The Science Of Cleaning: How Different Cleaning Products Work

The Science Of Cleaning: How Different Cleaning Products Work

By : Georgia
Regular cleaning can help you maintain a clean, organised and hygienic home. A thorough vacuuming, scrubbing, sweeping and mopping can prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, grime and mould on different surfaces. In the middle of this, you can’t overlook how cleaning products remove stubborn stains and grime effectively. It is important to understand the science of cleaning and how different cleaning products work when combined with the right strategies. Professionals who carry out the best vacate cleaning in Perth know the science of cleaning, the molecular levels of different products and how each works on different types of stains and grime. That’s why tenants prefer hiring highly-trained and experienced cleaners for their rented properties. If you want to understand the science of cleaning and other key aspects, keep on reading the article:

What Is The Science Behind Cleaning Products?


If you want to remove oil stains, built-grease or grime, you need to apply a cleaning solution and use your energy to scrub it off. This is the fundamental aspect of how cleaning actually works. Most products or solvents are made with water, detergent/soap, or an organic solvent. The store-bought cleaners contain chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach, chlorine dioxide, Quats, peracetic acid, alcohols, etc. to remove dirt, stains and mould with ease. However, these chemicals are highly toxic and can leave carbon footprints in the environment and cause pollution and other health hazards. It is always good to use cleaning products that are safe for newborns, pets, adults and the environment. So, you can prepare safe alternatives to store-bought cleaners at home if you understand the science of cleaning. For that, you need to understand the cleaning science on a molecular level. Detergents and soaps are made from long molecules that contain two different ends on a molecular level (having a head and tail). These molecules are known as surfactants. The head of the molecule attracts water (hydrophilic), and the tail attracts grease, grime and dirt (hydrophobic). This allows the solution or product to work and remove dirt and stains from the surface with ease.

Types Of Molecular Properties In Soaps And Detergents


  • Hydrophobic: It is a water-fearing molecule that repels bodies of water and attracts neutral molecules. Hydrophobic liquids like oil will separate from the water and won’t mix. Alkales, fats and oils are some of the common examples.
  • Hydrophilic (water loving): This particular molecule attracts water and other polar substances. It can help you remove dirt from surfaces.
  • Lipophobic or oil-fearing: These compounds are not soluble in fats and oil.
  • Lipophilic or oil-loving: This can dissolve in fats and oils with ease.

  • What Are The Types Of Cleaning Mechanisms?


    Apart from knowing the molecular levels, make sure you know the cleaning mechanisms to get things cleaned easily. Each type of cleaning method cleans the soiled or grimy area differently. Here is how it works: Solvency  This type of detergent dissolves into another agent, such as water. A general cleaning chemical takes the detergent and spreads it across the water to let molecular levels work against the dirt and grime. It can help you prevent mould infestation as well. Emulsification  Emulsifiers are common chemicals used in various detergents and fabric softeners to stabilise the solution. It breaks down fats and oils into smaller particles and helps you remove stains and grime. Without emulsifiers, the detergent or surfactant will separate into two parts. Such cleaning detergents and soaps have lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, which mean they can easily remove organic soil or dirt from surfaces. Saponification It is the process that transforms oils and fats into soap by mixing them with Sodium Hydroxide. Triglycerides are merged with a strong base to create fatty acid metal salts. This decides the aroma, hardness, and cleansing abilities of soaps and detergents. Chelation Chelating cleaning agents are necessary if you live in a hard water area of Perth. Hard water usually contains magnesium and calcium deposits. The worst part is that detergents react with these deposits and form scum, which is insoluble in water. However, detergents won’t form scum, but magnesium and calcium react with the detergent. Applying the non-chelating cleaner on hard stain surfaces can make bubbles and won’t deliver desired results. The purpose of chelation in cleaning detergents is to prevent the mineral prevalent in hard water and help you easily remove the dirt. Note: Since it is a harmful solution, make sure you use a safer alternative, such as a citric agent. Lemon is one of the best examples of a natural or safe chelating agent. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar to prepare a degreasing solution that can be used in the kitchen for the cook top, ovens, microwaves and range hood without worrying about contaminating food. Suspension It works wonders in removing grime and built-up dirt and suspending them in the cleaner. It can tackle mould, stubborn stains and grime with ease. If you are at the end of your tenancy and want your full bond money back, hire best bond cleaners Perth because they bring a complete rental inspection checklist and clean accordingly. You can even get the cleaning process customised to suit your needs.

    How Do Different Cleaning Products Work?


    It is important to know the pH levels of a cleaning product before you discover how it works. The pH value ranges from 0 to 14. It plays an important role in achieving the desired cleaning levels. Thus, you must choose the product that has the right amount of pH level to avoid damage to the surfaces. Acid Cleaning Products (pH range from 0-6) These cleaning solutions will help you remove hard water stains, rust, calcium deposits and mineral deposits with ease. White vinegar is a very acidic cleaner with a pH of 2-3. It is a natural cleaner that can be mixed with warm water to clean different areas, except natural stone surfaces. Lemon is also acidic and can do wonders. Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid but can help you easily remove non-organic stains. Here you can read about tips to make natural pH neutral cleaner for your home. These are non-toxic and help to clean soiled surfaces. Alkaline Cleaning Products (pH greater than 7) These can help you remove oil stains, organic residues, built-up grime, blood stains and fats from almost all surfaces. Baking soda, mild detergent and soda ash are some of the best natural alkaline cleaning products. Professional bond cleaning services are also completed with the help of these natural products to reduce carbon footprint and environmental pollution. Solvents These products can dissolve a solute with ease. You can use such products when acidic or alkaline don’t work. They can remove nail polish stains, paint and glue easily. Rubbing alcohol is one of the ideal examples of safe and sound alternatives to solvents. If you want a thorough cleaning of your rented property, hire best bond cleaners Perth and get your bond back without any rental dispute or conflict. The professional service providers are well-versed in cleaning all types of surfaces with the help of organic cleaning solutions.

    Wrapping Up


    Dirty homes are breeding grounds of germs and can make the family members sick. With the help of this guide, you can understand the science of cleaning and use cleaning products that can help you remove organic, non-organic and mould stains with ease.