All-Purpose Cleaners

A detergent is made with surfactants that aid in cleaning by reducing the surface tension of water, making soils water soluble. Water, by itself, cannot clean stains, especially organic stains, which have oil in them. Water’s surface tension does not allow the oil and the water to interact, thus the saying “water and oil do not mix”. When the surface tension is lowered through the addition of a detergent or surfactant, the water can spread itself more and is looser than it was in its normal state.

Degreasers

Have you ever wondered how degreasers work? It’s all about chemistry! A degreaser is alkaline (base) and grease is acidic. A degreaser neutralizes the pH of the grease, causing it to fall apart (dissociate) and be more easily wiped up.