When we clean various surfaces, stains and materials, we rarely think about the chemicals that we actually use. Do we know what the products contain? Are these chemicals powerful enough to remove the stains completely? Is there any risk for our health? There are so many chemicals used in cleaning products nowadays that we know nothing about, that it’s difficult to expect great results from each cleaning detergent that we buy. If we don’t know how the product and the specific chemical work, how can we expect magical results? One of the basic components of each cleaning detergent is water, which is a natural detergent. When poured on a surface, it removes the top layer of particles without any pressure or product added. Water cleans by washing away or absorbing the dirt, but when there is a stain, water is not enough. The problem with stains is that they are a combination of things – grease, oil, food, dust, grime, etc. Moreover, the longer a stain has stayed without being cleaned, the more stubborn it has become. What’s necessary is a powerful chemical, combined with water to clean the area efficiently. These are the types of cleaning chemicals which are most commonly used in various products and cleaning recipes. AbrasivesAbrasive chemicals make cleaning solutions course which allows for easier removal of the dirt from the surface. They are also used for polishing surfaces. With abrasives one can scrub the area and thus remove grime buildup. SurfactantsThese chemicals are commonly used in a wide range of cleaning detergents and they are quite effective. They reduce the surface tension of the water drastically and successfully break down and loosen particles that are part of various buildups. The stains are easily suspended in the water afterwards. EmulsifiersSome of the strongest chemicals which suspend dirt from a surface. The rest is easily washed or brushed off.OxidantsThese chemicals manage to loosen up organic material by attracting their oxygen. This way the material breaks down and is no longer sticky. The rest can be easily cleaned with a vacuum. EnzymesEnzymes are in fact bacteria which digest protein, carbohydrates and fats. If there are grease and oily stains on upholstery, furniture, carpets or clothing, enzymes will do a great job to remove them. These chemicals are usually used in fabric softeners. Alkali/AcidWhen there is a higher or lower pH used on a surface and the buildup still remains, alkali chemicals can break down the particles which stick on the surface. Dry CleaningDry cleaning chemicals come in different forms – as a liquid solvent or gas. They don’t contain water, which makes drying much quicker. Dry cleaning is best for delicate fabrics, carpets, curtains and areas that get high traffic.There are plenty of modern cleaning solutions which combine a few cleaning chemicals of the above-mentioned – these are powerful solutions which shouldn’t be mixed with other commercial products. Moreover, when cleaning with such detergents, make sure the room is well-ventilated, you have gloves on and if you feel any irritation, stop immediately. The fumes from these products can be toxic. Don’t try to make your own new recipes by mixing a few products. Follow the instructions on the product and use clean water and cloths to clean with.