SCI131 LESSONE 3

Acetic Acid

Found in vinegar, removes hard water stains, soap scum, and tarnish from metals.

Citric Acid

Found in lemons, limes, oranges, removes rust, coffee stains, and urine stains.

Cream of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate)

Used for cleaning brass, copper, aluminum, and freshening coffee makers.

Phosphoric Acid

Found in cola drinks, used for rust removal, tub & tile cleaners.

Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)

Found in toilet bowl cleaners, dissolves grime, concrete stains, and limescale.

Sulfuric Acid

Found in drain cleaners, highly corrosive and oxidizing.

Oxalic Acid

Used in rust removers, highly toxic and corrosive.

Hydrofluoric Acid

A powerful rust remover, highly dangerous and burns skin and glass.

Sodium Bisulfate (Sodium Acid Sulfate)

Found in toilet bowl cleaners, toxic and corrosive.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

Used for safe, gentle cleaning of glass, tiles, porcelain, coffee stains.

Ammonia

Found in glass cleaners, wax cleaners, boosts grease-cutting power.

Borax (Sodium Borate)

A natural disinfectant used in laundry boosters, wall & sink cleaners.

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda)

Found in drain and oven cleaners, highly corrosive, causes burns.

Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda, Soda Ash)

Used for removing fat from drains, grease on pans.

Sodium Metasilicate

Used for wall cleaners, exterior house cleaning.

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

Formerly used in cleaning walls before painting, now mostly banned due to environmental concerns.

Disinfectants

Kill 99.999% of pathogens within 5–10 minutes. Used in hospitals.

Sanitizers

Reduce germs to safe levels. Used in kitchens, food surfaces.

Abrasives

Rough, gritty cleaners that remove stains by friction (e.g., baking soda, scouring powders).

Acids in Cleaning

Remove mineral deposits and rust. Examples: citric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid (toilet cleaners), sulfuric acid (drain cleaners).

Alkalis in Cleaning

Dissolve grease and dirt. Examples: baking soda (mild), ammonia (moderate), sodium hydroxide (lye, strong alkali).

Bleaching Agents

Chemicals that remove stains and disinfect. Example: sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach).

Detergents

Surfactant-based cleaners that break up grease and dirt (e.g., laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid).

Surfactants

Reduce surface tension, allowing dirt and grease to be lifted from surfaces. Example: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Preservatives

Prevent bacterial growth. Examples: Parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents.

Fragrances

Chemicals added for scent. Examples: Aldehydes, synthetic perfumes.

Pigments & Colorants

Add color to cosmetics. Example: Titanium dioxide (found in makeup, sunscreen, toothpaste).

Sunscreen Ingredients

Protect skin from UV rays. Examples: Oxybenzone, zinc oxide, benzophenone.

Moisturizers (Emollients)

Help skin retain moisture. Examples: Glycerin, mineral oil, petroleum jelly.

Surfactants in Cosmetics

Allow water and oil to mix in shampoos, soaps. Example: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Toluene

A solvent used in nail polish removers.

Acetone

A solvent used in nail polish removers for breaking down polish.

GHS (Globally Harmonized System)

International system for classifying and labeling chemicals.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Document providing chemical safety information, precautions, and first aid measures.

GHS Pictograms

Symbols indicating chemical hazards.

Product Labeling Requirements

Includes ingredients, safety warnings, expiration date, and usage instructions.