Most people like the way they smell and the fact that they can clean and deodorize at the same time. Usually sold for removing tough stains, harsh abrasives will cause damage to many surfaces. Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral compound. Out of hours enquiries welcome. Avoid using vinegar on porous stone countertops and on painted or sealed wooden surfaces. Very Strong Acids Strongly acidic cleaners are highly toxic. The ingredients in solvents include (but are not limited to) acetones, denatured alcohols, and mineral spirits. in England & Wales No. This type of cleaner is slightly corrosive and will burn skin and corrode aluminum products. She is currently in her final year of her M.S.W. A detergent is a chemical substance used to break up and remove grease and grime. As always, read the manufacturers directions before using on any surface. Shake the bottle until your mixture has completely dissolved into the hot water. Keep products, such as strong acids and alkalis, directed away from skin and eyes when in use. Swallowing sodium hypochlorite can lead to poisoning. Liquid chlorine bleach is a common household disinfectant. Store in a safe place away from other chemicals or heat, and definitely keep it away from children or pets. Some products may damage certain surfaces: Soft metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper may discolor or corrode. Cut through grease (lemon juice and vinegar). Types of abrasives include physical, mineral, and chemical. Original author: Susan Holder, Extension Housing Specialist. and Ph.D. at Texas Tech University. As part of an automated cleaning operation, an alkaline detergent is regarded as one of the most efficient and cost effective ways of removing a wide variety of soils, keeping metal clean and protected. Heres how soaking clothes in baking soda works, plus 8 other laundry hacks! If a particular dirty spot won't clean easily, try spraying it generously then allowing your mixture to sit undisturbed for a few minutes. Josh is co-founder of RusticWise. Her Extension programs focus on health and wellnessphysical, mental, spiritual, and environmental. degree at Temple University, with a B.S. Use a soft cloth to clean the interior and exterior of fridge. This is true even in an apparently empty can. For day-to-day cleaning, start with mild soaps, all-purpose cleaners, and mild alkalis such as baking soda first. A strong alkaline cleaner is one with a higher pH with powerful grease and fat removing propertiesthink oven cleaners or drain cleaners. How does an acid cleaner differ from an alkaline cleaner? Emulsification where oil particles are suspended, so that the rinsing process can take place. Sarah Jackson has been writing freelance for almost four years, the majority of her work being featured on Adventure Journey, an online travel publication. Solvents are cleaning chemicals that dissolve grease, oil, and oily dirt. These products are non-flammable. It dries clear and usually wont streak. A commercial alkaline product may also contain water softeners and detergents to boost cleaning power. For detailed information, refer to the Bleaching Agents section in this publication. Types of cleaning products include. Contact [emailprotected] or Marinfloc directly for specific details. Many sanitizers are a formulation of a detergent and disinfectant. Make sure to keep children and pets away while using this product. levulinic, acetic, hydroxyacetic (glycolic), Caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (lye), ammonia, Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. Disinfectants are more often used in clinics and hospitals than in household products. Caution: Sodium metasilicate is highly alkaline. Not all floor waxes contain spirit solvents. For example, an alkaline cleaning solution with a pH of 10 is ten times more alkaline than a cleaner with a pH of 9.. As a disinfectant, it attacks and destroys bacteria, viruses, and mold. Some are water-emulsion waxes that will damage wood and cork products. Cleaning products are available in soaps, detergents, and all-purpose cleaners. University of Florida, BASIC ELEMENTS OF EQUIPMENT CLEANING AND SANITIZING IN FOOD PROCESSING AND HANDLING OPERATIONS. at NMSU and her M.S. Clean food spills and everyday messes (all-purpose cleaners, soaps, and detergents). If this is the only place where you can store cleaning products, put safety latches (Figure 4) on the cabinets and drawers. Descale hard mineral deposits from kettles and coffee pots. Only a disinfectant or sanitizer with an EPA registration number on the label can make public health claims that they are effective in destroying germs. Borax is a medium-strength alkali thats mildly abrasiveit snuffs out stubborn stains better than baking soda., Sprinkle borax into the toilet bowl, targeting stains. In accordance with MARPOL Annex II Regulation 13.5.2 and MEPC.1/Circ.590, Tank Cleaning Additives Guidance Note and Reporting Form, eazy Aquaclean HD is approved as a cargo tank cleaning additive. Use an acidic cleaner to do the following: In general, alkalis are useful for fighting fat and grease. As a stain remover, its one of the best. One way around this is to avoid commercial cleaners altogether, relying instead on the all-natural variety. Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda or soda ash) is used as a building block for powdered detergents and washing soda. Quaternary ammonium compounds are generally referred to as quats. As most heavy-duty cleansers may damage surfaces with regular use, its important to thoroughly rinse all surfaces with water and dry. Wear a dust mask while mixing the powder with water if dust irritates nasal passages. These work to inhibit corrosion, and prevent the buildup of calcium and magnesium in water.. Refer to Table 1 for examples of acids in household cleaners. They can remove discoloration from some metals, such as aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper. Overall, they are good cleaners. When mixed in water, pine oil cleaners do not dissolve, but instead make a milky soap. Borax is toxic if swallowed in large doses, and medical attention should be sought immediately if this occurs. The information on the label will help the physician give prompt and proper treatment. Commercial cleaners may do the job, but they can leave nasty traces of the toxic ingredients that they usually contain. Baking soda is a mild alkaline powder thats a great natural cleaning ingredient. Heres why. This product eats cotton, rayon, and mortar and is very corrosive to metals. Solvent action enabling alkaline cleaners to break up the oils on the surface of metals. Simply put, no. Would you like more timeless tips via email? Read More Best Stick Blender for Soap Making: 9 Features To Look For. F (+44) 01403 800191, 2021 Eazychem Ltd, Reg. Guide G-304 Revised by Sonja Koukel College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Author: Community and Environmental Health Specialist, Department of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University. Chemical Bleaching Agents Found on Product Labels. Wash and dry the metal after cleaning to prevent rust. Coarse or harsh abrasives can be used to clean outdoor stainless steel grills, oven baking racks, and cement. (Avoid using boiling water as it may crack the porcelain.). Before discarding this type of container, hold the valve open until all the contents and gas have escaped. A disinfectant is a chemical that completely destroys all disease-causing organisms (pathogens). University of Arkansas (Division of Agriculture), Clean and Green Homemade Cleaners. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent to the contents of the bottle, then shake well once again. Sulfuric acid is a strong drain cleaner and can be found in some toilet bowl cleaners. Avoid getting them on other materials since the acids may have bleaching effects, eat through metals, or etch (scratch) surfaces and porcelain enamel. Pacifiers and toys that children may place in their mouths can be sanitized for safety. These metals may develop a cloudy appearance with prolonged use.. Most phosphates in use today, referred to as complex or condensed phosphates, have a lower alkalinity than the banned phosphates. Note: Spirit solvent floor waxes are not to be used on asphalt, thermoplastic tiles, PVC (vinyl), or rubber floors because the solvents will damage these types of floors. Many waxes and polishes for furniture and floors and floor wax removers contain spirit solvents. Check the product label carefully. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, safety goggles, and an apron. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) and disodium phosphate are rarely used these days due to bans enacted for environmental reasons. Read and follow the instructions on the label. Table 2. Keep this one away from glass windows or glass products. Takeaway: When cleaning at home, its best to customize the strength of the cleaner to the severity of the mess. For example, a powerful acid is battery acid, which has a pH of 0. Hydrofluoric acid is a commercial rust remover that will burn the skin. Remove hard water deposits on tile and tub. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products, Gluconic acid organic compound with very low toxicity, Hydroxyacetic (or glycolic) acid a mild organic acid (stronger than vinegar), Levulinic acid a non-toxic sugar-derived chemical used as a platform chemical in the production of a number of products. See the Caution section before using. When using toilet cleaners, its a good idea to wear latex dishwashing gloves to help protect your skin and safety goggles to help protect your eyes from splashes. Heres a quick comparison of various household products grouped according to their alkalinity.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rusticwise_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',127,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rusticwise_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Mild AlkalisModerate AlkalisStrong AlkalisBaking soda (sodium bicarbonate)AmmoniaDrain cleanerDish soapBorax (sodium borate)LyeCastile soapTri-sodium phosphate (TSP cleaner)Chlorine bleachLaundry detergentOven cleanerAll-purpose cleanersWashing soda (sodium carbonate)Glass cleanersSome concrete cleaners. These types of cleaners are used to unclog sink drains or in the bathroom. Photograph by Thomas E. Tamayo. Abrasives are rough or gritty. Keep cleaning products in the original packaging. Soap is an example of one kind of detergent. Alkaline detergents produce a number of chemical and physical actions, including: Compared to organic chlorinated solvents, alkaline cleaners put up an extremely strong case. For that matter, never mix any kind of chemicals since this can cause an unstable reaction and perhaps fumes, fire, or volatility (explosions). The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It is a base and is especially good at removing stains and dyes from textiles. What is rosehip tea good for? Many bleaching agents can be used as disinfectants. It is used to remove fat from drains, greasy burners, and pans. Vinegar removes hard water deposits from glassware, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from brass and copper. Acids are used to remove mineral deposits, rust stains, and hard water deposits. Acetic acid is the acid in clear white vinegar and is a natural all-purpose cleaning agent. An effective cleaning agent, ammonias odor is the main deterrent to its use. This section provides an overview of types of cleaning products that contain acids as well as best use practices. They are useful in removing tarnish from brass and copper. For more information on use and disposal of household chemicals, see Cooperative Extension Service Guide G-312, Safe Use and Disposal of Household Chemicals (available from https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/g-312.pdf), and Guide G-313, Household Hazardous Waste (available from https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_g/G-313.pdf). Mild abrasives are appropriate for surfaces such as fiberglass, laminate, countertops, grout, tile, sinks, tubs, cookware, and glass. By accessing or using any page on RusticWise.com, you agree that you have read, understood, and will abide by the: Privacy & Cookie Policy | Terms | Affiliate Disclosure. Heat causes the gas to expand, which may lead to an explosion. All strong alkalis are toxic if ingested. Read More Can You Put Bleach in Your Toilet Tank? Additionally, commercial advertisements may exaggerate the performance of cleaning products. They help water to get a hold of the grime, break it up, and wash it away. Ammonia also is found in glass cleaners and in cleaners used for shiny surfaces, like wax cleaners. Please take the proper safety precautions when handling powerful cleaning substances. The most important ingredients in detergents are chemicals called surfactantsa word made from bits of the words surface active agents. Since water does not clean effectively alone, detergents help loosen dirt. Excellent customer service. Pour all of the water into the spray bottle so that it combines with the rest of your cleaner. Also, if possible, keep children and pets out of areas where cleaning products being used. After using alkaline cleaners, acetic acid can be used as a mild deliming rinsing agent. In commercial products, citric acid is used to remove hard water buildup on dishes and glassware. Therefore, never transfer cleaners into soft drink bottles or other containers that may seem harmless to children. When you have baked on grease, clogged drains, or dirty surfaces, its time to break out an alkaline cleaner. Examples of Acids in Household Cleaners. Alkaline (aka basic) cleaners are those with a pH above 7 (with 7 being neutral). No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged that the inappropriate and excessive use of CBI claims has hidden important information from the public and even from EPA offices. Spirit solvent floor wax removers are safe and effective for use on wood, wood composite, cork, magnesite, linoleum, concrete, and stone floors. They may be corrosive, meaning they can eat away at metal surfaces or human tissue. Therefore, it is important for consumers to recognize other names for bleach. It has much the same use as vinegar. Products with lye can cause death if swallowed. Use this simple, effective, and non-toxic alkali solution to clean stainless steel and/or chrome surfaces. When a builder is present, the product is labeled heavy duty or all-purpose. Dispose of cloths and brushes used to apply oxalic acid. Community and Environmental Health Specialist, Department of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University. Mildly acidic cleaning products include vinegar (acetic acid) and lemon juice (citric acid). Calcium carbonate (or calcite) and silica are two types of minerals often found in these products. In household cleaning products, mineral and chemical abrasives are available in powder and cream (or thick liquid) forms. Do not leave aerosol (pressurized) containers on a kitchen range, radiator, or furnace; in direct sunlight; or near other heat sources. Never mix ammonia with chlorine and bleach products because this can release a highly toxic gas. When a sprinkle of baking soda and hot water just isnt cutting it, its time to break out the big guns: heavy-duty cleaners.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rusticwise_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',123,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rusticwise_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; A few situations that may call for a strong alkaline agent include: Keep in mind that cleansers high in alkalinity are corrosive and can damage surfaces with regular use. Most cleaning products used in homes today are considered safe when used according to the manufacturers instructions. It also removes coffee and tea stains from china and plastic dishes. This is because the dispersing agent within the alkaline cleaner resists any dissolved dirt, preventing any latent attack on the metal. It is difficult to identify these substances because manufacturers are allowed to label these substances as confidential business information (CBI). When the gas is dissolved in water it is called liquid ammonia. How to Clean Greasy Semigloss-Painted Walls, How to Restore Chrome on Vintage Bar Stools, How to clean a showerhead, according to an expert, How to Get Rid of Flies on My Lemon Thyme. Consumers must take care when choosing and using acids for cleaning. Sodium metasilicate is highly poisonous when ingested. They remove solid contaminants more effectively than organic chlorinated solvents; they are less expensive; and have the added advantage of being environmentally friendly. Youll not only cut down on chemical use at home, these solutions are budget-friendly. If your toilet tank is looking bad and smelling worse, you may wonder, can you put bleach in your toilet tank? Those toxic traces are then breathed in--or even accidentally ingested--by those who live where they've been used. Saponication where oils and fat deposits are removed from compounds by converting them into water-soluble compounds. It contains acetic acid, which gives this clear liquid its cleaning power. Note that a change in number represents a 10-fold change in the alkalinity or acidity of the solution. 4 Bad Things That Can Happen, Best Dream Pillow Herbs To Use in Your DIY Sleep Pillow, Best Stick Blender for Soap Making: 9 Features To Look For, A quick look at the pH scale and how it affects cleaning. Generally, the larger the particles used in the product, the harsher the cleaner. Rosehips are full of vitamin C and antioxidants and are used for a wide range of medicinal purposes. Quats are economical and effectively control odors when used according to the manufacturers directions. Figure 2. In general, acids are useful for removing water buildup, and mineral deposits such as limestone and calcium. Do not use these products full-strength or leave them soaking on waxed or freshly painted surfaces. This publication provides definitions of common ingredients and guidelines for selecting products for household use. While vinegar is a popular natural and non-toxic ingredient in the green cleaning world, you should still use care when using it. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact pubs@nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication. See the Caution section before using. Products that do contain TSP are banned or restricted use in many states. To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences on the World Wide Web at pubs.nmsu.edu. Products containing flammable liquids should never be used near open flames, including pilot lights on kitchen ranges or gas clothes dryers, furnaces, or lit cigarettes. No cleaning solution will be effective against all types of dirt, fat, grease, oil, or mineral buildup. This will allow it to fight the filth, after which you should be able to wipe away with the rag. Use caution when handling strong alkaline cleaners as they are caustic and can harm eyes and skin, and should not be inhaled. Regulations require that all hazardous substances be labeled with the statement Keep Out of the Reach of Children (Figure 2). It can be found in toilet bowl cleaners and tile and grout cleaners, among other products. See the Caution section (at the end of this Acids section) for more information on safe use. All other rights reserved. It makes a highly effective cleaner that can remove dirt and marks from walls in preparation for painting, and can attack stubborn soils on siding when cleaning the exterior of a home. Alkalis help clean food spills, oils, grease, and everyday things that get dirty. A bottle of commercially available liquid chlorine bleach. Although vinegar is widely used as a disinfectant in household cleaning, the packaging cannot claim the product as a disinfectant because it is not registered with the EPA. Hopefully we have the answers. Sodium bisulfate (also known as sodium acid sulfate) can be found in toilet bowl cleaners. To be labeled as a disinfectant, the EPA stipulates that the product must destroy 99.999% of pathogens within 5 to 10 minutes. If an accident occurs while you are using a hazardous substance, refer to the product label for the appropriate first aid procedures. Safety tips when using a strong alkaline cleaner, Table: A Comparison of Mild, Moderate and Strong Alkaline Cleaners, A closer look at strong alkaline cleaning agents, How to make your own DIY alkaline solution, DIY toilet bowl cleaner with borax (moderate-strength), chemical drain cleaners as a last resort for severely clogged drains, sodium hydroxide lye (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide lye (KOH), sodium hydroxide lye (also called caustic soda), https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ph-scale-0, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS077, https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/sodium-hydroxide/, https://www.uaex.uada.edu/environment-nature/water/quality/clean-green-homemade-cleaners.aspx. Lye emits dangerous fumes and can cause skin burnsand in some cases blindnessif the fumes come in contact with your eyes. Liquid chlorine bleach (Figure 1) is an alkaline solution of sodium hypochlorite dissolved in water. Disinfectants are applied directly to non-porous surfaces, such as diaper changing tables, countertops, door and cabinet handles, toilets, and other bathroom surfaces. Mild cleaners made from these acids are safe for use around children and pets. Many household cleaners are stored under the kitchen sink in cabinets that are not locked. The most frequent misuse is accidental swallowing by curious children (Figure 3). Store your all-natural cleaner in a spray bottle on the shelf, out of the reach of children. These are salt compounds used with a variety of additional ingredients to create a safe and effective disinfectant. Cleaners that contain solvents include spot removers, rug cleaners, sanitizers, drain cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners. What is Purslane Good For: A Healthy Wild Plant, What is Rosehip Tea Good for: 5 Health Benefits and How to Make It, Soaking Clothes in Baking Soda + (8 Other Surprising Tricks), Can You Put Bleach in Your Toilet Tank? But, since its so powerful, its best to dilute with water. When surfaces are damaged in this way, they soil faster and stain deeper. Moderate Alkalis Ammonia is a strong, colorless gas. Mixed with water, this solution is used on areas that require a mild cleaning. A childproof safety latch on a cabinet door. It is environmentally sensitive, does not contain petroleum solvents and is suitable for hydrocarbon-free cleaning. Immediately wash off any products that you splash or spill on your skin. Lets take a closer look at the differences between acids and bases for cleaning. Here's how to make an all-natural alkaline cleaner. Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. Be prepared for any emergency in your home. While there are plenty of commercial cleaners on the market today, you can make your own simple alkaline solution using natural mineral salts. Of the natural mineral salts, baking soda is the mildest, followed by borax, and washing soda is the strongest. Heat up 2 cups of water in a regular pan. Avoid getting them on your skin or in your eyes. It safely cleans glass, wall tile, and porcelain enamels. Baking soda is one of the most affordable and easy-to-use alkalis. Detergents are an ingredient found in many home cleaning products. They also destroy microorganisms. What are strong household alkaline cleansers used for? They are effective in destroying a wide range of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Sometimes messes are so stubborn or severe that you require something with more power. It will last for years! This is the worst place to store household cleaners. Marketing and Communications | MSC 3K, P.O. They are used for removing wax, oil, and grease. In the home, borax is used as a natural laundry booster; multipurpose cleaner for woodwork, walls, sinks, and carpets; deodorizer; and disinfectant. Be careful to not spray in your face, especially your eyes! Regular use may scratch the shiny finishes of sinks, bathtubs, and kitchen appliances, making them dull and rough. Use an alkaline cleaning agent to do the following: And, lets not forget about mild soaps, sometimes referred to as neutral washing agents. They clean surfaces by creating friction that lifts off hardened food particles, grease, tarnish, and stains. Thats why its important to understand the chemistry behind various household cleaners and how they work. Alternatively, you can create a baking soda paste with just a touch of water to scrub out troublesome spots. Buy products in childproof containers and store them in cabinets with childproof latches. We will work with you to develop a bespoke solution that works perfectly for you! Mix until dissolved. Read More Soaking Clothes in Baking Soda + (8 Other Surprising Tricks). Sodium metasilicate is mixed with water to form a cleaning solution. The safety of a laundry detergent depends on the brand and the additional chemicals it may contain. Alkaline cleaners include soluble salts ranging from mild (baking soda) to strong (washing soda). Calcium carbonate is the mildest of abrasives, with the finest abrasive found in the cream form. Polish metal faucets on sinks, showers, and tubs. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Modifications to the chemical information reporting rule are ongoing. It will burn the skin and emit dangerous fumes. Oxalic acid is a bleaching agent that is an effective rust remover. Revised and electronically distributed September 2012, Las Cruces, NM. Anything that is rough to the touch can be considered an abrasive when used to remove spots or stains from a surface. If you require any assistance with marine cleaning chemicals, eazy Aquaclean HD is a heavy duty, water-based alkaline cleaner and degreaser, designed for use in conditions requiring effective removal of oily deposits. Detergency once active wetting agents are applied to the surface, this decreases tension in the oil surface, encouraging better penetration and displacement of soil from metals. Also, make sure that there is good ventilation in the room when these cleaners are used. These heavy duty detergents have proven to be a highly effective agent for maintaining effective levels of cleanliness and hygiene in cargo tanks and on other metal surfaces. Store it out of reach of children or pets. Additionally, chlorine bleaches are used for controlling mold and mildew and for disinfecting surfaces. Use the baking soda box as a fridge freshener. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current label directions of the manufacturer. The product can be used for cleaning vegetable, animal and mineral oils/petroleum products after cargo discharge and is ideal for removing inert gas soot deposits (IGS) from cargo tanks. It also is a powerful oxidizer. Alkaline cleaners are composed of alkali salts, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda or soda ash), sodium metasilicate, and trisodium phosphate (TSP). (Print Friendly PDF). Remove baked on fat, oil, or grease particles. Installing childproof latches on cabinets can prevent children from opening them and possibly ingesting dangerous chemicals. Visit the EPA website for more information on the agencys efforts to increase transparency in chemical access (Increasing Transparency in TSCA. Scrub with brush and flush. Add 2 teaspoons of borax to the contents of the spray bottle, then shake several times. Locate a regular spray bottle with a screw-on, screw-off the top. https://www.eazychem.co.uk/product/eazy-aquaclean-hd/. It dissolves best in warm water. Builders enhance the detergents efficiency. Wear gloves and safety goggles when using these products. Most heavy-duty cleaners are corrosive and may. Acid-based disinfectant cleaners are very irritating to your eyes and skin and will burn your throat. Pine Sol is an example of a pine oil cleaner/disinfectant. Hydrochloric acid comes from a mixture of common table salt and sulfuric acid. Often, household products sold as disinfectants are also effective as sanitizers. Unclog drains (most particles are oily in nature). Phosphates are a type of builder commonly found in detergent products. Use with adequate ventilation and follow all labeled precautions. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with pH 7 being neutral. Read More Best Dream Pillow Herbs To Use in Your DIY Sleep Pillow. Bleaching agents may not list the term bleach on the product label. Dedicated account manager. A sanitizer is a product that reduces germs on surfaces to levels considered safe by public health codes or regulations. All poison control centers now have the same telephone numberit doesnt matter which state you live in. Pour the hot (not boiling) water into the bowl. It is best for general household cleaning on surfaces that can tolerate a strong, acidic product. When using hydrochloric acid, be careful to not let the cleaner come in contact with eyes and skin.