The difference between an abrasive and non-abrasive cleaner will indicate which to use for the different elements of your cleaning schedule. Therefore, you will need to be educated about their differences. No single product will work for all surfaces in your workplace, it is impossible or will even damage the surface or item. In summary, there are the following cleaners available: all-purpose (abrasive and non-abrasive), speciality and other cleaning aids which are more ‘natural’.
Abrasive Cleaner
Essentially, an abrasive cleaner is designed to remove heavy duty dirt in small areas. They can come as either a powder or a liquid. They remove the need for ‘elbow-grease’ as they are strong enough to remove the dirt without excessive effort. We recommend using a scouring pad to accompany the cleaner to make the process even easier. The abrasiveness of the product is because of its ingredients. Small particles of minerals such as calcite, feldspar, quartz and silica are what makes them able to clean so strongly.
The degree of abrasiveness will vary depending on the specific product and the surface it is being used on. Always check the label of the cleaning agent and the surface manufacturer's instructions before using an abrasive cleaner. This is because they can be VERY strong and could damage the item if it is not cut out for such a powerful substance to be used on it.
Some abrasive cleaners can disinfect surfaces. This is by containing an antimicrobial agent which helps reduce the bacterial population that lives on the surface. It is because of their strength and sometimes disinfecting features which make them a staple for your cleaning product arsenal.
Depending on the reason for cleaning will mean their ingredients may contain different minerals in order to successfully clean it. For example, if you want to remove a greasy film on the office kitchen sink, you may want to use a powdered variant as they are better to remove oils. If you want to remove food or mould you will want to use an abrasive cleaner which contains bleaching agents. If you want to remove rust you will want to use one which includes oxalic acid or sodium hydrosulphite in the ingredients list.
Non-Abrasive Cleaner
Similar to abrasive, non-abrasive can come in the form of powder or liquid. The powder is diluted to your desire, the liquid form can also be diluted but can be used at full strength too. Non-abrasive can also have disinfecting properties with the aim to kill bacteria on surfaces. Germs are a common cause for illness in the workplace, therefore a cleaner which can disinfect is ideal to use.
This type of cleaning product is best used for surfaces such as floors, painted walls, countertops and woodwork as they will not have direct and stubborn dirt on them which will require a stronger substance to remove it. However, because of the option of diluting or full strength, they can be used in some heavy-duty situations which do not need as much strength as an abrasive cleaner.
The main ingredients are surfactants and builders, but can also include ammonia, pine oil and organic solvents like ethanol or isopropanol. Most all-purpose cleaners work best in alkaline conditions, therefore non-abrasive will often contain alkaline buffer salt to keep the pH at a constant value.
Here at WINNS Services, we provide several different cleaning services for companies based on your time and budget. We have been established for over two decades and have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience from this. Our staff are all carefully hand-picked by us to suit your company's needs.
For more information about WINNS cleaning services or to book our cleaning services please contact us on 01702 719100 or or email us at info@winnsservices.co.uk
