Glossary

Hard surface cleaner

11.16.21

A product formulated for cleaning painted surfaces, washable floor coverings, plastics, metals, porcelain, and other surfaces.

Hard surface cleaners come in a variety of physical forms and formulas.  There are powders that must be dissolved before use, liquids that can be diluted or used full strength, and liquids with mechanical pump dispensers or in aerosol containers.  The powders generally depend on builders to enhance cleaning and reduce filming and streaking. The liquid detergent formulations are highly individualized.  They all have a soap or detergent surfactant base, and, generally, water-softening ingredients and alkaline builders such as sodium carbonate. Petroleum distillates and pine oil may be included for grease and oil cutting.  Those products designed to deodorize/disinfect as well as clean normally contain pine oil, quaternary ammonia, or phenol disinfectants.