Types of Cleaning Compounds | Type | Uses | Hazards | Examples | | Strong alkali | Destroys microbes, dissolves protein | Corrosive, burns skin and lungs | Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) | | Heavy-duty alkali | Removes fats, mechanized systems | Slightly corrosive | Sodium carbonate | | Mild alkali | Lightly soiled areas, softens water | — | Sodium bicarbonate | | Strong acid | Dissolves surface mineral deposits | Corrosive to concrete, metals and fabric | Phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids | | Mild acid | Controls deposits, softens water | Slightly corrosive | levulinic, acetic, hydroxyacetic, and gluconic acids | | Solvent | Dissolves grease and oil | — | — | | Soaps and detergents*** | Emulsifies fats, oils, and grease | — | — | ***Household cleaners have a pH of 8 to 9.5 | |