What is a cleaning agent?
agents used at homes are laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent/soap, all
A cleaning agent can be described as any product used to clean. This does not
mean a tool for cleaning. A broom, a mop or a paper towel would not be
classified as a cleaning agent. So, a cleaning agent is not the instrument used
for cleaning but rather the solvent or product that does the cleaning. They are
either natural or synthetic substances that are used to aid the cleansing
process.
Cleaning agents, therefore, are substances that remove dirt, stain, and bad
smell on surfaces. These contain active ingredients or compounds that disinfect
surfaces and kill microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
Purpose of using cleaning agents
The purpose of using cleaning agents include, health, beauty, removing foul
odor, and avoiding the spread of dirt and contaminants to oneself and others.
Some cleaning agents can kill bacteria and clean at the same time. Others,
called degreasers, contain organic solvents to help dissolve oils and fats.
How are cleaning agents classified?
All cleaning agents are not created equal. To understand exactly what cleaning
agent to use for a specific cleaning job, it is important to understand that all
cleaning agents are classified by their pH levels. pH stands for "potential
hydrogen." This means that an agent is rated on the pH scale for how many
hydrogen molecules it is likely to add when added to water. The scale goes
from acid to neutral in the middle with alkaline on the far end.
Types of Cleaning Agents
It often surprises people that one of the most important cleaning agents of all
is water. Water is the basis for every possible cleaning agent, and it is also a
solvent cleanser. It can dissolve minerals and break up fats and oils. However,
there are many other cleaning agents available on the market, and they all
mostly fall within four to five different categories. There are generally four
types of cleaning agents: acidic, alkaline, neutral, and degreaser. All of which
are usually manufactured as powders, liquids, or sprays. Examples of cleaning
purpose cleaner, surface/floor disinfectant or cleaner, toilet cleaner,
windows/glass cleaners etc.
Acidic Cleaning Agent
Acidic cleansers are any cleaning agent that can be described as low on the
acid side of the pH spectrum. These cleansers generally contain minerals like
chelates or sometimes hydrochloric acid. The goal of acidic cleaning agents is
generally to brighten up metals or dissolve existing minerals. Examples:
muriatic acid, lemon & vinegar
Alkaline Cleaning Agent
Alkaline cleaners are all the way at the other end of the cleaning agent
spectrum. The role of an alkaline cleansing agent is to dissolve fats, oils, and
proteins. This is found in dirt and oil but also in organic matter like blood and
body fluids like sweat. Alkaline cleaners break down these entities and in doing
so make them easier to remove with water. Alkaline cleaners are in almost
every case meant to be used with water.
Examples: laundry detergent (pride, tide, bonux detergent powder, ammonia,
soap (safeguard, bioderm, shield bath soap), bleach (Zonrox, Chlorox), borax,
baking soda.
Neutral Cleaning Agent
Neutral cleaners are the cleansers that are not brought out to break down
matter but are mostly used to clean dust or remove surface dirt. Water is one
of the most popular neutral cleaners. While it lacks cleaning chemicals, it has
the right pH for removing surface dust and debris from floors, tables, and
counters.
Examples: Water, Dish soap (comes closest to being a neutral cleaner).
Degreasers

Degreaser’s serve a similar function as alkaline cleaners in that they can help
break down oil, fats and petroleum byproducts. They are useful in a variety of
settings but particularly of use in a construction capacity or when cleaning
kitchen appliances or hard kitchen surfaces and floors. Degreasers are also a
critical part of most facility maintenance cleaning regimens.

Examples: Mr. Muscle, Joy Antibac