Cleaning Chemistry Basics (In Plain Language)

You do not need to be a chemist to be a great cleaner.

If you have ever wondered why some cleaners work great on certain messes but not others, it comes down to basic cleaning chemistry. This guide breaks it down in plain language so homeowners, cleaners, and property managers can make safer, smarter product choices.

Understanding a few simple concepts about how cleaners work will help you:

• Choose the right product

• Clean more efficiently

• Avoid damaging surfaces

• Stay safer on the job

At its core, cleaning is about matching the right type of cleaner to the type of soil (dirt) you are removing.

What Is “Soil” (Dirt) in Cleaning?

In cleaning, soil means what you are trying to remove.

Most dirt falls into three main categories:

1) Organic Soil (from living things)

Examples:

• Food residue

• Grease and cooking oils

• Body oils

• Sweat

• Pet accidents

• Mold and mildew

• Blood

• Coffee, tea, wine

These soils come from plants, animals, or people.

Best cleaner type: Alkaline (higher pH).

Also effective: Enzyme cleaners for heavy organic or protein-based messes.

2) Inorganic / Mineral Soil (from water and minerals)

Examples:

• Hard water spots

• Calcium buildup

• Lime scale

• Rust stains

• Mineral haze

  
  

These usually appear as white, chalky, or crusty buildup.

Best cleaner type: Acidic (lower pH)

Important note about soap scum: Soap scum is a hybrid soil. It forms when minerals in hard water react with fatty acids in soap. Because it contains both minerals and fats, it may respond to either an alkaline cleaner (to break down the fatty film) or an acidic cleaner (to break down the mineral bond).

In real-world professional cleaning, acidic cleaners usually do the heavy lifting on soap scum.

3) Petroleum-Based Soil (oil-based)

Examples:

• Motor oil

• Heavy grease

• Crayon

• Lipstick

• Adhesive residue

• Tar

  
  

These do not dissolve in water. They often require a solvent or degreaser to break the bond.

Best cleaner type: Solvent (Some high-alkaline degreasers are water-based and also work well on grease.)

What Does “pH” Mean in Simple Terms?

pH tells you how strong a cleaner is and what type of soil it works best on.

Think of pH like a scale:

• 0–6 = Acidic

• 7 = Neutral

• 8–14 = Alkaline

  
  

You do not need to memorize numbers. Just remember:

Acid = minerals

Alkaline = food, grease, and body soils

Neutral = everyday safe cleaning

Acidic Cleaners (Low pH)

Used for:

• Hard water stains

• Soap scum

• Rust

• Mineral buildup

  
  

Common areas:

• Showers

• Toilets

• Glass with water spots

• Faucets

Caution: Acids can damage natural stone (marble, limestone, travertine) and may etch or cloud some stainless steel finishes if too strong or left too long.

Neutral Cleaners (pH 7)

Used for:

• Daily maintenance cleaning

• Light dirt and dust

• Floors

• Counters

• General wipe-downs

These are your safest all-purpose cleaners.

Alkaline Cleaners (High pH)

Used for:

• Grease

• Food spills

• Body oils

• Protein-based soils

Great for:

• Kitchens

• Stovetops

• Trash cans

• Heavily soiled bathrooms

What Are Surfactants? (In Simple Terms)

Surfactants are the ingredients that make cleaners actually work.

They help water:

• Spread out

• Loosen dirt

• Lift grime

• Carry soil away

One end grabs dirt. One end grabs water. Together, they pull dirt off the surface so you can wipe it away.

What Are Solvents?

Solvents dissolve substances that water alone cannot.

They help remove:

• Grease

• Adhesive

• Marker

• Crayon

• Makeup

  
  

Common solvents include alcohols and citrus-based solvents.

What Are Chelating (Sequestering) Agents?

If you clean in a hard-water area, these matter.

Chelating agents (also called sequestering agents):

• Bind to minerals in water.

• Prevent streaking

• Improve cleaner performance

• Help prevent scale buildup

Common Chemical Types You May See

Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

Used for whitening and disinfecting. Very strong. Not always necessary.

Quats (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds)

Common disinfectants are found in many sanitizers.

Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner and disinfectant, often gentler than bleach.

Strong Alkalis (like Sodium Hydroxide)

Found in heavy-duty degreasers.

Acids (Phosphoric, Citric, etc.)

Used for descaling and mineral removal.

Dilution Matters (More Is Not Better)

Using too many chemicals:

• Wastes product

• Leaves residue

• Can damage surfaces

• Can irritate the skin and lungs

  
  

Always follow label directions.

Surface Safety Basics

Never use strong acids on:

• Marble

• Limestone

• Travertine

• Natural stone

Use caution with strong acids on:

• Stainless steel

When unsure: Test in a small hidden area first.

Never Mix Chemicals

Never mix:

• Bleach + Ammonia

• Bleach + Vinegar

• Bleach + Any Acid

Mixing these can create toxic chlorine gas.

If switching products: Rinse the surface with clean water first.

Simple Rule to Remember

Greasy or food-based → Alkaline

Crusty or mineral → Acid

Everyday dust → Neutral

That rule alone solves most cleaning situations.

Whether you're a fellow cleaner, a homeowner, or a business owner, we're glad you're here. If you ever need professional support or simply want to learn more about our approach, we'd truly love to connect.

Get In Touch

Questions about your home or surfaces? We're happy to help.

~ Queen Bee