Common categories
Detergents help lift ordinary dirt and grease. Acids may dissolve mineral scale but can damage stone, metals or finishes. Alkaline products can help with grease but need careful handling. Solvents can dissolve some oils or residues, while abrasives remove soil through controlled friction.
Disinfectants are a separate category with specific label directions and are not needed for every household clean.
Match the product to the surface
Read the surface and appliance care instructions before choosing a product. Natural stone, timber, laminate, coated glass, aluminium, painted surfaces, carpet and upholstery each have different limits for moisture, pH, heat and abrasion. Test an unfamiliar product in a concealed area and stop if colour, texture or finish changes.
Follow the label and never mix products
Use the stated dilution, contact time, ventilation, protective equipment, storage and disposal instructions. Never combine bleach with acids, ammonia, vinegar or another cleaner. Keep products in their original labelled containers and away from food, children and pets. Do not transfer chemicals into drink bottles or unlabelled containers.
Cleaning is not restoration
A suitable chemical may remove accessible soil, but it cannot guarantee removal of etched glass, worn coatings, permanent stains, damaged timber, mould behind a moisture source or pest contamination. Stop when the surface or safety conditions are uncertain and request a specialist assessment rather than escalating to a stronger product.
