Conversely, acids are better for removing alkaline stains such as calcium deposits, rust, and other minerals.
Dish soap comes closest to being a neutral cleaner, gentle enough for use on hands and delicate items.
What Does pH Level Mean?
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Why Does the pH of My Cleaner Matter?
Also, consider the punch in of surface that needs cleaning.
So, choose an acidic cleaner when removing mineral deposits or oxidation stains.
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Alkaline-based cleaners are unsafe for soft metals like aluminum and zinc and zinc alloys like brass.
Instead, choose a more neutral cleaning solution.
Cleaners at either extreme end of the pH scale are corrosive and require proper ventilation.
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However, it is always recommended that liquid chlorine bleach be diluted with water before use.
It can also be corrosive and needs to be used in a highly ventilated area.
Ammonia is not safe to be mixed with other ingredients; harmful gases will result.
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However, it can work wonders with tough dirt and grime, making it a formidable cleaner.
Do not mix ammonia with bleach or any other cleaner, and always use it in a well-ventilated area.
Gloves should be worn when using ammonia, as it can irritate and burn your skin.
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It is also harmful to the eyes, lungs, and mouth.
Be cautious and ventilate the room where you are using tub and tile cleaner.
But It is still an alkaline substance, good at breaking down oils and organic dirt.
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This is one of the reasons that Borax makes such an effective laundry booster.
pH of Baking Soda: 8 to 9
Baking sodais also an alkaline substancebut just barely.
It has enough alkalinity to power through grease and dirt but not enough to make it corrosive.
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It is a great option for use throughout your home.
This mildness makes dish soap perfect for daily cleaning.
Be careful, though.
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Some stone cleaners can have pHs up to 10.
pH of Vinegar: 3
On the other end of the pH scale is vinegar.
pH of Lemon Juice: 3
Lemon, like vinegar, is very acidic.
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Take care when using lemons on stone surfaces or near grout.
Because of its acid level, caution and ventilation will be needed.
Some toilet cleaners can have a pH very close to 0.
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Because they are at the end of the pH scale, use extreme care when using them.
Bleach is a base solution.
Alkaline is another way of saying base.
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Bleach is not acidic at all.
It is a base or alkaline solution, the opposite of acid.
Vinegar ranges between pH 2 to 3 on the pH scale.
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World Health Organization.Annex G, Use of disinfectants: alcohol and bleach.
InInfection Prevention and Control of Epidemic- and Pandemic-Prone Acute Respiratory Infections in Health Care.
Geneva: World Health Organization; 2014.
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Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners.Washington State Department of Health.
Ammonia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
PubChem compound summary for CID 16211214, Borax.National Center for Biotechnology Information.
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Material Safety Data Sheet: Dawn Professional Dish Detergent.
Material Safety Date Sheet: Windex Original Glass Cleaner.
Material Safety Data Sheet: Windex Cleaner Vinegar.
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