A thorough cleaning process involves many steps. You can remove dirt and dust, sanitize, degrease, or disinfect. Which cleaners and products you use will depend heavily on what you are trying to clean. At HelloClean, we hear tons of horror stories of people using things like oven cleaners on the wrong surface. Not only can this ruin your table or fridge, but it can also introduce harsh chemicals into the space where your family eats. Let’s look at what cleaning products are and the best way to use them to spruce up your home.
The Science of Cleaners
The first step in cleaning is to remove dirt and debris. This is easily achieved with most household soaps and cleaners. These products do not kill germs, but they do remove most of them from the surface. By combining mild chemicals and a little elbow grease, 98% of bacteria can be removed from an area.
The Science of Disinfectants
Disinfectants work on the newly cleaned surface and kill any pathogens that reside there. Disinfectants are often harsher chemicals like bleach or alcohol. They work by destroying the cells of viruses and bacteria. Contrary to popular belief, these products rarely work instantaneously. “Dwell time” is the amount of time a disinfectant must be left on a surface to kill all the germs.
The Science of Degreasers
Degreasers like oven cleaner work using caustic soda, which is a heavily alkaline solution. When introducing this substance to acidic things like fat and grease, a chemical reaction occurs that decomposes the stuck-on food. That chemical reaction can decompose a number of different substances, including human skin or wood finish. Extreme caution should always be used.
At HelloClean, we clean your house using science and eco-friendly chemicals to ensure your surfaces remain sanitary and safe. Call today at (360) 207-1633.
