20Dec2023
Cleaning With Science: Understanding The Why Behind The How
Cleaning is beyond removing visible dust, dirt, and nasty stains from surfaces. There is a complete science, ranging from chemical reactions, using surfactants, mechanical reactions of scrubbing surfaces, and a lot more. Effective cleaning requires understanding different cleaning agents and methods to achieve desired results.
This guide will help you understand the science behind cleaning, including different types of agents and their mechanisms of action to tackle stubborn stains, gunk and grime.
Professionals who perform budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne also know the science behind cleaning and other key aspects. This helps in creating a clean, healthy and hygienic living space.
For more details on cleaning with science, keep on reading the article and discover exciting facts and points:
Understanding the Concept: Cleaning with Science
How do you remove tough oil stains or grease from a hard surface? First, apply the most suitable cleaning solution or agent, leave it for a few minutes to break down stains and use your elbow grease to remove stains and grime. This is a basic fundament of how cleaning works. However, cleaning with science means understanding the nature of dust and dirt you are facing and the different properties of cleaning agents to make well-informed choices to achieve sparkling clean outcomes. Cleaning products or agents are usually made with chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach, detergent/soap, and water. Make sure you carefully store chemical products and cleaners at home.What Are the Different Types of Molecular Properties in Detergents?
Before getting into the process, it is important to understand the molecular properties of soaps and detergents that will help remove dirt from surfaces. These are:Hydrophobic
"Hydro" means water, and "phobic" refers to fear. Thus, hydrophobic molecules in detergents repel water bodies and attract neutral molecules. These can remove oil from water and even won't mix them again. It can help you remove fats, oils, grease and alkanes with ease.Hydrophilic
A detergent with a hydrophilic molecule usually attracts water and polar substances. These can help you eliminate accumulated dirt and stains from different surfaces.Lipophobic
These are oil-fearing molecule compounds that are not soluble in oil and fats. It can help repel and lift grease, oil, candle wax, and ink stains. Etc. However, these compounds won't help you tackle polar substances, such as juice spills, wine stains, egg yolk stains, etc.Lipophilic
As per professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne, it is an oil-loving compound that can remove oil-based stains, fingerprints, cooking oil splatters, etc.The Science Behind Cleaning Agents: How to Remove Dirt and Stains?
Eliminating stubborn stains and grime requires proper cleaning products that can effectively break down the molecules and make your job easier. Here are some common cleaning agents along with their key features to understand better:Surfactants
These are the most common and active ingredients in cleaning agents. Surfactants can minimise the surface tension, letting water spread and infiltrate effectively to remove dirt, stains and grime. Note: surfactants work wonders when combined with the right pH and temperature.Enzymatic Cleaners
Such cleaners use specific enzymes to remove organic stains and protein-based grime, such as food spills, blood, pet pee stains, etc. Enzymes are commonly found in laundry detergents, carpet cleaners, stain removers, dishwashing liquids, etc.Acidic Cleaners
This includes white vinegar, lemon and other citric acid-based cleaning products to remove rust stains, soap residue, and mineral deposits. The pH value of acidic cleaners is less than 7. Thus, white vinegar is one of the most powerful cleaning agents as it has a pH value of 2-3.Alkaline cleaners
Ammonia and sodium hydroxide-based cleaners work effectively on grease, grime and oil stains. Such products break down oils and fats into soap-like substances to make things easy. They have a pH value ranging from 9 to 14. However, it is always good to use mildly alkaline cleaners, such as baking soda, for safe and sound results. It can help you remove stains from wood, countertops, granite surfaces and carpets.Disinfectants
These can kill harmful microorganisms, such as germs, bacteria, and fungi, including mould and mildew.What are the Mechanisms of Action When Cleaning?
It is imperative to understand the different mechanisms of cleaning agents when removing stains and grime from your home.Emulsification
Surfactants present in cleaning products act as emulsifiers that help in dispersing grease and oil substances in water. They spread and break down the oils, letting them mix with water for quick removal.Solubilisation
Various detergents and products solubilise substances by allowing them to dissolve into a liquid solution. For instance, alkaline cleaning agents break down organic stains by breaking the bonds between the proteins and the surface. This can help you deep clean carpets and upholstery with perfection.pH Value or Level
Alkaline or acidic cleaning products help you tackle different types of stains. It is important to know which type of pH value is effective for oil stains and protein-based grime. For instance, acidic cleaners can effectively remove mineral deposits, while alkaline cleaning solvents are perfect for oil stain removal.Oxidation
Some cleaning products utilise oxidation to get rid of paint and other stubborn stains. These oxygen-based products release oxygen, break down organic stains, and banish bad odours.Mechanical Action
After applying any cleaning product, make sure you agitate, brush or scrub the stain to dislodge or lift dirt molecules from the surface.What are the Best Cleaning Techniques?
Whether it is about removing wine stains, mould infestation or built-up grease; make sure you follow these pro techniques for sparkling results:- Pre-clean the surface by removing dust mites and dirt.
- Spray the right cleaning agent. Use eco-friendly products that are safe for pets, kids and pregnant women. You can use vinegar as an acidic acid and baking soda as an alkaline cleaner to clean your house naturally.
- Let it sit for a while to break down grime and grease
- But a bit of elbow grease using a brush, sponge or a cloth to get rid of the stain.
- Rinse and dry the surface well.
