cleaning products tackle dirt, grime, and lingering germs. This will help you understand the importance of surfactants, acidic cleaners, disinfectants, and other products to maintain a shiny and healthy abode in Brisbane, QLD.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Understanding the Chemistry of Cleaning Products

Different cleaning products work based on chemical reactions between the cleaner and the dirt. The main components that make cleaning easy are surfactants, solvents and enzymes. These play distinct roles in breaking down dirt molecules and removing stubborn stains. Let’s find out how each component works:

The Power of Surfactants: Tackle Dirt and Grime

Surfactants or surface-active cleaners are one of the key components in multiple cleaning products. They work by lowering the surface tension of water and let the chemical spread and penetrate more easily and effectively. These have a hydrophilic (loves water) end and a hydrophobic (repels water) end to remove different types of dirt and grime.

When the surfactant comes into contact with dirt or grime, the hydrophobic end attaches to oils and grease, while the hydrophilic end binds with water. This interaction lets the product emulsify and dislodge the dirt in water, making it super easy to rinse away. According to bond cleaning Brisbane experts, this mechanism effectively removes oil-based stains and grease.

Use of Solvents to Dislodge Dirt

Solvents are liquids that work by dissolving other substances. When you apply a cleaning product, solvents can help you dislodge buildup oil and grease that water alone can’t tackle. Some of the most common solvents include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. It can disrupt the germ’s cell membranes and remove them effectively.

Bleach is another powerful solvent that can remove stains, grime and dirt from almost all surfaces. However, it can produce toxic fumes, leading to various health-related problems. So, follow the safety guidelines before using such products.

Applying Enzymes To Speed up Chemical Reactions

These biological molecules make cleaning more effective by speeding up the chemical reactions of cleaning products. Enzymes work best on protein-based stains (such as blood and food), fats (oil and grease), and carbohydrates.

Proteases cut through protein-based grime, while lipases remove buildup fats. These components are effective in laundry detergents for removing stains without damaging the fabric.

2. The Use of Common Cleaning Agents For Stain Removal

If you want to understand the science of cleaning, it is imperative to understand different agents used by both professionals for a budget bond cleaning Brisbane or homeowners for regular cleaning sessions:

Detergents and Soaps to Remove Mild Stains

Detergents and soaps are surfactants that can help remove oil stains and grime from almost all surfaces. You can mix detergents or liquid soap with hot water to clean hard surfaces, clothes, dirty dishes, appliances, and more. Make sure you rinse the surface with plain water.

Acidic Cleaners, Such as Vinegar and Lemon

Instead of using chemical-based acidic cleaners, use vinegar, lemon and other citric acid products to remove mineral deposits, soap scum and rust stains. However, it is slightly abrasive, so avoid using it over natural stone surfaces, such as granite/limestone/marble countertops and walls.

Fact: The pH value of acidic cleaners is less than 7.

Alkaline Cleaners, Such as Bleach & Baking Soda

Alkalis, including bleach and baking soda, are the most powerful agents for breaking down organic stains from surfaces. These products work effectively on buildup grease, oil stains, and grime. The components break down the fats into soap-like substances and make scrubbing easy.

However, bleach is harmful and can cause various health hazards. So, the safe alternative is baking soda. It can remove oily stains, neutralise bad smells and kill germs from almost all surfaces, including natural stones, such as spa bathtubs, kitchen countertops, tiles, etc

Fact: The pH value of alkaline cleaners ranges from 9-14.

3. Disinfectants & Sanitisers to Fight Germs

Cleaning and disinfecting are two different steps in the process. Cleaning is for the removal of dirt and stains, while disinfection is about killing lingering germs and bacteria. This means you will need different products that can banish pathogens effectively. Here are some best options to look for:

• Rubbing Alcohol: Use 70 per cent rubbing alcohol to wipe down contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, electronics, kitchen appliances, floors, tiles, etc.
• Baking Soda: It is also an effective disinfectant that can kill bacteria and germs from delicate surfaces.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: You can use 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide to kill mould and mildew infestation from ceilings, walls, curtains and other affected areas.

Tip: You can also use other eco-friendly alternatives for traditional cleaning and maintain a clean house.

4. Understanding the Effectiveness of Cleaning Methods

Cleaning involves more than just the right solvents and surfactants. It also requires the right techniques to tackle different stains and grime. So, below are three actions in cleaning that will help you attain the best results:

Mechanical Action

After applying the product, you will need to exert physical effort, such as rubbing, scrubbing, blotting, and wiping, to effectively remove dirt and stains. This is called mechanical action. It makes it easy for cleaning agents to deliver sparkling results. Make sure you use proper tools, such as a microfiber cloth, brushes, and sponges, for different stains.

Thermal Action

Under this mechanism, you need to use the power of heat to dislodge dirt and grime. Heat increases the efficiency and efficacy of products and easily removes greasy residue. You can use hot water to kill germs and dust mites and steam cleaners for carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Chemical Action

As discussed above, it refers to the interaction between cleaning products and soil. The right chemical action depends on selecting the right product, such as cleaning with Clorox bleach,  ammonia-based products, etc.

Highly trained cleaners know the right mechanisms of chemical actions, and thus, they perform the most professional bond cleaning in Brisbane. You can also use the right combinations for the desired results.

It is also good to switch harmful or hazardous cleaners with safe or non-toxic ones, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, and castile soap. This will help you create a healthy and hygienic home.

Tip: Let the product sit for a few minutes to break down the soil or grime before applying the mechanical action.

Understanding the Science of Cleaning For Stains & Germs Removal

Wrapping up

Knowing the science behind cleaning products can empower you to spruce up more effectively. It can also help you choose the right cleaning solvents or surfactants to tackle grime and germs like a pro.