Cleaning products can be toxic and fall into seven categories: strong alkalis, heavy alkalis, weak alkalis, strong acids, mild acids, solvents, and soaps/detergents. Strong alkalis are highly corrosive, while mild alkalis are safe for use around children and pets. Strong acids remove hard water deposits but are highly corrosive, while mild acids are safe for use around children and pets. Solvents dissolve grease and oil but are often flammable. Soaps and detergents are used to emulsify grease and are generally safe for use around children and pets.
Chemical cleaning products are used daily in homes, schools and workplaces. Depending on the ingredients contained, the chemicals can be toxic. Many people choose to use safer cleaning products if they have children or pets in the home, to minimize the risk of exposure. These chemicals fall into one of seven categories: strong alkalis, heavy alkalis, weak alkalis, strong acids, weak acids, solvents, and soaps and detergents.
A cleaner that falls into the category of strong alkalis destroys microbes and dissolves proteins. Cleaning products like oven cleaner, lye, and drain cleaners are of this type. They are highly corrosive and cause chemical burns to the skin and lungs if inhaled. Products that contain sodium hydroxide are included in this category.
Heavy alkalis are those that contain sodium carbonate. This type of cleaning product is used to remove grease from drains, greasy stoves and pans. Sodium carbonate is the building block of washing powders and baking soda. This type of cleaner is mildly corrosive, as it will burn skin and corrode aluminum products.
Cleaning chemicals that fall into the weak alkali category are those that contain sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium bicarbonate. These cleaning products are used on areas that require gentle cleaning. Mild alkalis are safe to use around children and pets, as they are non-corrosive.
Strong acid cleaners are mainly used for cleaning toilets, bathtubs and sinks. They remove hard water deposits, toilet rings and soap scum. Strong acids are highly corrosive, especially to concrete, fabric and metals. Detergents that contain phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids are considered strong acids.
Mild acids are cleansers that contain levulinic, acetic, hydroxyacetic, citric, and gluconic acids. They are mainly used to remove hard water deposits around the sink and on shower doors, rust stains and tarnish. Mild acidic cleaners based on citrus or acetic acids are safe for use around children and pets.
Solvents are cleaning chemicals that dissolve grease and oil. Ingredients in solvents include, but are not limited to, acetones, denatured alcohols, and white spirit. Cleaners that contain solvents include stain removers, carpet cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners. They are often flammable and combustible, so they must be kept away from extreme heat and open flames.
Soaps and detergents are used to emulsify grease and grease and are found in liquid dish soap and laundry soap. Liquid dish soap is safe for use around children and pets. The safety of laundry soap depends on the brand and additional chemicals it may contain.
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