We have to talk about cleaning product ingredients because the labels can be really complicated and hard to understand. Why is that? Mostly because we want great deal from them. We want them to remove stains with a minimum of scrubbing, kill germs without smelling strong, cut grease without damaging surfaces. In order to meet these requirements the products need to contain some of the following ingredients:
ENZYMES
Enzymes are proteins added to dishwashing and laundry detergents that break down dirt and protein based, oily and starch based stains.
BUILDERS
Builders are chemicals that soften water by binding minerals together so they don't interfere with the action of surfactants.
BLEACHES
Bleaches are whitening, brightening, stain lifting chemicals, tub and tile cleaners. Chlorine bleach can be listed as sodium hypochlorite. Bleaches are also disinfectants that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Oxygen bleach is less toxic to chlorine bleach. It may be listed as sodium perborate, hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate.
ABRASIVES
Small mineral particles in liquid or powder form. Silica and feldspar are abrasive components usually found in household cleaners. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a gentler alternative.
SURFACTANTS
Surfactants are chemicals in detergents and other cleaning products that makes water spread, so it clings to surfaces to better emulsify. Surfactants also help soil particles stay suspended in water so they aren't redeposited on the surface or the fabric. They are derived from petroleum.
SOLVENTS
Usually liquid substances that dissolve other substances. They are useful for cutting grease. Common household solvents include ethanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, naphtha. It's important to wear rubber gloves while working with it.
FRAGRANCES
Fragrances are added to most household cleaners to mask the odor of chemicals and leave a pleasant scent behind.