Glossary of Cleaning Terms

Surfactant – molecule that reduces water's surface tension and emulsifies oils so they rinse away.

Builder – detergent ingredient that softens water and boosts surfactant performance; crucial in hard water.

Enzymatic cleaner – cleaner containing enzymes that break down specific soils (protein, starch, fat).

High-foam detergent – formulation producing rich suds; for handwashing/twin-tub, not front-loaders.

Low-foam detergent – formulation for automatic machines, where excess foam impairs cleaning.

Alkaline cleaner – high-pH cleaner effective on grease and oils; can damage acid-sensitive surfaces.

Degreaser – cleaner engineered to lift heavy grease and oil soils.

Sanitiser – product reducing germs on food-contact surfaces to safe levels.

Disinfectant – product killing a broad range of pathogens on hard surfaces at label contact time.

SDS – Safety Data Sheet; standardised hazard/handling document accompanying hazardous chemicals.

Extraction cleaning – hot-water injection and vacuum removal of solution from carpet.

Contact time – time a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface to work, per its label.