Acidic cleaners remove mineral scale, rust and soap scum; alkaline cleaners cut grease and food soil; pH-neutral cleaners are safest on natural stone, wood and finished surfaces. Clean before you disinfect, and leave a disinfectant wet for the full contact time on its EPA-registered label. Never mix bleach with ammonia or with acids such as vinegar, which releases toxic gases.
Most cleaning problems are chemistry problems. Match the cleaner’s pH to the soil, and the surface will thank you.
Match the cleaner to the mess
| Mess | Cleaner type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hard water scale, rust, soap scum | Acidic | Citric, lactic or sulfamic acid descalers |
| Grease, cooking oil, food soil | Alkaline | Degreasers, dish soap, baking soda paste |
| General dust and light soil | Neutral | Multi-surface and stone cleaners |
| Mold and mildew stains | Oxidizer | Diluted bleach or oxygen cleaners, as labeled |
Surface cautions
| Surface | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Marble, limestone, travertine | Acids, including vinegar and lemon |
| Granite and quartz | Harsh acids and abrasives; follow maker guidance |
| Hardwood | Excess water, steam, harsh alkalis; see steam mop guide |
| Aluminum | Strong alkalis |
| Stainless steel | Chlorine bleach left to sit |
Cleaning vs disinfecting
Cleaning removes soil; disinfecting kills germs on a cleaned surface. A disinfectant only works as labeled if you clean first and leave it wet for the full contact time. Look for an EPA registration number on any product making disinfection claims.
Never mix
- Bleach + ammonia: toxic chloramine gases
- Bleach + acids (vinegar, some toilet bowl cleaners): chlorine gas
- Different drain cleaners: violent reactions
Ventilate, wear gloves, and store chemicals in their original containers.
Laundry has its own chemistry; see detergent types. Browse laundry and supplies.
Common questions
What cleaner removes hard water stains?
An acidic cleaner or descaler, such as one based on citric acid, used on surfaces that tolerate acid.
Can I use vinegar on granite or marble?
No. Acids can etch natural stone. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
What happens if you mix bleach and ammonia?
It produces toxic chloramine gases. Never mix them, and do not mix bleach with acids either.
What is disinfectant dwell time?
The time the surface must stay wet for the label's kill claims to apply, often several minutes.