This is a continually developing cleaning glossary.

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 A

 

Abrasive Cleaners

Definition: Abrasive Cleaners are great when you have tough caked on grime that elbow grease alone doesn't seem to budge. The grime is scratched away by the friction caused by the abrasive cleaner  the stain to lift away from the surface.Abrasive cleaners can come in many forms like a compound with added particles, to a scouring sponge or even sandpaper. In fact anything with a rough surface can be considered an abrasive cleaner if used to clear a stain away from a surface.Caution should be exercised when using abrasive cleaners as they can damage or scratch surfaces when improperly used.

 

 Full-strength

 

Scouring Powders

Available commercial products - Comet - disinfectant clean with bleach, Bon ami (contains no chlorine, dye or perfume and is biodegradable.)

Ideal usage - These powders are great when it comes to wearing off dirt in your bathroom, stains, hard water deposits and tarnish.Many commercial abrasive cleaners contain Bleach. A cleaner with bleach may be appropriate where mildew in abundance, however if you are willing to fore go the harsher chemical reaction for a little more elbow grease to help the environment - a cleaner without bleach is recommended.

To Clean - Usually sprinkled onto a wet surface and gently rubbed with a sponge or brush. The solution can be left to stand for 5 minutes then rinsed off. Use with caution and a gentle hand on enamel, plastic and porous surfaces.

 

Caution -  Do not use on silver, walls, aluminum, rubber or painted surfaces. Do not mix with other chemicals such as ammonia and toilet bowl cleans. 

 

Storage - Dry, cool place away from reach of children.

 

Disposal - Empty container can be thrown away in the trash.

 

 

Mild

Available commercial products - Soft Scrub, or a home made natural alternative - click here to see our recipe for a soft scrub alternative recipe.

Ideal usage - Cleaning Bathroom and Kitchen surfaces. Great for ferring rid of dirt buildup on the bathtub, sinks, stovetops and shower doors (glass).

 

To Clean - Apply a small amount to a soft cloth or sponge. Rub gently against the stained surface and wipe or rinse clean.

Caution -  A mild abrasive cleaner can cause scratches to delicate surfaces - always test cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. 

 

Storage -Homemade cleaner should be stored in a tightlylidded jar so that it does not dry out.

   

Pumice Stone

This is used to clean old hard to remove stains from a toilet bowl.

 

Ideal usage -toilet bowl stains that are hard to remove.

To Clean - First wet the stone in water and rub the stain ring. If the pumice stone is having little effect apply a strong cleaner to loosen the grime and try once again with the pumice stone.

Caution - Use only on chinese vitreous toilets. Do not use on enamel, plastic fixtures or colored surfaces.

 

Scouring Pads, Cloths, 

Scouring pads can range from extra-heavy duty to delicate sponges. Cloths can also vary in their texture.

Available commercial products -3m makes Scotch-Brite Pads.

Ideal usage -Appliances, china, countertops, crystal, dishes, glass and mirrors, glassware, Grills, bathroom surfaces, kitchen surfaces, pots and pans.

To Clean - Use the abrasive side to rub against the stain in order to lift it away from the surface.

Caution - Scratching can occur to delicate surfaces always test on a small inconspicous area before use.