Living in a clean, sanitized home is a joy. And in the wake of COVID-19, having a clean home is even more important to most of us. But are you cleaning correctly? By tapping into the science of house cleaning, you can learn more about the pros and cons of the cleaning agents you’re using and how to keep your home at a safe and healthy level for your family and pets.
The Cleaning Agents used in Your Home
All of us come into contact with chemicals every day of our lives. After all Water is a chemical – H2O. Some chemicals are detrimental, while others are completely necessary to our survival. Even if your goal is to use chemical-free cleaning agents it’s all in how you’re looking at what you’re using.
Unfortunately, many of us are buying cleaning agents at the store and using them incorrectly. A recent study by the CDC queried homeowners about their cleaning habits and found that 39% of respondents were misusing those products. That incorrect use can lead to a more toxic environment.
If “better living through chemistry” is what we’re striving for, we first need to know about the cleaning agents we’re using: what’s good and what’s bad. At the root of cleaning is chemistry. Certain products are made for certain things, whether that’s for cleaning hard surfaces, upholstery, or carpets.
Surfactants
While there are plenty of different types of cleaners that you use in your home, one type of chemical agent that is in most of them is surfactants. Surfactants are surface-acting agents. They reduce the surface tension of liquids, thereby breaking down stains and stuck-on foods. There are four types of surfactants:
- anionic: commonly found in lathering agents, such as dish soap
- nonionic: commonly found in laundry soap, toilet bowl cleaners, dishwasher detergent
- cationic: commonly found in fabric softeners and disinfectants
- amphoteric: commonly found in shampoos and body washes
The Science of House Cleaning
While most of these surfactants are fine to use in your home and around your family, the issue is when you mix these or other chemicals together. And that’s where you might not be putting the science of house cleaning to its best use. Be sure to read the labels of any cleaning products—natural or not—so that you use them correctly.
When All Else Fails…
In truth, soap and water can go a long way when it comes to cleaning. While soap and water technically are chemicals, they are a couple of the least toxic of all cleaning agents and are extremely effective. Sure, you might need to use a little more muscle, but when it comes to keeping your home clean—and your family safe—that’s a small price to pay.
Remember that at Carnation Home Cleaning, we employ the science of house cleaning using only the proper natural solutions on the appropriate surfaces, including deionized water. We are committed to the safety and health of your family, pets, and home. After all, clean doesn’t smell.
Contact us for your free estimate.
