Cleaning implements and Cleaning agents

Cleaning implements

Cleaning method depends upon the amount of soiling, the nature of the substance to be cleaned and the purpose for which the article is used.

Dusters: They are made of cotton fabrics and are used to wipe dust from hard surfaces.

Mop cloths: These are a kind of dusters used for mopping floors, stairs, ledges and shelves. They are of different types namely impregnated mop, static mop and disposable mop. They have a handle with polyester or cotton head.

Rag: These are used for applying polish which are thrown away when dirty.

Chamois leather: This is supple thin leather used for wiping windows and glass.

Scrim: This is loosely woven linen material which has high absorbency and does not leave linters. It is often used to clean windows, glass and mirrors.

Brushes: They are available in various sizes and shapes. The bristles are made of plastic, nylon and coconut fibers. They are used to clean toilet pans, carpets, clothes and furniture.

Brooms: Brooms are either soft or hard depending on the type of material used. They are available in different varieties. They are used to clean interior floors. Yard brooms are stiff and are used to clean exterior floors.

Dust pan: This is used for collecting dust and dirt. They are available in different shapes and colours, sizes and materials.

Buckets and basins: They are used for carrying water for cleaning. They are available in different shapes, sizes, colours and materials.

Stools and Ladders: These are used for reaching high places in the house for removing cobwebs, clean lamps and fans.

Vacuum cleaner: This is a motorized cleaner used for sucking dust. This has a disposable dust bag, brushes and tube nozzles. The suction created by a revolving fan helps in drawing the dust from the article into the dust bag. They are used to collect dust from carpets, upholstery and are used in high dusting and to collect dust from inaccessible areas.

Cleaning agents

Soaps: These are alkaline salts of fatty acids. They emulsify the grease on the articles.

Detergents: Detergents are effective in all types of water. They are non-soapy, synthetic materials.

Abrasives: They are used to remove dirt by scrubbing and cleaning the surface. Examples of abrasives are saw dust, nylon mesh, steel wool, ash and brick powder.

Disinfectants: These are used after cleaning to get rid of microorganisms.

Grease solvents: These are used to remove grease. Eg. Petrol, kerosene, spirit.

Lemon, vinegar and salt are used for removing tarnishes from metals.

Bleaches: These are used to remove stains from toilets, sinks and mosaic floors. They are obtained in liquid and powder forms.

Linseed oil, varnish and wax polishes are used to polish unpainted wood.

Polishes: Jeweller's rouge and silvo are used for polishing silver and brasso for polishing Brass. These are commercially available in the market.

Shikakai: This is used for cleaning tarnishes, metals.