An important factor that is often overlooked when cleaning is the pH value of the cleaning agents used. Understanding and adjusting these values can make a big difference for both your home and the environment. It is also important to reflect on the difference between a “neatly cleaned” surface and a hygienically clean one.
What is pH value?
The pH value measures the acidity in a solution and ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Neutral substances have a pH value of 7. Common cleaning products tend to be either acidic or alkaline to break down different types of dirt and stains.
Acidic vs. alkaline pH
Understanding when to use acidic or alkaline (solutions that are basic) cleaning agents is key to effective cleaning. An acidic pH effectively fights lime deposits and mineral stains. An alkaline pH helps break down fats and oils (e.g., ingrained dirt stains). Neutral agents are used for other purposes, such as dishwashing or cleaning delicate materials.
Balancing pH values for sustainability
Using products with extreme pH values can be harmful to both your home and the environment. By choosing neutral or mild cleaning agents, you can clean effectively without damaging surfaces or leaving residues. This is especially important for sensitive materials such as marble or wood.
You can use the following steps to guide you when choosing which pH value to use for different surfaces:
- Identify the surface: what type of surface are you cleaning – do you need to break down fat or remove lime deposits?
- Choose the right product: use alkaline products for the kitchen and acidic ones for bathrooms. Choose neutral alternatives whenever possible. All cleaning agents needed for regular cleaning are included in the starter kit we will be offering soon via the webshop.
- Protect surfaces and your health: avoid damaging sensitive surfaces by using products with appropriate pH values. Additionally, the risk of irritation or allergic reactions is reduced.
- Environmentally friendly cleaning: by using products with balanced pH values, you contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning.
Understanding and adjusting pH values during cleaning is good not only for your home but also for the environment and your health. By making conscious choices, you can create a clean and sustainable living space for yourself and your family.
Hygienic cleaning
At Luxurief, we often talk about hygienic cleaning as opposed to aesthetically pleasing cleaning (“making it look nice”). People often associate, for example, hotels with luxury as they are often presented with a “nice” room and machine-pressed sheets, but studies have shown that hotel rooms are among the most unsanitary places you can stay in (such as this study). Be it if you clean your home yourself or have someone do it for you, always make sure to ascertain that the cleaning process is meeting high hygienic standards.
