As we learned before, surfactants are the main force in cleaning and therefore make up a big portion of cleaning formulations. It is also important to know that some surfactants are very good at removing some types of soils, but not very good at removing others.
Most commonly, however, the primary active ingredient in Lysol is benzalkonium chloride, and the primary active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite.
It really depends on what kind of cleaning you need to do. If you're dealing with really tough, built-up mineral deposits, especially in your bathroom or kitchen, CLR might be the way to go. It's strong enough to handle stains that vinegar might struggle with.
Water, C9-11 pareth, sodium C10-16 alkylbenzenesulfonate, sodium citrate, carboxymethyl inulin, benzisothiazolinone, sodium carbonate, C10-16 alkyldimethylamine oxide, propylene glycol butyl ether, colorants, fragrances. Contains fragrance allergen(s).
Essential Supplies for Bathroom Cleaning
All-purpose cleaner: For countertops, sinks, and surfaces. Glass cleaner: Ensures mirrors and glass are streak-free. Disinfectant spray or wipes: Perfect for sanitizing high-touch areas. Toilet and shower cleaners: Removes stains, bacteria, and soap scum.
Common acids found in toilet cleaners include: Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): Also known as muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid is a strong mineral acid commonly used in toilet bowl cleaners. It effectively dissolves mineral deposits like calcium and limescale, as well as rust stains, making it a powerful cleaning agent.
Final Verdict. The Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover nabbed our top spot for its spray-it-and-forget-it formula that kills up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria. For a fast-acting formula that doesn't mess around, RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover starts to remove stains in just 15 seconds.
We use tetrasodium iminodisuccinate in products to remove soap scum and mineral deposits. By binding to the soap scum or deposit, it allows either to be rinsed away. Isobutane is a propellant used to dispense a product from a container.
Toilet cleaners tend to be toxic, as they contain disinfectants which can cause skin irritations. "Heavy duty" formulations often include hydrochloric acid (HCl) in varying amounts, necessitating care in handling and storage, as well as adequate ventilation while in use.
“Things like white vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing soap can do just as good of a job and are more cost-effective.” Baking soda is an especially great solution for removing rust and soap scum—especially around faucets.
CLR is corrosive. Avoid contact with wood, clothing, wallpaper and carpeting. Some laminated surfaces (counter tops) are coated with a synthetic surface which may be affected by rust removers; clean spills immediately.
Apply a Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove rust from plumbing appliances. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container. Soak the affected plumbing appliance in the solution for a few hours or overnight, depending on the level of rust.
Customers say the Zep Calcium, Lime, and Rust Stain Remover is an effective and cost-efficient alternative to more expensive brands like CLR. Many users appreciate its ability to tackle tough stains, particularly in toilets and on various surfaces affected by hard water.
Acid cleaners are the most powerful type of cleaning agent and should be used with care. If they are not diluted correctly, acid cleaners can be very poisonous and corrosive. Acid cleaners are generally used to remove mineral deposits and are useful for descaling dishwashers or removing rust from restroom facilities.
The most important ingredients in detergents are chemicals called surfactants—a word made from bits of the words “surface active agents.” Since water does not clean effectively alone, detergents help loosen dirt. The surfactants in the detergents are used to bond water to dirt and grease.
A common house-cleaning mistake is combining ammonia with bleach. This combination results in an irritating fume called chloramine gas. Exposure to chloramine causes irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and airway. Symptoms include teary eyes, runny nose, sore throat, coughing and chest congestion.
The active ingredients for this product is Hydrochloric Acid. This information is also listed on the product label.
Active Ingredients: Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (0,025%), Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (0,025%), Octyl Decyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (0,050%), Other Ingredients: (99,900%), Total (100,000%).