Abrasive
A material or tool that removes soil by friction and may scratch softer surfaces.
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Home Cleaning Glossary
Plain-language definitions for household cleaning products, methods, surfaces, equipment, and safety terms.
Agitation
Physical movement such as wiping, brushing, or machine action used to loosen soil.
Alkaline cleaner
A cleaner with a pH above neutral; compatibility depends on the surface and label.
Bleach
A family of oxidizing products; household chlorine bleach must never be mixed with other cleaners.
Blotting
Pressing an absorbent material onto a spill without rubbing it outward.
Care code
A manufacturer code indicating permitted upholstery-cleaning methods.
Contact time
The time a sanitizer or disinfectant must remain wet to meet its labelled claim.
Cross-contamination
Transfer of soil or microorganisms from one area, tool, or surface to another.
Degreaser
A product intended to loosen oils and grease from compatible surfaces.
Descaler
A product used to remove mineral deposits; many are acidic and require careful compatibility checks.
Disinfectant
A regulated product used according to its label to reduce specified microorganisms on surfaces.
Dwell time
The period a product remains on a surface before wiping or rinsing.
Efflorescence
Powdery mineral deposits that can appear on masonry when moisture moves through it.
Enzyme cleaner
A product using enzymes to break down particular soils; use only as labelled.
Extraction cleaning
Removal of soil and solution from carpet or upholstery using specialized equipment.
HEPA
A high-efficiency particulate air filtration classification used in suitable equipment.
Indoor humidity
The amount of moisture in indoor air, which can affect drying, dust, and building materials.
Lint screen
The removable dryer filter designed to capture lint before air enters the exhaust path.
Microfibre
A fine synthetic textile often used for cleaning cloths; care and surface suitability still matter.
Mildew
A common term often used for superficial fungal growth; recurring growth signals moisture control needs.
Neutral cleaner
A cleaner near neutral pH, often used for routine compatible-surface cleaning.
Non-abrasive
Designed not to remove material by scratching, though spot testing is still prudent.
Original container
The manufacturer-labelled packaging that identifies a product and its instructions.
Oxidizer
A substance that can intensify chemical reactions; some bleaches and disinfectants are oxidizers.
Patch test
A trial on a small hidden area to check colour, finish, and material response.
Porous surface
A material that can absorb liquid, such as unfinished wood, grout, fabric, or some stone.
Rinse step
Removal of product residue with water or another labelled method.
Sanitizer
A regulated product intended to reduce specified microorganisms to a stated level when used as labelled.
Sealant
A material used to close joints or reduce liquid penetration.
Soil
Dust, grease, food, minerals, residues, or other unwanted material on a surface.
Spot cleaning
Cleaning a limited area rather than the full material.
Steam cleaning
A broad marketing term that may refer to hot-water extraction or actual steam; surface rules differ.
Surfactant
An ingredient that helps water spread and loosen oily or particulate soil.
Ventilation
Movement of outdoor or mechanically supplied air through an indoor space.
Volatile organic compound
An organic chemical that can evaporate into air; emissions vary by product and use.
Wet extraction
Applying and recovering a cleaning solution from carpet or upholstery.
Working solution
A product diluted or prepared exactly according to its label for use.
pH
A scale describing acidity or alkalinity; pH alone does not establish safety or compatibility.