All-Purpose and Neutral Cleaners

What it is

An all-purpose cleaner is a general cleaner for routine soil on washable hard surfaces. Many are mildly alkaline. A neutral cleaner is formulated near pH 7 so it will not dull floor finish, etch stone or attack sensitive surfaces. Both rely on surfactants to lift and suspend soil so it can be wiped or mopped away. Neither is a disinfectant unless it carries an EPA registration number and kill claims. Green Seal GS-37 is one third-party standard for institutional cleaners that limits toxic ingredients and requires concentrate packaging and dilution control.

How to use it

1. Pick the product by soil and surface. Light dust and handprints on finished floors call for a neutral cleaner. Kitchen grease calls for an alkaline degreaser. Hard water scale calls for an acid cleaner.
2. Dilute to the label rate. Use a dispenser or measuring cup.
3. Apply, let it dwell briefly, then wipe or mop. Rinse where the label says to.

Where neutral cleaners fit

Check the use-solution pH on the product's SDS or label. "Neutral" is a description, not a regulated term.

Key points

• Residue is the main problem with neutral cleaners. Mixing too strong leaves a film of surfactant that holds dirt, makes floors sticky and dulls the shine.
• Neutral cleaners are the daily choice for floor finish because they will not soften or strip it.
• Stone such as marble and limestone is damaged by acids. Use a neutral cleaner made for stone.
• Use cool or lukewarm water unless the label says otherwise.
• Clean mop heads and microfiber regularly. Dirty tools leave as much residue as an overdosed cleaner.

Common mistakes

• Adding "a little extra" concentrate, which causes streaks and sticky floors.
• Using an all-purpose cleaner as a disinfectant.
• Using an acid restroom cleaner on a marble vanity.
• Skipping the rinse on floors after using a degreaser, then blaming the finish.

Governing standards: Green Seal GS-37 (cleaning products for industrial and institutional use); product label and SDS.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.