Do you want to create sparkling, fresh, and healthy spaces in your home, office or facility? Do you need cleaning products that get the job done efficiently and effectively? If you answered yes, then you've come to the right place!
In this comprehensive guide, you'll find all the information you need to choose the best cleaning products for your environment and needs. Whether you're looking for all-purpose cleaners, stain removers, odour eliminators, specialty cleaners, disinfectants, carpet cleaners, or floor cleaners, we've got you covered!
Cleaning products are an essential part of our daily lives but with so many available it can be difficult to choose the right one. That's why knowing the different types of cleaning products available, their benefits, and how to use them effectively is important.
The Different Types Of Cleaning Products
There are several different types of cleaning products available in the Australian market, and each has one has its own unique benefits. The most common types of cleaning products used by professionals and at home include:
1. All-Purpose Cleaners
Remove the dirt, scum, grime and streaks with all-purpose cleaners. These versatile cleaning products can be used on multiple hard surfaces in your home and workplace. You can use all-purpose cleaners on surfaces like desks, countertops, benches, walls, glass, windows, mirrors, floors, doors, sinks, basins and appliances. Ready-to-use and concentrated formulations are available in eco-friendly, streak-free and heavy-duty options.
2. Specialty Cleaners & Stain Removers
Specialty cleaners are all those problem solving cleaning products that don't get used as regularly as all-purpose cleaners. Examples include mould removers, stainless steel polish, graffiti removers, floor coating strippers, specialty carpet stain removers, hard water stain removers for glass, marble polishing compounds, heavy duty cleaners, decontamination treatments, leather cleaners and more.
3. Surface Disinfectants & Sanitisers
Disinfectants and sanitisers kill nasty germs and bacteria on surfaces where they are likely to thrive such as bathrooms, kitchens, hospitals and common touchpoints within a facility. They are an essential cleaning product for maintaining a healthy home or workplace.
4. Bathroom Cleaners
The bathroom is one of the toughest places to regularly clean. There's soap scum and stains on shower glass, dirty bathtubs, stinky urinals, difficult-to-clean tiles and grout, smeared-on mirrors, soiled sinks, stained toilet bowls and more. No one wants to take longer than they need to clean a bathroom. That's why choosing the best bathroom cleaners is a brilliant time and money saver.
Note: Bathroom cleaners that are acidic tend to be better on scale, rust and watermarks but keep in mind this type of cleaner may damage some natural stone surfaces like marble.
5. Carpet Cleaners
Say goodbye to dirt, stains and odours with carpet, upholstery and rug cleaning products. You can buy liquids or powders, fragranced or hypoallergenic, super concentrates and ready-to-use, eco-friendly and heavy-duty, pre-sprays or in-tank solutions... there's a huge range of professional carpet cleaning products and chemicals available to get the job done safely and fast.
6. Hard floor cleaners
Make your floors shine with floor cleaners that are designed to clean and protect different types of floors, such as ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, hardwood, marble, vinyl, epoxy, or polished concrete. When buying a floor cleaner for use with a floor mop or floor cleaning machine there are lots of options including eco-friendly, super concentrates, heavy-duty, streak-free, liquids, powders, probiotics, enzymes and more.
7. Odour Eliminators
Stop the stink from urine, bins, drains, urinals, pets, carpets and anywhere that smells. Odour eliminators don't just cover the smell with a deodorant or fragrance, they eliminate it! This type of product does not rely on a fragrance to work. They can come with a fragrance or be fragrance-free. There are liquids, powders, granules, aerosols, automatic dispensers, full-release foggers, impregnated plastic screens, absorbents and more to choose from.
The 4 E’s When Choosing a Cleaning Product.
1. Efficiency (Does it work?)
Consider…
• Does your cleaning system work well?
• Is it easy to understand?
• Does it aim to achieve long-lasting results?
• Doing the job right the first time will reduce re-soiling and can save you more work down the track.
• Ensure surfaces do not sustain damage by the chemical, agitation or method used.
2. Ergonomics (Is it easy to use?)
Consider…
• How much physical effort is required?
• Ease of use and weight of cleaning tools or equipment
• Storage of cleaning products and equipment
• Workplace health and safety issues
3. Economy (How much does it cost?)
What is the highest cost of cleaning?
1st - Labour costs (Time)
2nd - Administration and Insurance
3rd - Accessories and consumables (Mops etc.)
4th - Cleaning solutions and chemicals
Did you know that on average, more than 95% of cleaning costs are labour related? The latest technologies available mean effort and time taken can be greatly reduced. Time is our most valuable commodity. Where you can save time you save money.
4. Ecology (What is the environmental impact or advantage?)
Environmentally-friendly solutions are easy to find. These products are better than traditional cleaning chemicals however the ultimate ecological cleaning products can actually improve the environment. A great example of this is XO2's probiotic cleaners that use 'good bacteria' to digest organic waste. That is nature's way of cleaning and it works for indoor environments that need cleaning too.
Beware of Green-Washing Cleaning Products
Here is some cleaning product claims to be aware of. If you see these claims make sure you take a closer look or at least understand what is meant by the term. Here are a few tips and tricks to be aware of.
1. 'Chemical-free' cleaning products
The term 'chemical-free cleaning product' usually means the product does not contain any ingredients that are classed as hazardous. This is a very low standard and is often misunderstood by consumers who think 'chemical-free' means there are no chemicals in the product which is not the truth. Remember that water (H2O) is a chemical.
2. 'Eco-friendly' cleaning products
The term 'eco-friendly cleaning product' simply means the product is better for the environment than traditional cleaning chemicals. Being friendlier doesn't necessarily mean that it's good for the environment.
3. 'Allergy-free' cleaning products
The term 'allergy-free cleaning product' means that allergy sufferers are less likely to have a reaction to the product. This type of product is often fragrance-free but is not a 100% guarantee that no allergic reaction is possible. Allergic reactions are always possible, even just with exposure to water.
4. 'Eco-certified' cleaning products
Many eco-friendly cleaning product manufacturers use 3rd party eco-certification for their products. These independent organisations will in some cases test products to say they are friendlier to the environment than traditional cleaning chemicals. Keep in mind that manufacturers pay money for these certifications so they can use them in their marketing. The certifications do indicate a standard but they don't tell you if a product with a certification is any better than one without. Some of the certifications include GECA, Rainforest Alliance, EU EcoLabel, Global Green Tag, Sensitive Choice and Recognised Environmental Credentials Scheme.
5. 'Planet-friendly' cleaning products
The term 'planet or earth-friendly cleaning product' means the same as 'eco-friendly cleaning product'. The product is deemed to be better and friendlier for the environment than traditional cleaning chemicals.
6. 'No nasties' cleaning products
The term 'no nasties' in most cases refers to the claim that the cleaning product contains no ingredients that are classed as hazardous. There have been instances where this term is used to describe the finished product as not being classed as hazardous but may still contain hazardous ingredients in small amounts that are under certain thresholds.
7. 'No animal testing' cleaning products
Many cleaning products claim 'no animal testing' has occurred when creating or developing their product. This claim does not mean all of the raw material ingredients have never been tested on animals at some stage. Raw material testing is usually beyond the control and in some instances knowledge of the product manufacturer.
Benefits of Using Amazing Cleaning Products
1. Improved health and hygiene.
A clean and hygienic environment is a healthy one where staff, guests, patients, students and visitors have less sick days. Good cleaning practices will remove harmful bacteria which helps to eliminate infection, germs and bad odours.
2. Better appearance and improved corporate image.
An excellent appearance and aesthetic appeal attracts business and increases confidence amongst customers and staff.
3. Better safety and productivity.
Reduce the number of accidents due to slipping and falls. Reduce insurance claims and costs.
4. Morale building.
Higher levels of motivation, pride and job satisfaction in your team.
5. Preventative maintenance extends surface life and lowers replacement costs.
Good cleaning extends the life of surfaces and equipment.
6. Cost savings and improved efficiency.
Experience improvements in the efficiency of labour, equipment and business in general.
7. Higher profits from being proactive, not reactive.
Cleanliness improves the image, health and performance of an organization. Staff have less sick days and the client’s experience will be improved. When you reinforce the quality of your product or service with cleanliness… you and your organisation will be more successful.
Let us know what other reasons you have found cleaning to a high standard is a good idea.
How to Use Cleaning Products Effectively
Using cleaning products effectively requires a few simple steps:
1. Read the label and SDS
Read the label and safety data sheet carefully to understand the cleaning products intended use, ingredients, and any safety precautions.
2. Test first
Always test the cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage the surface.
3. Follow the instructions
Follow the product instructions to use the correct amount, dilution, and application method for the product. If there are no instructions or identifying label do not use the product.
4. Wear PPE
Use protective gear, such as gloves or a mask, when necessary. Even if the cleaning product claims to be natural, environmentally friendly or chemical-free it is always advised to at least wear gloves.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cleaning products is a must for maintaining a clean, fresh, and healthy environment in your home, office, school or facility. The right cleaning product will save you time, money and energy.
For many people, the cleaning products they use must also align with their values. Some of these values might include ethical sourcing of raw materials, no testing on animals, recyclable or biodegradable packaging (or no packaging at all), low carbon emissions, no child labour in manufacturing and other environmental and sustainable requirements.
By selecting the right cleaning products, you can protect your surfaces, remove tough stains and grime, and keep germs and bacteria at bay. All while helping to protect people and the environment from nasty chemicals and packaging that goes to landfill.
David Blamire, CEO at XO2
David is one of Australia's leading cleaning industry innovators. He's spent his entire working life solving cleaning challenges others thought were impossible. He's best known for his product creation and development skills along with a deep knowledge of business operations and all things ERP. In his spare time, David's a keen fisherman and adventurer. And he doesn't mind if you call him Davo.
Get in touch with David at www.xo2.com.au. He works from XO2's national headquarters and manufacturing centre in Queensland, Australia.