WHAT IS CLEANING AGENT? CLASSIFICATION AND HOW IT WORKS

In daily life, the use of cleaning agents is very common. They are not only widely used in households, but also in industrial, medical, commercial, etc. However, few people understand the true nature of detergents, and how to classify them. its.

What are cleaning agent?

Cleaning agents are a type of surfactant or a mixture of surfactants, used to clean stains, plaque, grease, dirt, etc. on the surface of the material. Detergents are commonly used in many fields, including household, industrial, healthcare, food and agriculture.

Surfactants have the ability to absorb dirt particles and reduce the surface tension between them and the material surface. When dissolved in water, surfactants increase the solubility of stains and reduce the surface tension between water and them. As a result, the stains are “dislodged” from the adhesive surface more quickly.

Learn about cleaning agents
Learn about cleaning agents

Cleaning agents often include chemicals, dyes, bleaches, stabilizers, and other ingredients for maximum effectiveness. However, the use of cleaning chemicals requires caution as they can be harmful to health and the environment if not used correctly and stored safely.

>>> Read more: 9 BEST INDUSTRIAL CLEANING CHEMICALS IN THE MARKET

How does cleaning agent work?

Cleaning agents have a mechanism of action based on the surfactant properties of the substances in the detergent water. When dissolved in water, surfactants help reduce the surface tension between water and oily contaminants. This causes the stain to be “dislodged” from the adhesive surface more quickly.

Surfactants in detergents have the ability to draw dirt into their molecules, causing a strong enough attraction to remove stains. In addition, detergents can sever the chemical bond between the stain and the adhered surface by using soluble surfactants, making the stains more easily removed. remove.

Working principle of detergent
Working principle of detergent

Some detergents also contain enzymes or bacteria that can break down organic stains, such as dishwasher detergent. They can break the bonds in stains like grease or food on dishes, making them easier to wash off.

How many types of cleaning agents are there?

Detergents are classified in many different ways, but the two most common are classification by purpose and classification by nature and use.

Classification of cleaning agents according to surfactants

Surfactants are the main component of cleaning solutions and play an important role in the cleaning process. Classification of detergents according to surfactants based on their chemical properties and mechanism of action. There are three main types of surfactants in cleaning agents, including:

  • Anionics: These are the most common type of surfactants used in household cleaning products. They contain one or more hydrophilic (hydrophilic) and hydrophobic (non-hydrophilic) groups, allowing them to dissolve in water and form foam. Examples of anionics are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES).
  • Nonionics (non-ionic): These are non-ionic surfactants and are widely used in personal care and skin care products. They are water soluble and do not foam as much as anionics. Examples of nonionics are ethoxylated alcohols and alkylphenols.
  • Cationics: These are surfactants used in anti-static, anti-bacterial, and anti-bacterial products. They are positively ionic and combine with negative impurities to form a precipitate. Examples of cationics are quaternary ammonium compounds
Detergent for industrial equipment cleaning
Detergent for industrial equipment cleaning

Classification of cleaning agents by chemical properties

The second classification is according to the properties and uses of detergents . There are three main types including: alkaline cleaning chemicals, acid cleaning chemicals and neutral cleaning chemicals.

  • Alkaline cleaners: Used to remove acidic dirt, such as sweat, grease, and animal dirt. Alkaline cleaners typically have a high pH (above 7) and can cause skin and eye damage with prolonged exposure.
  • Acid cleaning agent: Used to remove alkaline soils, such as scum, lime, and other minerals. Acid cleaners typically have a low pH (below 7) and should be used with care to avoid skin and eye damage.
  • Chemical neutral detergent: Used to remove impurities that are not acidic or alkaline in nature, such as dust, dirt, and other impurities. Neutral detergents have a medium pH (close to 7) and are less irritating to the skin and eyes.

Classification of cleaning agents by purpose of use

The first classification is by purpose of use, which includes household cleaners, industrial cleaners and specialty cleaners.

  • Household cleaning agents: These chemicals are used to clean surfaces in the home, from the bathtub to the sink and the floor. In addition, they are also used to wash clothes and bedding. However, when using this chemical, you need to read the label carefully to know how to use and note about health.
  • Industrial cleaning agents: These chemicals are used in the production and handling processes of goods in factories and workshops. They are designed for powerful stain and plaque removal on surfaces such as metal, paint, plastic, etc.
  • Specialty cleaners: These chemicals are designed to clean special surfaces, such as cars, planes, boats, etc.

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What is the role of cleaning chemicals?

Cleaning agents are an important part of our daily lives. We use them to clean household items, personal belongings and home surfaces. However, they also have important roles in manufacturing and industry.

In the household, detergents are used to clean the surfaces of objects such as cups, plates, refrigerators, bathtubs and showers. They are also used to clean clothes, shoes and other personal belongings. Common detergents such as soap, liquid detergent and laundry detergent are often used to clean household items.

Types of household cleaners
Types of household cleaners

In industry, detergents are used to clean metal surfaces, product surfaces, equipment and machines. Food manufacturing companies also use detergents to clean equipment and surfaces to ensure food safety. In addition, they are used to remove pollutants and large volumes of dirt in manufacturing plants. Detergents are also used in the chemical, plastic, paper and textile industries to remove impurities and strong parts from the surface of products.

How do detergents affect people and the environment?

Detergents have become an important part of modern life. However, if products are not used correctly and without quality control, they can cause a lot of harm to people and the surrounding environment.

Poor quality cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals such as cyanide, chlorine, and ammonia, which can cause serious health problems such as neurological disorders, dermatitis, and similar consequences. In addition, these chemicals when released into the environment will cause environmental pollution and harm to plants and animals.

Using poor quality cleaners, improperly can cause severe consequences
Using poor quality cleaners, improperly can cause severe consequences

Therefore, using quality cleaning products of Long Truong Vu company is a good solution for your health and environmental protection. Long Truong Vu’s products are carefully selected and certified by prestigious agencies such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001. Clear origin and transparent documents help users feel secure. interested in using this product.

Chemicals provided by Long Truong Vu always ensure quality, safety, and dedicated guidance
Chemicals provided by Long Truong Vu always ensure quality, safety, and dedicated guidance

Thus, we have learned about cleaning agents , from classification to mechanism of action. Understanding them will help us use them more effectively and safely. At the same time, we also need to be aware of the impact of detergents on the environment and human health. Therefore, to protect your health and the surrounding environment, always choose quality, reputable and safe cleaning products.