WHAT IS CLEANING CHEMICAL? TYOES AND MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Cleaning chemicals are substances primarily composed of surfactants, used to remove dirt, stains, grease, oil, and other contaminants from material surfaces. They are widely used in various domains, including households, industries, healthcare, commercial establishments, and agriculture. However, few people truly understand the nature of cleaning chemicals and their classification.

What are Cleaning Chemicals? Cleaning chemicals are a type of surfactant or a mixture of surfactants used for cleaning purposes. They are designed to effectively remove various types of stains and deposits from surfaces. Cleaning chemicals find applications in numerous fields, including households, industries, healthcare, food processing, 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 enhance the solubility of stains and lower the surface tension between water and the contaminants. As a result, stains are quickly dislodged from the surfaces.

Cleaning chemicals typically consist of various chemical agents, colorants, bleaching agents, stabilizers, and other components to ensure maximum efficacy. However, the use of cleaning chemicals requires caution, as they can be harmful to both health and the environment if not used and stored safely.

How do Cleaning Chemicals Work?

The action mechanism of cleaning chemicals relies on the surfactant properties of the substances present in the cleaning solution. When dissolved in water, surfactants reduce the surface tension between water and oily substances, effectively displacing stains from the surface.

Surfactants in cleaning chemicals have the ability to trap dirt particles within their molecules, creating a strong attraction that helps remove stains. Additionally, cleaning chemicals can break chemical bonds between stains and the surfaces by using surfactants with dissolution properties, making it easier to remove the stains.

Some cleaning agents also contain enzymes or bacteria capable of breaking down organic stains, such as those found in dishwasher detergents. They can break the bonds within organic stains like oils or food residues on dishes, making them easier to wash away.

How are Cleaning Chemicals Classified?

Cleaning chemicals can be classified in various ways, but two common methods include classification based on their intended use and classification based on their chemical properties and functions.

Classification based on Surfactants:

1. Anionic surfactants: These are the most common surfactants used in household cleaning products. They contain one or more hydrophilic (water-attracting) groups and one hydrophobic (water-repelling) group, allowing them to dissolve in water and form foam. Examples of anionic surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES).
2. Nonionic surfactants: These surfactants do not have an ionic charge and are widely used in personal care and skincare products. They dissolve in water and do not create as much foam as anionic surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated alcohols and alkylphenols.
3. Cationic surfactants: These surfactants are used in products with anti-static, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties. They have a positive ionic charge and combine with negatively charged contaminants to form precipitates. Examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium compounds.

Classification based on Chemical Properties:

1. Alkaline Cleaning Chemicals: Used to clean acidic contaminants like sweat, grease, and animal-based stains. Alkaline cleaning chemicals typically have a high pH (above 7) and can cause skin and eye irritation if prolonged contact occurs.
2. Acidic Cleaning Chemicals: Used to clean alkaline contaminants like scale, lime deposits, and other mineral-based residues. Acidic cleaning chemicals generally have a low pH (below 7) and require careful handling to avoid skin and eye irritation.
3. Neutral Cleaning Chemicals: Used to clean non-acidic and non-alkaline contaminants like dust, dirt, and other miscellaneous particles. Neutral cleaning chemicals have a near-neutral pH (around 7) and have minimal impact on skin and eyes.

Classification based on Intended Use:

1. Household Cleaning Chemicals: These are used for cleaning surfaces in homes, from dishes and sinks to floors and bathtubs. They are also used for laundry purposes. However, it is essential to read the labels carefully to understand their usage and health precautions.
2. Industrial Cleaning Chemicals: These are used in manufacturing and processing operations to remove stubborn stains and deposits on various surfaces, such as metal, paint, plastics, etc.
3. Specialized Cleaning Chemicals: Designed for cleaning specific surfaces, such as automobiles, aircraft, boats, etc. Specialized cleaning chemicals may contain hazardous components and need to be used with caution.

The Role of Cleaning Chemicals:

Cleaning chemicals play a significant role in our daily lives. They are used to clean household items, personal belongings, and surfaces within our homes. Furthermore, they have vital applications in industrial production and manufacturing.

In households, cleaning chemicals are used to clean surfaces like dishes, countertops, refrigerators, bathtubs, and faucets. They are also used for laundering clothes, shoes, and other personal items. Common cleaning products include soaps, laundry detergents, and washing powders.

In the industrial sector, cleaning chemicals are used to clean metal surfaces, product surfaces, equipment, and machinery. Food processing companies use cleaning chemicals to sanitize equipment and surfaces, ensuring food safety. Additionally, cleaning chemicals are utilized to remove contaminants and large dust particles in manufacturing plants, including chemical, plastic, paper, and textile industries.

Impact on Human Health and the Environment:

Cleaning chemicals have become an essential part of modern life. However, if low-quality products are used or their quality is not controlled, they can cause various adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Low-quality cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals such as cyanide, chlorine, and ammonia, which can cause serious health issues such as nervous system disorders, skin irritation, and other health problems. When these chemicals are released into the environment, they contribute to pollution and harm plant and animal life.

To safeguard your health and protect the environment, choosing high-quality cleaning products like those provided by Long Trường Vũ is a wise choice. Their products undergo careful selection and certification by reputable agencies such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001. Clear origins and transparent documentation provide peace of mind for users.

In conclusion, we have explored cleaning chemicals, including their classification and mechanisms of action. Understanding them will enable us to use these products more efficiently and safely. Additionally, we must be aware of their impact on the environment and human health. Thus, choosing high-quality, reputable, and safe cleaning products is essential to protect our health and the environment around us