Commercial cleaning can be broadly classified into office cleaning and industrial cleaning, with each classification requiring unique approach.

Additionally, commercial cleaning involves the use of cleaning agents that have been designed specifically to address a particular cleaning requirement. Knowing the right cleaning agent to use for a given cleaning task is crucial for efficient cleaning and reduction of cleaning risks. 

In this article, we will discuss the notable classifications of cleaning agents (and their benefits) and how they blend in specific cleaning environments.

Rinsing Agents

The primary rinsing agent commonly used in commercial cleaning is clean water. Since water is chemically neutral, it is very effective in countering the chemical effects of strong cleaning agents while reducing their concentration.

Additionally, water is a solvent and is suitable for diluting other cleaning chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, to the recommended concentration.

Clean water is used to wet the floors after preliminary cleaning activities, and it helps to make the secondary cleaning easier by loosening the dirt on surfaces.

Soaps and Detergents 

Soaps are the most common type of detergents, and do exist in many forms. 

Adding soaps directly to the water ignites chemical reactions, and ensures that the stains on the floor are easily removed. The salt and metal ions in the soap's structure are released when the soap is dissolved in water, forming insoluble bonds with the stains. These insoluble stains are then rinsed off with the water.

However, soapy water is very slippery and it would help if the cleaner erects caution signs up until the floor is properly rinsed and dried.

Detergents, on the other hand, have similar functions and working principles to those of soaps, but exist in powder and liquid forms. Detergents dissolve faster than soaps, and offer better stain removal. 

It is advisable to use both the soap and detergent products at the same time for better results. Adding liquid soap and a handful of powder detergent to a bucket of water will easily remove the hard stains on the previously wet floor with each mop swing.

Acidic Agents

Acidic cleaning agents, such as hydrochloric acid, are preferred when addressing stubborn stains that cannot be broken down chemically by soap and water. 

However, you need to ensure you get the right distilled water to acid concentration ratio so as not to harm yourself in the cleaning process.

Construction site use hydrochloric acid as a cleaning agent when they want to remove dry tiling grout and other residue on the surface of the floor.

Bleaching Agents

A bleaching agent is used to remove the stains that are embedded in the structural material of a surface. Intrinsically, the oxidizing and reducing characteristics of bleaching agents make them ideal for removing such stains. 

Bleaching agents have a high pH, and are ideal to use as disinfectants and sterilizers. Over time, bleaching agents have successfully proven to work against yeasts and moulds.

Hospital facilities and floors are cleaned using bleaching agents because they help remove the blood stains and kill any infection causing pathogens.

Alcohol-based Cleaning Agents

Concentrated ethanol is the most commonly used alcohol-based cleaning agent. Ethanol is diluted and used to disinfect critical places (such as door handles and knobs) that transfer disease-carrying microorganisms.

Alcohol-based cleaning agents are also used as organic solvents, and help remove chemical stains on surfaces.

Additionally, ethanol is used clinically as a sterilizing agent and a wound disinfectant.

Alkaline Agents

Most commercial cleaning company in Michigan contracted to clean a swimming pool will use filtration methods to remove foreign debris inside the water. The cleaning staff employ the use of chlorine-based cleaning agents to clean the water and kill pathogens.

Most household cleaning use alkaline agents to clean oily surfaces due to their high pH levels.

Benefits of Using Cleaning Agents for Commercial Cleaning

Cleaning agents are versatile and convenient. Since the manufacturers include user guides in packaging, most users find these cleaning agents quite easy to use. 

These agents increase productivity by reducing the overall cleaning time, and offer great results compared to using water alone.

Conclusion

Every cleaning company should ensure that the cleaning team is trained on the best practices of using cleaning agents. It is also paramount to consult the client before deciding to apply specific agents on their property.