Common Cleaning Chemicals Reference

Why this matters

Cleaners are not interchangeable. Wrong chemical = damaged surface, ineffective cleaning, OR dangerous reaction. The pro cleaner who knows pH + chemistry + applications delivers safe + effective service. This is the field card.

pH scale (0 - 14)

0 - 6: acidic (descalers, drain openers, rust removers).

7: neutral (pure water).

8 - 14: alkaline (degreasers, soap, laundry, ammonia).

Below 4 + above 10: aggressive; eye + skin protection.

Below 2 + above 12: dangerous; required PPE + respect.

General cleaners: pH 7 - 11 typical.

Common alkaline cleaners

Sodium hydroxide (lye, caustic soda): pH 14; drain cleaner; saponifies grease.

Ammonia: pH 11; glass cleaner; light degreaser. NEVER mix with bleach.

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach): pH 12; disinfectant; whitening; mold/mildew.

TSP (trisodium phosphate): pH 11; heavy-duty cleaner; paint prep.

Sodium carbonate (washing soda): pH 11; laundry; light cleaning.

Sodium percarbonate (OxiClean): pH 10; safer alternative to bleach.

Detergent (Pine-Sol, etc.): pH 8 - 10; surfactant-based.

Common acidic cleaners

Muriatic acid (HCl): pH < 1; concrete etching; rust removal. EXTREME DANGER.

Sulfuric acid drain cleaner: pH < 1; clog clearing. EXTREME DANGER.

Phosphoric acid: pH 2 - 3; rust + mineral; less aggressive than muriatic.

Citric acid: pH 3 - 4; lime + scale removal; food-safe.

Vinegar (acetic acid): pH 3 - 4; mild mineral / scale removal; household.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF): pH 3 - 4; rust + concrete; EXTREMELY DANGEROUS (penetrates skin + binds calcium in bones).

Lactic acid (Glycoboost in food + cleaner): pH 3 - 5; gentle descaling.

Disinfectants

Bleach (sodium hypochlorite 5 - 6%): hospital-grade dilution 1:9 for surface; food-contact 1:100.

Quaternary ammonium (quats): long-lasting surface disinfectant; no rinse required.

Hydrogen peroxide (3%): mild + safer; food-contact OK at low dilution.

Iodophor: dairy + food industry.

Alcohol (70 - 91% isopropyl OR ethyl): rapid evaporation; electronics; skin disinfection.

Phenolic (Lysol): bactericidal + fungicidal.

EPA-registered: required for hospital-grade claims.

Common chemical mistakes (DANGEROUS)

Bleach + ammonia = chloramine gas: deadly.

Bleach + acid (vinegar, muriatic) = chlorine gas: deadly.

Hydrogen peroxide + bleach = unstable: explosive potential.

Two acids together: dangerous reaction depending on type.

Two bases together (ammonia + lye): heat + caustic spray.

Always: one chemical at a time + rinse between.

Specific cleaning applications

Bathroom mineral scale (water spots, soap scum): citric acid OR vinegar; CLR; Lime + Calcium Lime Remover. Bathroom mildew + grout stains: diluted bleach; hydrogen peroxide alternative; mold + mildew remover. Glass: window cleaner (ammonia OR vinegar-based); microfiber cloth; squeegee. Kitchen grease: alkaline degreaser, citrus solvent, TSP for severe. Stainless steel appliance: specific cleaner OR mineral oil; wipe with grain; avoid abrasives. Carpet stain: stain-type-specific spot remover; rinse + blot; shampoo for deep. Hardwood floor: pH-neutral hardwood cleaner; no water + soap (warps); no ammonia (damages finish). Concrete: pressure wash with detergent; muriatic acid for heavy stain. Vehicle/equipment degreasing: non-chlorinated brake cleaner; citrus degreaser; TSP for heavy build-up.

Pool + spa chemistry

Chlorine sanitizer: liquid (sodium hypochlorite) OR tablets (TCCA).

pH adjuster: muriatic acid (lower) OR soda ash (raise).

Alkalinity adjuster: sodium bicarbonate (raise).

Calcium hardness: calcium chloride (raise).

Stain + scale remover: citric acid OR phosphoric acid based.

Shock: high-dose chlorine OR non-chlorine.

Algaecide: copper-based OR quat-based.

HVAC coil cleaning

Evaporator coil cleaner (no-rinse foam): NuCalgon Evap-Pow'r.

Condenser coil cleaner: alkaline foam (acid types for severe).

Drain pan cleaner: bacteria + algae growth.

Application: foam, contact time, rinse (some no-rinse).

Pest control chemicals

Pyrethroid insecticides: bifenthrin, cypermethrin (common general use).

Glyphosate herbicide: Roundup (non-selective).

Boric acid (boron): ant + roach bait + dust.

Diatomaceous earth: natural; physical kill mechanism.

Pesticide certification: state-required for commercial application.

Personal protective equipment

General cleaning: nitrile gloves + safety glasses.

Concentrated alkaline (TSP, bleach concentrate): gloves, safety glasses, possibly respirator.

Concentrated acid (muriatic): full chemical PPE - gloves, goggles, face shield, apron, respirator.

Disinfectant fogging: respirator + skin coverage.

Pesticide application: full coverage per pesticide label.

HazWoper certification: for some hazardous waste handling.

Material compatibility

Bleach damages: colored fabric, granite countertop, some metals (corrosion), wood floor finish.

Acid damages: marble, limestone, concrete, metal (etches OR pits), wood.

Ammonia damages: aluminum (cleans then corrodes), some lacquers.

TSP: too strong for many surfaces; great for paint prep.

Citrus: gentle; works on most surfaces.

Always test in inconspicuous area before full application.

Ventilation + safety

Ventilation required: most cleaning chemicals.

Confined space: 3x ventilation OR respirator.

Closed-system fogging: vacate area; ventilate before re-entry.

Skin exposure: rinse immediately; some chemicals require hours of rinsing.

Eye exposure: 15-min flush with water; medical attention.

Common cleaning chemical safety mistakes

Mixing chemicals (deadly fumes). Not reading SDS (Safety Data Sheet). Skipping PPE for "small job". Mixing into incompatible material (steel can rust into concentrate). Storing in unmarked containers (poisoning risk). Concentrate poured wrong direction (always add concentrate to water; not water to concentrate). Smoking near flammable solvents. Heating bleach (chlorine gas).

Storage + disposal

Sealed containers, labels intact: original packaging.

Cool, dry, ventilated: not in direct sun OR heat.

Away from heat + ignition sources (flammable solvents).

Locked from children + pets.

Disposal: per local hazardous waste guidelines.

Don't pour down drains (most cleaning chemicals).

Local HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) drop-off: for old / unused chemicals.

Truck stock for service-trade cleaner

Basic: mineral spirits, IPA 91%, WD-40, brake cleaner, Goo Gone.

Bathroom + plumbing: bleach (5%), CLR, vinegar, drain opener (specific type).

HVAC: coil cleaner (alkaline), drain pan cleaner.

Pest control: per pesticide label + license.

Pool: per chemistry + license requirements.

Carpet: spot remover, prespray, defoamer.

References

• OSHA HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for every chemical used
• EPA pesticide labels
• Manufacturer cleaner technical data
• Manuall internal: PPE Selection by Task, Common Solvents + Cleaners