GoKlean Simplifies Cleaning Product Terms

Sometimes it seems like any specialized topic has its own language that can feel Greek to us if we are unfamiliar and cleaning products are no different.  So, we thought we would simplify cleaning terms, so no one has to feel they've been dropped into a foreign land, even if that happens to be Greece, ok not Greece but ancient Babylon and Rome (you can check out our blog simplifying the history of soap (https://www.goklean.com/gokleanblog/the-history-of-soap-simplified)).  In alphabetical order (because why not?) please find cleaning terms that are used in the cleaning industry and that you may find on our website in product descriptions.

Alkali - a chemical that neutralizes an acid.

Antibacterial - a substance that kills bacteria, which usually requires an EPA certification.

Detergent - a cleansing agent that combines with dirt to make it more soluble in water.  Unlike soap, it does not form a scum in hard water.

Enzyme - a substance produced by a living organism that brings about particular chemical reactions.

Fatty acid - a type of naturally occurring acid containing a long chain of carbon atoms.

Glycerin - a colorless, thick liquid formed during soap making.  Usually used in cleaning and personal care products as an emollient (having the quality of softening or soothing the skin).

Hand sanitizer - a gel, foam, or liquid hand cleanser that contains chemicals that kill bacteria.

Neutralize - to make an acidic or alkaline substance chemically neutral.

Pumice - a light volcanic rock used as an abrasive for removing hard skin. Often used as a generic term for any abrasive added to hand and other cleaners.

Saponification - the process of turning fats and oils into soap by reaction with an alkali.

Soluble - able to be dissolved, especially in water.

Surfactant - a substance that reduces the surface tension of liquid.