It is important to know the pH level of your cleaning product. Choosing a product based on its pH level will determine the impact it has on the cleaning process, the role it plays, how it is to be used, and the effect of using the product. Using the wrong chemical on the wrong surface will damage it immediately, or over time.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. 0 to 6 is acidic, 7 is neutral and 8 to 14 is alkaline. All cleaning chemicals sit somewhere on this scale. Choosing the right product is determined by the type of surface the product it is being used on, as well as the level of soiling or clean that is required. Using the wrong product on a surface will damage the surface depending on the type of surface and the amount of time it has been left on the surface.
Which cleaning product?
Most cleaning products are alkaline, because this is great for cleaning dirt stains, greases, oils, and other organics. Acidic products, found on the opposite side of the scale, are used to clean mineral deposits such as calcium buildup and rust spots. In the middle of the scale are pH neutral products such as most dish soaps, these are safe to use on all surfaces. Diluting cleaning chemicals does not change their pH. Mixing cleaning products will change their pH.
Household Bleach: pH 11 - 13
Bleach and products containing bleach are found commonly in the home. They are are great cleaning products which kill bacteria and germs, and are also very helpful in cleaning many surfaces. They have a pH level between 11 and 13, making it highly alkaline and corrosive, meaning it will corrode surfaces when left on too long. Ventilation is important when using bleach as can damage your lungs if not used correctly. It should be used cautiously and strictly according to the manufacturers instructions. Bleach products work great in the shower and toilet bowl. Be careful not to leave it on in the shower for too long as it will corrode away sealing over time. Use it sparingly and rinse it off with plenty of water.
Ammonia: pH 11 - 13
Ammonia is also another common cleaning product around the home. It ranges in pH from 11 to 13 making it corrosive, and toxic requiring ventilation and care taken when being used. Ammonia should never be mixed with other cleaning products as it can have a chemical reaction. Ammonia and Bleach should never be mixed as it creates a chemical reaction releasing toxic chloramine gas. Ammonia works best on stubborn stains and grime anywhere in the bathroom.
Borax & Baking Soda: pH 8 - 10
Borax has a pH level of 10 and is not a corrosive as bleach or ammonia. It works great on breaking down organic oil, grime, and dirt. In cleaning, borax has been used to unclog drains, clean toilet bowls, and deodorise garbage bins.
Baking Soda has a pH of 8 or 9. Its alkalinity helps remove dirt and grease. Being closer to neutral on the pH scale it is less corrosive than Borax. Its grit makes it a great scrubbing agent used in showers, drains, and as an all purpose scrubber agent.
Dish Soap: pH 7 Neutral
This is a non corrosive product that it mild enough to be used on almost any surface as an all purpose cleaner. It removes oil, grease and grime well and leaves surfaces shiny.
Dish soap for floor mopping:
It works really well as a floor cleaner, making them clean and shiny. 1 teaspoon mixed into a bucket of water is all that is needed. Dish soap works extremely well on tough flooring like linoleum, vinyl and ceramic tile. It should not be used on wooden floors as they require special products which protect the seal and minimum moisture. Laminate flooring is best cleaned according the manufacturers instruction. They to similar to wood flooring, can be damaged with excessive moisture.
Laundry:
Dish soap is great at removing oil based stains on clothes. Gently rub dish soap into the oil stain before washing in the hottest temperature water that is safe for the fabric. This works great on food oil stains and is safe to use on silk and wool.
Cleaning surfaces:
A mild dish soap solution works great on countertops, baseboards, cupboards, window ledges and many other surfaces around the home. Fill a spray bottle with dish soap and warm water, spray the surface and wipe with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Carpet stains:
Many carpet stains can be removed with a dish soap solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soapd into 2 cups of warm water, then dab the stain with a clean cloth moistened with the solution. Repeat the process until the stain is fully removed from the carpet, then rinse by sponging the spot with cold water. Pat the area dry with a cloth or paper towels.
Acidic Cleaning Products: pH 0 - 6
Acid cleaners suit a wide range of tasks and can be used with great effect. They are efficient at removing hard water stains, food stains, inorganic salts, tarnished surfaces. Use them on masonry, concrete, and metal. They also act to neutralize alkali, so are useful against alkaline corrosion and discoloration on metal.
Strong acids require great caution to use safely due to risk of burns to skin and eyes, and inhaling fumes.
Acid-based cleaners are used to remove inorganic deposits such as scaling. In concentrated form in drains they can dissolve hairs, toilet paper, grease. Some acidic detergent chemicals with PH ranging from 1 to 6 are used to clean carpets, vinyl, tiles and clean more effectively than neutral chemicals. However, they require neutralising after use to avoid surface damage from prolonged exposure of surfaces to acidity. Natural stone including marble, limestone, granite should not be cleaned with acidic cleaners as it breaks down the material. It is essential a neutralising alkaline chemical be used afterwards if they are used.