Assembling a Kit of Cleaning Products

Modern standards of cleanliness, far exceeding those of a century ago, have given birth to a staggering array of specialized cleaning compounds. Most of these fall into six general categories based on similarity of function (although the types of cleaning agents in any given category may differ markedly in composition and strength). A few cleaning agents, however, are one of a kind, designed to solve specific types of stains. The following glossary gives characteristics of the six general categories:

ABRASIVES Available as emulsions, powders and pastes, abrasives are gritty compounds containing insoluble mineral particles such as silica or pumice. They are sometimes mixed with soap, detergent, bleach or various other additives. Abrasive product examples are: Ajax, Gumption, Jif, Bon Ami, Amway Metal Cleaner, and any form of Crème Cleanser.

Fine grained abrasives are suitable for cleaning and polishing numerous metals, such as silver, pewter and aluminium (however, not gold plating on taps and fittings), and are an ingredient in soaps designed for removing heavy, oily dirt from the hands. Coarse grained abrasives, commonly used in household scouring powders, clean and brighten hard surfaces such as ceramic tiles and porcelain baths. Abrasive cleaners work through a combination of physical and chemical action. The initial cleaning effect is physical – the product dislodges the dirt by scraping at it. Then either soap or detergent in the mixture combines with the dirt particles and lifts them from the surface being cleaned.

ABSORBENTS Named for their function, these powdered substances purge porous materials of stains and blemishes by soaking up fresh spills and still-moist grease. Their use must occasionally be followed by further treatment – scrubbing or laundering – to flush away any residue of the spot. Most absorbents are well known household products normally purchased for other uses. Flour, sawdust, starch salt and talcum powder for example, are excellent all-purpose absorbents, and cat litter is good for drawing oil from stained asphalt and concrete paths and drives.

BLEACHES use either chlorine or oxygen to break down stains organically. They are designed primarily to clean, brighten, deodorise and disinfect laundry, however, chlorine bleach will also remove stains form sinks, baths and tiles; remove mould from grout between tiles in the bathroom (mainly the shower); and can also be mixed into the water used to wash down walls and ceilings. Modern syrup bleaches such as Domestos are excellent products to use in shower recesses where silicon has been used to stop leakages and there is mould under the silicon. Just pour onto the affected area and leave to penetrate the mould. Then rinse. This same product will shine stainless steel the way that products such as Silvo and Brasso polish their respective metals.

CLEANING FLUIDS Most of the cleaning fluids available consist of hydrocarbon derivatives of petroleum or natural gas. They act by dissolving grease, oil or the residue left by adhesive tape. Most of them are toxic, and some – such as paraffin and benzine – are highly inflammable. Petroleum based cleaning fluids are sold under various trade names and are often identified on product labels as petroleum hydrocarbon, petroleum distillate or petroleum naphtha.

Less potent and also less widely available than the petroleum based cleaners are the non-flammable cleaning fluids – trichloroethylene, perchloroethelyne and trichloroethane. All three are compounds of chlorine and either ethylene or ethane, both of which are derivatives of natural gas. They are sold under numerous trade names, as well as their chemical names. Although they are not fire hazards, they are poisonous to swallow and must be handled with extreme care; only use them in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

DETERGENTS Synthetic substitutes for soap, detergents clean by breaking up and dispersing dirt particles so that they can be rinsed away. Detergents dissolve easily in hot or cold water, function in hard water, as well as in soft, and leave behind no film or scum – all of which are advantages over soap. Furthermore, they can be formulated – by the addition of more or fewer enzymes, foaming agents or other additives – to suit a particular cleaning task. These special-purpose formulations may be created to clean a specific material, to treat a certain kind of dirt, to wash in cool water, to suit the type and degree of mechanical action, or to suit a particular ratio of washing water to soiled material.

SOAPS Soap is a solidified emulsion of fats or oils in lye. It cleans by emulsifying other fats and oil with which it comes in contact, then carrying them away in rinsing water. Some soaps are not effective in very hard or very cold water, and they can leave behind a chalky film on the otherwise clean surfaces. Soaps vary in performance according to the type of fat or oil they contain and the proportion of fat or oil to other ingredients. Some soaps contain oils that make them especially useful for washing wood without raising the grain, or for washing leather without destroying its suppleness. There are also soaps that have additives such as pumice or naphtha, which are meant to boost their power.

In order to ensure that you always have the right tools and products to do the job you need to carry a well-stocked kit that should include the following:

* Sponge cloths

* Drying cloths – many

* Squeegee for windows

* Oven Cleaner

* Metal/Plastic scourers

* Domestos or Bleach

* Newspaper

* Disinfectant

* Windex or similar

* Brass and Silver polish

* Ajax, Jif or Gumption

* Wall and Floor cleaners

* Spray ‘n Wipe or similar

* Old toothbrush and Scrubbing Brush

* Furniture Polish

* Air Freshener

* Vacuum Cleaner

* Mop and Bucket

* Dustpan and hand broom

* Scraper

* Step ladder

* Sweeping Broom

* Plastic storage bin with lid to

* 2 pairs of rubber gloves, one for the store your equipment in kitchen and one for the bathroom.

* Plastic bags for rubbish removal

* Extension lead for vacuum

These items are to be used at all Spring Cleans, Vacating Cleans, Office Cleaning and as a backup when your client fails to supply their own (for which you charge extra).

In your client’s homes when arranging the cupboard where the cleaning supplies are kept, make sure that everything is put in a neat and tidy order, which will allow easy access to each item. Keep poisonous and flammable cleaning chemicals on the top shelves away from children.

Getting Organised

Organised your surroundings so that you can easily and safely move loads. Things you use often should be close at hand. Things used less often can be put in places that are harder to reach.

Make sure you have enough room to safely lift and carry objects.