What are the Common chemical concentrations in cleaning?

Did you know that there is a certain chemical concentration in cleaning? It may sound strange, but it's true. Achieving the correct balance of chemicals can help you avoid harmful substances and get rid of unwanted germs all while getting your house sparkling clean.

How could this be possible?

You are probably thinking that there is a certain amount of chemicals you would have to use when cleaning your house and there is. However, some chemical products have different concentrations or dilutions for different purposes. For example, the cleaning products labeled for bathroom surfaces come in two types: strong cleaners denoted with high dilution numbers and milder cleaners with low dilution numbers. According to Estée Lauder Cosmetics, the stronger solution should be used on bathroom surfaces than the milder cleaner; therefore, the larger amount of chemical is needed to achieve the correct chemical concentration in cleaning. The same goes for kitchen surfaces - more chemicals are required to achieve a certain concentration.

Some of the Common chemical concentrations in cleaning.

1. Hypochlorite (Bleach)

Hypochlorite containing a dilution or concentration of between 5%-15% is used to disinfect household surfaces and other hard non-porous surfaces. The bleach should be mixed with water before being used. Bleach should be used in wipe or spray mode only. Do not mix bleach with any other chemicals including vinegar, detergent and ammonia.

2. Ammonia

Ammonia contains a dilution of at least 1/4%. Ammonia is used to remove tough stains especially those caused by food and drinks like coffee, wine and tea on household surfaces and other hard non-porous surfaces such as ceramic tiles, granite, marble and marble countertops etc.

3. Chlorine Dioxide (sodium hypochlorite)

Chlorine dioxide (sodium hypochlorite) contains a chemical concentration in cleaning of between 20%-30% and is a powerful bleaching agent. It is used to disinfect household surfaces, especially in hot/wet environments. Chlorine dioxide should be mixed with water before being used. Do not mix chlorine dioxide with any other chemicals including white vinegar or ammonia.

4. Alcohols

Alcohols are used to clean hard non-porous surfaces such as cotton, glass, ceramic and granite. There are various alcohols available. Some of the most widely used alcohols in cleaning are ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (containing a dilution of 60%-80%) in household cleaning products and ethanol (containing a dilution of 95%-96%).

5. Iodophor Disinfectant (Wescodyne)

Iodophor disinfectant contains a dilution of between 20%-25%. Iodophor disinfectant is used for disinfecting areas of the body such as hands, ring and face. In addition, it is also used to clean external surfaces such as beds, tables and floors. It should be applied on hard surfaces using a cloth and then left for 10 minutes before being wiped off using a different clean dry cloth.

6. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Quaternary ammonium compounds contain a dilution of between 5%-10% and are used for disinfecting kitchen surfaces, floors, medicinal and food preparation areas. According to Quaternium Association, it is recommended that the surface to be disinfected should be completely clean and dry before being sprayed with the product. Leave the area for 10 minutes before wiping it off using a clean cloth.

7. Enzymes Cleaners (Proban)

Enzymes cleaners contain a dilution of between 1%-5% and are used to remove tough stains on porcelain or ceramic surfaces in the bathroom including bathroom sinks, lavatories and shower stalls. Proban is an enzymatic cleaner containing bacteria that can degrade the tough stains.

8. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is used to clean hard non-porous surfaces. It contains a dilution of between 3%-6% and is applied on a surface using a cloth or sponge. Hydrogen peroxide should not be mixed with any other chemicals including bleach, detergents and ammonia.

9. Peracetic Acid

Peracetic acid contains a dilution of between 10%-12%. It is used to clean hard non-porous surfaces such as marble, granite and marble countertops etc. It should be applied on the surface using a sponge. Peracetic acid should not be mixed with any other chemicals including bleach, ammonia, detergents and other disinfectants.

10. Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is used to clean hard non-porous surfaces such as marble and granite etc. It contains a dilution of between 5%-10% and is applied on the surface using a cloth or sponge.

Conclusion

Overall, there are many chemical concentration in cleaning products including bleach, ammonia, chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide that contain a certain concentration of chemicals. It is imperative to use the correct concentration of these chemicals before cleaning your house as they can cause various health problems if they are used improperly.