Types of Chemicals for
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Tools and Equipment
Cleaning is the removal of dirt by physical or chemical means
while sanitation is the process of reducing or getting rid of
microbes on surfaces to make them hygienic. Sanitizing
touchable surfaces kills the germs and microorganisms that soap
and water cannot. Moreover, it is important to clean, sanitize and
store equipment properly for us to avoid bacteria from
penetrating. Cleaning and sanitizing the equipment is essential
and the most important aspects of a sanitation, therefore
different types of chemicals for cleaning and sanitizing are to be
used.
Some considerations on the selection of
cleaning chemicals before used.
Cleaning chemicals should be:
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•
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mild
of good quality
bactericidal
of a wide microbe spectrum
none corrosive
pleasant in terms of odor
Types of Chemicals for Cleaning and
Sanitizing
• Cleaning agents or chemicals are used to make the
cleaning job easy. They are substances used to remove
dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells, and clutter on
surfaces. Here are the following chemicals or cleaning
agents:
1. Detergents. These are made from pure soap
or organic chemicals. There are
two types of detergent:
a. Soap detergent. It comes in flakes for washing delicate fabrics and powder
for washing soft fabric.
b. Synthetic detergent. It is made from organic chemicals derived from
petroleum. It is used for cleaning task and for washing up the may be in
forms of powder, liquid, gel or crystals.
2. Deodorants. These are used for hiding bad smells. They counteract stale
odors
and sometimes introduce fragrance in the area. They are used in guest
rooms, bathrooms and in public areas.
3. Acid Cleaner. It is used to dissolved hard water deposits, remove mild
rust stains,
and eliminate soap film from around the sink and on shower doors. They are
useful
in removing tarnish from brass and copper.
4. Laundry Aids. These help and contribute to the cleaning action of laundry
detergents and offer special functions and benefits. Types of laundry
cleaning aids
includes fabric softeners, enzymes, conditioning agents, dry-cleaning fluids,
brightening agents and more.
5. Alkaline Cleaners. These are particularly good in removing grease.
6. Polishes. These are applied to a surface to form a hard-protective layer and thus guard
against finger marks, stains, and scratches. They also create a pleasant shine on a hard
surface. Examples are metal polish, furniture polish, and floor polish.
7. Solvent Cleaners. These are used extensively for dry cleaning and for stain removal and
useful for cleaning grease or polishing surfaces. They all have strong fumes and should be
used in a well- ventilated room.
8. Floor Seal. It is applied to a floor’s surface to form a semi-permanent protective barrier to
prevent dirt, liquids, grease stains, and bacteria from penetrating.
9. Disinfectants. These are used to kill harmful germs. Examples are:
a. Phenol. It is used in dilute or concentrate solution to disinfect surfaced in
hospitals.
b. Halogen. Its elements chlorine and iodine may be used as disinfectants.
10. Abrasives. These are used to remove very stubborn stains of various
surfaces.
Safe Use of Cleaning Chemicals
• Read container labels and follow directions.
• Make sure all chemical containers are not leaking or damaged.
• Label all chemicals correctly.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times while
handling chemicals.
• Do not mix chemicals.
• Do not sniff contents of containers.