Some popular chemicals used in cleaning products are chlorine bleach, sodium hypochloride, surfactants, ammonia, formaldehyde, nitrobenzene and phenol. Surfactants are molecules that reduce surface tensions in liquids. Phenol is a disinfectant and antiseptic compound.
Chlorine bleach is often applied as a stain remover for clothes and is also used to remove mold and mildew from bathtubs. Bleach is known to break down molecules by introducing oxygen. It can be used to break down stains by separating the molecules of a stain and removing them from fabric. Germs are broken down and rendered harmless by the introduction of oxygen. Surfactants are often the active ingredients in shampoo and dishwashing solutions; they remove dirt from surfaces by loosening it and suspending it in the water that is being used in tandem with the surfactant. Formaldehyde is usually employed in cleaners not as a cleaning agent but more as a preservative. Nitrobenzene is often used as an active ingredient in furniture polishes. Ammonia has numerous uses, it can be used to clean ovens, remove grease and soap scum and even remove stains from clothing.
Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to humans. Cleaning products should not be ingested; if they are, poison control should be contacted immediately. If certain types of chemicals come in contact with a person's skin, the skin should be thoroughly rinsed. Chlorine bleach can burn the eyes and skin, its fumes are known to burn mucus membranes. When chlorine is mixed with ammonia, toxic chlorine gas is produced. It can cause massive cellular damage to the lungs if inhaled. Be sure to read the manufacturers warnings before use; warnings are usually located on the back label of a cleaning product. All cleaning products should be kept out of reach of children.
Chlorine bleach is considered to be a pesticide because it is known to kill viruses and bacteria.
According to ScienceInTheBox.com, "Surfactants lower the surface tension of the medium in which it is dissolved." By removing the tension between the medium and a given stain, surfactants are essential to the suspension and subsequent removal of dirt. Surfactants are usually petroleum-based and are considered to be non-toxic.
Most chemicals in cleaning products are diluted in water.
Often there are alternative chemicals or substances that can mimic the effects of certain chemicals. Baking soda can be used to clean and polish metals. Cornstarch is sometimes used to clean windows and carpet. Isopropyl alcohol is a known disinfectant. Vinegar can be used to remove grease and clean laundry.