Alkali Cleaners
Uses Remove and suspend heavy soil and grease so it can be rinsed away.
Cautions Strong alkalis can damage skin and fabrics. Corrodes, darkens aluminum. Most (except baking soda) are toxic if swallowed.
Mild Alkali Cleaners
Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate) Uses Soak burned-on food from pans in solution of 2 tablespoons per quart of warm water. (For heavier or sticky soil spots, sprinkle on damp sponge, rub and rinse; or make paste of soda.) Clean glass, tile, porcelain enamel, stainless steel sinks, chrome, fixtures, fiberglass tubs and showers. Remove coffee and tea stains from dishes. Clean and deodorize refrigerator.
Moderately Strong Alkali Cleaners
Ammonia Uses Use solution of 2 tablespoons per quart of warm water to clean windows, glass, ovens, range burners, greasy surfaces. Use 1 tablespoon per quart warm water to wash painted walls and rinse well. Will remove some water- based floor waxes.
Cautions- Irritating fumes. Can soften paint if too strong. Has slight bleaching effect. Use alone; combining with other cleaners may produce lethal gases.
Borax Uses In mild solution, 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of warm water to wash sinks, painted walls, etc. Laundering (as diapers) to remove odors and retard bacterial growth.
Cautions- Rinse thoroughly.
TSP-Trisodium Phosphate Buy at paint stores, especially ones painter use. Is part of some commercial cleaners.
Uses Use a solution of 1 tablespoon per gallon warm water to clean painted surfaces, porcelain fixtures, tile- glazed and unglazed. Removes soot and smoke (greasy dirt).
Caution- Always wear rubber gloves to protect skin; strong solutions remove paint. ALWAYS rinse thoroughly.
Strong Alkali Cleaners
Washing Soda (Sodium carbonate) Uses In hot solution, soak greasy burners, pans; dissolves grease from drains. Is builder for many powdered detergents.
Cautions- Highly toxic; do not get on skin. Will darken and corrode aluminum.
Very Strong Alkali Cleaners
Lye (Sodium hydroxide)
Uses Clean grease from drains and open drains. In drain and oven cleaners.
Cautions- Very caustic and toxic; can cause serious burns to eyes or skin. Follow label instructions exactly.
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