Cleaning Product Ingredients: How to Make More Informed Choices

Cleaning Product Ingredients: How to Make More Informed Choices

Cleaning products play an important role in keeping homes, workplaces and facilities clean. But not every cleaning task requires the same ingredients or the same type of product.

Understanding what you're using, how you're using it and what precautions are required can help you make more informed choices about the products you bring into your home or facility.

At Culleoka Company, we believe a thoughtful approach starts with understanding the job that needs to be done and choosing an appropriate solution.

Cleaning Products Are Made for Different Jobs

Cleaning products can contain many different types of ingredients, including surfactants, solvents, acids, alkaline ingredients, fragrances, enzymes and other specialized components.

The presence of a particular chemical doesn't automatically tell you whether a finished product is appropriate or inappropriate for a particular use.

Important considerations include:

• The concentration of an ingredient
• How the product is intended to be used
• The amount and duration of exposure
• Ventilation
• Whether products are mixed
• The surface or application involved
• The manufacturer's directions and precautions

That's why reading labels and following product directions matters.

Some Common Cleaning Ingredients Require Careful Handling

Certain ingredients found in household, commercial or industrial products can present hazards when concentrated, misused or improperly handled.

Ammonia

Ammonia is used in some household and commercial cleaning products, including certain glass and surface cleaners.

Concentrated ammonia can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Products containing ammonia should be used according to their directions and with appropriate ventilation.

Most importantly, never mix ammonia with bleach or other chlorine-containing cleaning products, because dangerous gases can be produced.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, sometimes called lye or caustic soda, is a strongly alkaline substance used in some oven cleaners, drain openers and industrial products.

Concentrated sodium hydroxide is corrosive and can cause serious injury to skin and eyes. Products containing it should be handled according to their labels and kept securely away from children.

Chlorine-Based Products

Chlorine chemistry is used in products such as household bleach and certain disinfecting, whitening and pool-treatment products.

These products can be useful for specific applications when used correctly, but they require careful handling.

Never mix bleach with ammonia, acids or other cleaning products unless the product label specifically instructs you to do so.

Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene, commonly called PERC, has historically been used extensively in dry cleaning and certain industrial applications.

Exposure considerations depend on the application, concentration and environment in which it is used. Consumers and workers should follow applicable safety guidance when using or working around products containing PERC.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used in a variety of industrial applications and can also be released from certain building materials and consumer products.

Exposure varies significantly depending on the source and concentration. Rather than assuming that every cleaning product contains formaldehyde, check the product's ingredient information, label or Safety Data Sheet when you have questions about a particular formulation.

Natural-Based Doesn't Automatically Mean Risk-Free

It's equally important not to assume that an ingredient is harmless simply because it comes from a natural source.

Natural substances can cause irritation or other adverse effects, and essential oils and fragrances can be problematic for some individuals.

The better question isn't simply:

“Is this natural or chemical?”

Instead, consider:

“What is this product designed to do, what's in it, and how should it be used?”

Everything around us is made of chemicals, including water and ingredients derived from plants. The goal should be thoughtful product selection rather than treating “natural” and “chemical” as opposites.

Consider Ventilation and Indoor Air

Indoor air quality can be affected by many factors, including ventilation, moisture, building materials, combustion sources and products used indoors.

When using cleaning products:

• Follow label directions.
• Provide ventilation when recommended.
• Avoid unnecessary mixing of products.
• Use only as much product as needed.
• Store products securely.
• Pay attention to warnings and precautions.

People who are particularly sensitive to fragrances may also prefer unscented products where appropriate.

Match the Product to the Cleaning Job

One of the simplest ways to take a more intentional approach to cleaning is to avoid assuming that the strongest product is always the best choice.

Different problems require different solutions.

Routine surface cleaning, mineral scale, grease, organic odors, drain maintenance and disinfecting are different tasks and may require different formulations.

When sanitizing or disinfecting is required, use an appropriately labeled product according to its directions.

For routine cleaning and maintenance, natural-based products may provide another option depending on the application.

Culleoka's Approach

At Culleoka Company, we develop natural-based cleaning and facility-maintenance solutions for a variety of applications.

Our goal isn't to suggest that every conventional ingredient is inherently bad or that every natural ingredient is automatically better.

Instead, we believe in developing practical solutions that use ingredients and technologies—including enzymes, beneficial microorganisms and plant-derived components—where they make sense for the job.

It's about making informed choices and finding the right solution for the right application.

Simple Solutions for Life.

Less Toxins. More Life.

Explore Culleoka Natural-Based Solutions →

God Bless,

Sonny Hobbs
Founder
Culleoka Company, LLC

About Culleoka Company