Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500296
06/24/03
Alkali Cleaners
Uses
Remove and suspend heavy soil and grease so it can be
rinsed away.
Cautions
Strong alkalis can damage skin and fabrics. Corrodes,
darkens aluminum. Most (except baking soda) are toxic if
swallowed.
Mild Alkali Cleaners
Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate)
Uses
Soak burned-on food from pans in solution of 2
tablespoons per quart of warm water. (For heavier or
sticky soil spots, sprinkle on damp sponge, rub and
rinse; or make paste of soda.) Clean glass, tile,
porcelain enamel, stainless steel sinks, chrome,
fixtures, fiberglass tubs and showers. Remove coffee and
tea stains from dishes. Clean and deodorize refrigerator.
Moderately Strong Alkali Cleaners
Ammonia
Uses
Use solution of 2 tablespoons per quart of warm water
to clean windows, glass, ovens, range burners, greasy
surfaces. Use 1 tablespoon per quart warm water to wash
painted walls and rinse well. Will remove some water-
based floor waxes.
Cautions- Irritating fumes. Can soften paint if too
strong. Has slight bleaching effect. Use alone; combining
with other cleaners may produce lethal gases.
Borax
Uses
In mild solution, 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of
warm water to wash sinks, painted walls, etc. Laundering
(as diapers) to remove odors and retard bacterial growth.
Cautions- Rinse thoroughly.
TSP-Trisodium Phosphate
Buy at paint stores, especially ones painter use. Is
part of some commercial cleaners.
Uses
Use a solution of 1 tablespoon per gallon warm water
to clean painted surfaces, porcelain fixtures, tile-
glazed and unglazed. Removes soot and smoke (greasy
dirt).
Caution- Always wear rubber gloves to protect skin;
strong solutions remove paint. ALWAYS rinse thoroughly.
Strong Alkali Cleaners
Washing Soda (Sodium carbonate)
Uses
In hot solution, soak greasy burners, pans; dissolves
grease from drains. Is builder for many powdered
detergents.
Cautions- Highly toxic; do not get on skin. Will
darken and corrode aluminum.
Very Strong Alkali Cleaners
Lye (Sodium hydroxide)
Uses
Clean grease from drains and open drains. In drain
and oven cleaners.
Cautions- Very caustic and toxic; can cause serious
burns to eyes or skin. Follow label instructions exactly.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU Extension
bulletin Money Saving Tips on Household Cleaners.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .