Product Use & Safety
Choosing the right product for the right surface prevents stains, etching, scratches, and injuries. This page is a helpful starting point. The product label and its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) always come first.
Before you use any product
- Read the entire label. It tells you what the product is for, how to dilute it, how long to leave it on, and what protection to wear.
- Check the signal word. CAUTION is the lowest hazard level, WARNING is higher, and DANGER is the highest.
- Test in a hidden spot first, especially on stone, grout, wood, carpet, fabric, and painted or coated surfaces.
- Never mix chemicals. Use one product at a time and rinse before switching.
- Ventilate and protect yourself. Wear the gloves and eye protection the label calls for.
- If this page and the label ever disagree, follow the label.
Look up a product
Products are grouped by type. Open a type to see how those products should be used and what to avoid with each one.
No product matches that name. Check the label, or ask us.
Acid cleaners: toilets, showers, hard water, cookware
11 products
Acids dissolve minerals: hard water scale, soap scum, rust, and urine scale. They are the right tool for porcelain toilets, urinals, and acid-safe tile. The same chemistry etches marble and other stone, eats into grout, and dulls chrome and brass.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Read the label and put on gloves and eye protection.
- Confirm the surface is one the label lists. Never use acids on marble, travertine, limestone, terrazzo, or other natural stone.
- Pre-wet the surface if the label says to.
- Apply, and let it sit only as long as the label says. Do not let it dry on the surface.
- Scrub with a tool that will not scratch the surface, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Keep the area ventilated. Never use with or right after bleach.
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser
Oxalic-acid scouring powder
Use it for: Rust, tarnish, and stains on stainless steel, porcelain, and cookware.
Do NOT use on: Marble, granite, other natural stone, fiberglass, acrylic, gold, silver, mirrored, painted, or lacquered finishes
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; let dry on surface; use without gloves
Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleaner
Oxalic-acid cookware cleanser
Use it for: Stainless steel pots and pans.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, cast iron, gold, silver, nonstick coatings
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; let dry on surface
Bar Keepers Friend More Foaming Cleaner
Acidic spray cleaner (signal word: DANGER, causes serious eye damage)
Use it for: Spray cleaning of stainless, porcelain, and tile.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, gold, silver, mirrored or painted finishes
Do NOT: Use without eye protection; mix with bleach; let dry on surface
Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner
Cooktop cream
Use it for: Smooth glass and ceramic cooktops (when cool).
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, gold, silver, painted finishes
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; use on a hot cooktop
Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
Mild-acid liquid cleanser
Use it for: Gentler liquid cleaning of stainless, porcelain, and tile.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, gold, silver, mirrored or painted finishes
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; let dry on surface
Brite and Clean Hard Water Stain Remover
Acid stain remover
Use it for: Hard water spots on glass shower doors, tile, and fixtures.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, colored grout, aluminum, coated or tinted glass
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; leave to dwell on chrome or plated fixtures
Clinging Bowl Cleaner
Acid bowl cleaner
Use it for: Inside toilet bowls and urinals: hard water rings, scale, and stains.
Do NOT use on: Anything outside the bowl: natural stone, grout, chrome, brass, painted surfaces
Do NOT: Mix with bleach (toxic gas); use without gloves
Foamee Mild Acid Cleaner
Acid restroom cleaner
Use it for: Restroom soap scum and mineral buildup on acid-safe tile and fixtures.
Do NOT use on: Marble, travertine, limestone, terrazzo, colored grout
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; let dry on surface
Out Most Delimer
Acid delimer
Use it for: Removing mineral scale and lime buildup from acid-safe surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, colored grout, chrome or plated fixtures (long dwell)
Do NOT: Mix with bleach; use without gloves
Sanivac Lime Remover
Concentrated mild-acid lime and scale remover (label signal word: DANGER)
Use it for: Lime, rust, scale, hard water, soap scum, and tub rings in baths, showers, and kitchens, diluted as the label directs.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, colored grout, aluminum, and chrome or plated fixtures (long dwell)
Do NOT: Use undiluted unless the label says to; mix with bleach; let dry on surface; use without gloves and eye protection
Winsol Crystal Clear 550
Professional glass restorer; contains hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids (signal word: DANGER)
Use it for: Professional restoration of uncoated, clear float glass: hard water stains, mineral deposits, and Stage 1 glass corrosion. It cannot fix Stage 2 corrosion.
Do NOT use on: Window frames or any non-glass surface; self-cleaning (titanium-coated), coated, tinted, mirrored, or stained glass; natural stone, brick, or masonry
Do NOT: Use without chemical gloves, splash goggles, and protective clothing; let it touch skin or eyes; leave spills (rinse immediately); mix with bleach or any other product; treat a whole window before testing a small area; keep going if the glass turns hazy or white
Contains hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid burns may not hurt right away but can cause serious injury. Any skin or eye contact needs immediate medical attention: call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and follow SDS Section 4. Sold for professional use; read the label and SDS with the customer.
Bleach and chlorine cleansers
5 products
Chlorine bleach whitens and disinfects. It does not remove dirt well, so surfaces should be cleaned first. Bleach reacts dangerously with acids, ammonia, and alcohol, and it pits stainless steel and discolors fabrics, carpet, and wood.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Work in a ventilated area with gloves and eye protection.
- Clean the surface first; bleach works on clean surfaces.
- Dilute in cool water exactly as the label directs. Never use full strength unless the label says to.
- Keep the surface wet for the label's contact time.
- Rinse food-contact surfaces if the label requires it.
- Use one product at a time. Never mix bleach with anything.
Ajax Oxygen Bleach Cleanser
Scouring powder
Use it for: Scouring durable surfaces like porcelain and ceramic.
Do NOT use on: Fiberglass, acrylic, stainless, glass cooktops, chrome, natural stone, high-gloss finishes
Do NOT: Mix with acids or ammonia; use on an untested surface
Clorox Bleach
Chlorine bleach
Use it for: Disinfecting and whitening bleach-safe surfaces and laundry, diluted per label.
Do NOT use on: Stainless, aluminum, wood, carpet, colored fabric, natural stone
Do NOT: Mix with ammonia, acids, vinegar, alcohol, or any other cleaner; use undiluted when the label says dilute
Clorox Clean-Up Disinfectant with Bleach
Bleach spray
Use it for: Ready-to-use disinfecting of bleach-safe hard surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Stainless, natural stone, wood, carpet, colored fabric
Do NOT: Mix with any other cleaner
Comet Cleaner with Bleach
Bleach scouring powder
Use it for: Scouring porcelain sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Do NOT use on: Fiberglass, acrylic, stainless, glass cooktops, chrome, natural stone
Do NOT: Mix with acids or ammonia
Pure Bright Bleach
Chlorine bleach
Use it for: Disinfecting and whitening bleach-safe surfaces and laundry, diluted per label.
Do NOT use on: Stainless, aluminum, wood, carpet, colored fabric, natural stone
Do NOT: Mix with ammonia, acids, vinegar, alcohol, or any other cleaner
Disinfectants and sanitizers
9 products
Disinfectants kill germs only when used on a clean surface, at the right dilution, for the full contact time printed on the label. Wiping them off early means the surface is not disinfected.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Clean the surface first and remove visible dirt.
- For concentrates, measure the dilution with a measuring cup or dispenser. Never guess.
- Apply so the surface stays visibly wet for the full contact time on the label.
- Let it air dry or wipe as the label directs. Rinse food-contact surfaces if the label requires it.
- Mix fresh solution as often as the label says.
- Do not use right before an enzyme product; disinfectants kill the enzymes.
Clear Pine
Pine disinfectant cleaner
Use it for: Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces with a pine scent.
Do NOT use on: Food-contact surfaces without rinse; unsealed wood
Do NOT: Mix with other cleaners
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfecting wipes
Use it for: Quick disinfecting of hard, non-porous touch points.
Do NOT use on: Unsealed wood, natural stone, leather, screens unless the label allows
Do NOT: Use on skin; flush
Clorox Wipes
Disinfecting wipes
Use it for: Quick disinfecting of hard, non-porous touch points.
Do NOT use on: Unsealed wood, natural stone, leather, screens unless the label allows
Do NOT: Use on skin; flush
Germ Bloc Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Use it for: Sanitizing hands when soap and water are not available.
Do NOT use on: Surfaces (not a surface cleaner)
Do NOT: Use near flame; mix with bleach
Neutral Germicidal Cleaner - Concentrate
Quat disinfectant
Use it for: One-step cleaning and disinfecting of hard, non-porous surfaces after dilution.
Do NOT use on: Food-contact surfaces without the label rinse; unsealed wood
Do NOT: Skip the label contact time; use right before an enzyme product
Neutral Germicidal RTU
Quat disinfectant
Use it for: Ready-to-use disinfecting of hard, non-porous surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Food-contact surfaces without the label rinse; unsealed wood
Do NOT: Skip the label contact time; use right before an enzyme product
Out Clean Disinfectant
Disinfectant
Use it for: Disinfecting hard, non-porous restroom surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Food-contact surfaces without rinse; unsealed wood
Do NOT: Skip the label contact time; mix with other cleaners
Pheno D Plus Disinfectant
Phenolic aerosol disinfectant (flammable aerosol)
Use it for: Disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces where a phenolic is appropriate.
Do NOT use on: Food-contact surfaces; areas used by cats (phenolics are toxic to cats)
Do NOT: Use near flame, sparks, or pilot lights; mix with other cleaners
Safe Wipes (Essco)
Respirator cleaning wipes
Use it for: Cleaning respirator face pieces and other personal safety equipment.
Do NOT use on: Respirator filters or cartridges; food-contact surfaces; skin
Do NOT: Use in place of the respirator maker's cleaning instructions; use as a surface disinfectant unless the label says so; flush
Degreasers, solvents, oven and drain cleaners, and floor stripper
7 products
These are the strongest cleaners we sell. Alkaline degreasers and oven cleaners break down grease and burnt-on soil. Citrus solvents dissolve gum, tar, and adhesive. Strippers remove floor finish. All of them can strip finishes, discolor aluminum, and damage paint, wood, and rubber. Caustic drain openers dissolve clogs and cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Put on gloves and eye protection, and ventilate the area.
- Test in a hidden spot first.
- Dilute as the label directs, starting with the weakest recommended mix.
- Apply, let it work for the label time, then agitate with a brush or pad.
- Rinse thoroughly. For strippers, pick up all the slurry, rinse, and let the floor dry completely before refinishing.
- Keep solvents and aerosols away from flame, pilot lights, and sparks.
- For drain openers, never add a second drain product, never use a plunger afterward, and never look into the drain.
Break Up Oven Cleaner
Caustic oven/grill cleaner
Use it for: Baked-on grease in ovens and on grills.
Do NOT use on: Aluminum, painted surfaces, self-cleaning oven interiors, floors, chrome, skin
Do NOT: Use without gloves and eye protection; mix with acids; use on a hot surface unless the label allows
Citrus Gel (UNBELIEVABLE!)
Citrus solvent degreaser
Use it for: Gum, adhesive, grease, and tar spots; the gel clings to the spot.
Do NOT use on: Rubber, some plastics, finished floors, asphalt tile
Do NOT: Use near flame; leave on surface
Citura Power Solver
Citrus solvent
Use it for: Dissolving gum, tar, adhesive, and grease.
Do NOT use on: Rubber, some plastics, finished floors, asphalt tile
Do NOT: Use near flame; leave on surface
HI Power Degreaser
Alkaline degreaser
Use it for: Heavy grease in kitchens, shops, and garages.
Do NOT use on: Finished floors (strips finish), wood, aluminum, painted walls, carpet
Do NOT: Use undiluted when the label says dilute; mix with acids; use without gloves
Out Plug
Caustic drain opener (contains sodium hydroxide; label says POISON, causes severe burns)
Use it for: Clearing hair, grease, and soap clogs from drains, as the label directs.
Do NOT use on: Skin and eyes; aluminum; countertops, fixtures, and finishes it could splash onto; garbage disposals or septic systems unless the label allows
Do NOT: Mix with any other drain opener, acid, or cleaner; use if another drain product is already in the drain; use a plunger afterward; look into the drain; use without gloves and eye protection
Contains sodium hydroxide (lye). The label carries the POISON warning and says it causes severe burns.
Work Horse II Stripper
Floor finish stripper
Use it for: Removing old floor finish from vinyl and VCT before refinishing.
Do NOT use on: Wood, stone, carpet, rubber; any floor not meant to be stripped
Do NOT: Let dry on floor; mix with acids; use without gloves and eye protection
Xtreme Orange Super Strength Degreaser
Heavy degreaser
Use it for: Heavy grease and grime on durable surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Finished floors, wood, aluminum, painted walls, carpet
Do NOT: Use undiluted when the label says dilute
Neutral, all-purpose, and floor cleaners
12 products
Neutral cleaners are the everyday choice for finished floors, tile, and stone because they clean without stripping finish or etching. The most common mistake is using too much: extra product leaves a sticky film that dulls the floor and attracts dirt.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Dilute exactly as the label says. More is not better.
- Use a clean mop and clean water. Change the water when it gets dirty.
- Damp-mop; do not flood the floor, especially wood.
- Rinse if the label says to.
- For wood floors, use only a cleaner made for sealed wood.
Blue Concentrate
Floor cleaner
Use it for: Floor cleaning at label dilution.
Do NOT use on: Wood floors
Do NOT: Over-concentrate; mix with other products
Bona Cartridge Refills
Wood floor cleaner
Use it for: Refilling Bona spray-mop cartridges with the matching Bona cleaner.
Do NOT use on: Waxed, oiled, or unfinished wood; vinyl; stone
Do NOT: Flood the floor; refill cartridges with other products
Bona Cleaner Concentrate
Wood floor cleaner
Use it for: Routine cleaning of sealed hardwood after dilution.
Do NOT use on: Waxed, oiled, or unfinished wood
Do NOT: Flood the floor; over-concentrate
Bona Cleaner RTU
Wood floor cleaner
Use it for: Routine cleaning of sealed hardwood (or the Stone Tile Laminate version for those floors).
Do NOT use on: Waxed, oiled, or unfinished wood
Do NOT: Flood the floor
Crazy Clean All Purpose Cleaner
All-purpose cleaner
Use it for: General cleaning of hard surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, wood, leather without testing
Do NOT: Mix with other cleaners
Grout Magic
Grout cleaner
Use it for: Cleaning grout and tile.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone (until confirmed non-acidic); colored grout without testing
Do NOT: Mix with bleach
Lemon Neutral Cleaner
Neutral floor cleaner
Use it for: Daily damp-mopping of finished floors and tile.
Do NOT use on: Wood floors
Do NOT: Over-concentrate
Nu-Tral Cleaner
Neutral floor cleaner
Use it for: Daily damp-mopping of finished floors and tile.
Do NOT use on: Wood floors
Do NOT: Over-concentrate
Ridz Odor All-Purpose Cleaner and Deodorizer
Cleaner/deodorizer
Use it for: General cleaning with a strong scent.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, leather without testing
Do NOT: Mix with other cleaners
Stone Logix Neutral Concentrated Cleaner
Stone cleaner
Use it for: Routine cleaning of natural stone.
Do NOT use on: See label
Do NOT: Mix with acids or bleach
Storm Category 5
Floor cleaner
Use it for: Floor cleaning at label dilution.
Do NOT use on: Wood floors
Do NOT: Over-concentrate
Uno Neutral Floor Cleaner
Neutral floor cleaner
Use it for: Daily damp-mopping of finished floors and tile.
Do NOT use on: Wood floors
Do NOT: Over-concentrate
Floor finishes, sealers, and refreshers
11 products
Finishes and sealers bond only to the floor type they are made for, and only to a clean, residue-free surface. A finish applied to the wrong floor, or over polish, oil soap, or old residue, will peel, haze, or fail to cure, and is costly to remove.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Confirm the floor type matches the product (vinyl/VCT, wood, or concrete).
- Prepare the floor as the label directs: clean, residue-free, and completely dry.
- Ventilate and keep traffic off the floor.
- Apply thin, even coats with a clean applicator or finish mop.
- Wait the full label dry time between coats. Do not recoat early.
- Keep traffic off until the label's cure time has passed.
Bona Mega Finish
Wood floor finish
Use it for: Top coats on residential and light-commercial wood floors.
Do NOT use on: Vinyl, tile, carpet, waxed wood
Do NOT: Apply over wax, oil soap, or polish residue; apply without ventilation; apply near flame
Bona Refreshers
Wood floor refresher
Use it for: Restoring shine on floors already finished with a compatible finish.
Do NOT use on: Waxed or oiled floors, vinyl, tile
Do NOT: Apply over a dirty floor
Bona Seal
Wood floor sealer
Use it for: Sealing bare wood floors before finish.
Do NOT use on: Vinyl, tile, carpet, waxed wood
Do NOT: Apply over residue; apply without ventilation; apply near flame
Bona Sport Poly Finish 52%
Gym floor finish
Use it for: Top coats on gym and sport wood floors.
Do NOT use on: Vinyl, tile, carpet, waxed wood
Do NOT: Apply over residue; apply without ventilation; apply near flame
Bona Woodline Poly Finishes
Wood floor finish
Use it for: Top coats on wood floors.
Do NOT use on: Vinyl, tile, carpet, waxed wood
Do NOT: Apply over residue; apply without ventilation; apply near flame
DFT
Floor finish
Use it for: Finish coats on vinyl and VCT floors.
Do NOT use on: Wood, carpet, unsealed stone
Do NOT: Apply over a dirty or wet floor; recoat before dry
Eccothane Polyurethane
Wood floor coating
Use it for: Protective coating on wood floors.
Do NOT use on: Vinyl, tile, carpet, waxed wood
Do NOT: Apply over residue; apply without ventilation; apply near flame
EZ-Gloss Floor Finish
Floor finish
Use it for: Finish coats on vinyl and VCT floors.
Do NOT use on: Wood, carpet, unsealed stone
Do NOT: Apply over a dirty or wet floor; recoat before dry
Gelcon
Floor finish
Use it for: Finish coats on vinyl and VCT floors.
Do NOT use on: Wood, carpet, unsealed stone
Do NOT: Apply over a dirty or wet floor; recoat before dry
Pantheon Concrete Sealer
Concrete sealer
Use it for: Sealing clean, dry, cured concrete.
Do NOT use on: Damp or uncured concrete, wood, tile
Do NOT: Walk on before cure; apply without ventilation; apply near flame
Thoroughbredx Finish Stallion
Floor finish
Use it for: Finish coats on vinyl and VCT floors.
Do NOT use on: Wood, carpet, unsealed stone
Do NOT: Apply over a dirty or wet floor; recoat before dry
Carpet, upholstery, and leather
10 products
Spotters are made for specific stains and fibers. Wool, silk, and some synthetics can be bleached, shrunk, or color-damaged by the wrong spotter. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages fibers; blotting lifts it.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Identify the fiber; check the care tag when there is one.
- Test in a hidden spot and wait the label time to check for color change.
- Blot up as much of the spill as possible first.
- Apply the spotter, work from the outside of the stain toward the center, and blot. Do not rub or scrub.
- Rinse with clean water and blot or extract.
- Do not over-wet. Let the area dry with good airflow.
Carpet Freshener
Carpet powder
Use it for: Freshening dry carpet before vacuuming.
Do NOT use on: Hard floors (slip hazard); wet carpet
Do NOT: Leave unvacuumed
Carpet Right
Carpet cleaner
Use it for: Carpet cleaning.
Do NOT use on: Wool or silk unless the label allows
Do NOT: Over-wet carpet; mix with other products
En-Case
Encapsulating carpet cleaner
Use it for: Low-moisture encapsulation cleaning of carpet.
Do NOT use on: Wool or silk unless the label allows; hard floors
Do NOT: Over-wet carpet
Ink Out (UNBELIEVABLE!)
Ink spotter (flammable liquid per SDS)
Use it for: Ink, marker, and similar stains.
Do NOT use on: Unfinished leather, silk, acetate without testing
Do NOT: Use near flame, sparks, pilot lights, or heat; rub (blot instead); use without gloves
The SDS classifies this product as a flammable liquid.
Juice Out
Dye/stain remover
Use it for: Red dye stains such as juice, drinks, and food coloring on synthetic carpet.
Do NOT use on: Wool, silk
Do NOT: Skip a test spot; mix with other spotters
Leather Magic (UNBELIEVABLE!)
Leather cleaner
Use it for: Cleaning finished leather.
Do NOT use on: Suede, unfinished leather
Do NOT: Skip a test spot
No Bubble All Purpose Defoamer
Extractor defoamer
Use it for: Controlling foam in extractor recovery tanks.
Do NOT use on: Carpet directly (goes in the recovery tank)
Do NOT: See label
Rust Spot'r
Rust remover
Use it for: Rust stains on carpet and fabric.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone, glass, colored fabric without testing
Do NOT: Use without gloves (rust removers can contain strong acids)
UNBELIEVABLE PRO Odor and Stain Remover
Stain/odor spotter
Use it for: Spot cleaning stains with odor on carpet and upholstery.
Do NOT use on: Silk, acetate, unfinished leather without testing
Do NOT: Rub (blot instead); mix with other spotters
UNBELIEVABLE Stain Remover
Spotter
Use it for: Spot cleaning food, beverage, and general stains on carpet and upholstery.
Do NOT use on: Silk, acetate, unfinished leather without testing
Do NOT: Rub (blot instead); mix with other spotters
Enzymes and odor control
13 products
Enzyme and bacterial products digest the source of odors, like urine, and are living products: bleach, disinfectants, and hot water kill them. Odor eliminators, air fresheners, and foggers control smells but do not clean or disinfect.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Find and remove the source of the odor first.
- For enzyme products, use room-temperature water and give the product the time the label calls for. Do not use disinfectant or bleach before or after.
- For urine, apply enough to reach as deep as the urine went, as the label directs.
- For foggers and one-shot aerosols, remove people and pets, turn off pilot lights and flames, and wait the label's re-entry time.
- Do not spray air fresheners directly on fabric, wood, or finished surfaces.
Aerosol Room Deodorant
Air freshener
Use it for: Freshening room air.
Do NOT use on: Fabric, wood, or finished surfaces (direct spray); food or food-prep areas
Do NOT: Spray near flame or pilot lights; use as a disinfectant; spray toward people or pets
Air Sponge
Odor-absorbing air sponge
Use it for: Absorbing odors in rooms and enclosed spaces.
Do NOT use on: Food or food-prep areas
Do NOT: Let children or pets touch or chew it; touch the material with bare hands; use it as a cleaner
Deodorant Powder
Absorbent odor powder
Use it for: Absorbing spills and odors before cleanup.
Do NOT use on: Wet carpet without vacuuming after
Do NOT: Leave on hard floors (slip hazard)
Enz-O-Matic
Enzyme carpet treatment
Use it for: Enzyme treatment of organic soils and odors in carpet.
Do NOT use on: See label
Do NOT: Use with or right after bleach or disinfectant; use hot water
Fire D One Shot Aerosol
Odor fogger
Use it for: One-time odor treatment of an empty, closed room.
Do NOT use on: Occupied rooms
Do NOT: Use near flame, pilot lights, or sparks; re-enter before the label time
Liquid Live Micro-Organisms
Bio drain/odor treatment
Use it for: Bacterial treatment of drains and organic odors.
Do NOT use on: See label
Do NOT: Use with or right after bleach, disinfectant, or drain openers; use hot water
Odor Control Fogger
Odor fogger
Use it for: Odor treatment of an empty, closed room.
Do NOT use on: Occupied rooms
Do NOT: Use near flame, pilot lights, or sparks
Odorcide Fresh Scent
Odor eliminator
Use it for: Neutralizing odors on surfaces and in the air.
Do NOT use on: Silk or delicate fabric without testing
Do NOT: Use as a disinfectant
Odorcide Laundry
Laundry odor additive
Use it for: Adding to laundry to remove odors.
Do NOT use on: Silk or wool unless the label allows
Do NOT: Mix with bleach
Odorcide RTU Fresh Scent
Odor eliminator
Use it for: Ready-to-use odor neutralizing.
Do NOT use on: Silk or delicate fabric without testing
Do NOT: Use as a disinfectant
Skunk-Off
Odor eliminator
Use it for: Skunk and strong organic odors.
Do NOT use on: Silk or delicate fabric without testing
Do NOT: See label
Time Mist Premium Air Freshener
Metered air freshener
Use it for: Refills for metered air freshener dispensers.
Do NOT use on: Fabric, wood, or finished surfaces (direct spray); food-prep areas
Do NOT: Use as a disinfectant
UNBELIEVABLE! Pet Urine & Odor Eliminator
Enzyme spotter
Use it for: Pet urine and organic stains and odors.
Do NOT use on: See label
Do NOT: Use with or right after bleach or disinfectant; use hot water
Restroom deodorizers and urinal screens
5 products
Urinal screens, blocks, and rim hangers release fragrance or deodorizer into the fixture. Para blocks contain para-dichlorobenzene, which gives off vapor that is a health hazard. Non-para screens are fragrance-based. None of these clean or disinfect.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Wear gloves when handling screens, blocks, and hangers.
- Place them only in the urinal or toilet the label lists. Never in sinks, floor drains, or drinking fountains.
- Use para blocks only in ventilated restrooms.
- Keep them away from food, children, and pets.
- Replace them as the label directs and wash hands afterward.
AirWorks Splash Free Max Urinal Screen
Fragranced urinal screen
Use it for: Deodorizing urinals and reducing splash.
Do NOT use on: Sinks, floor drains, drinking fountains, or anywhere near food
Do NOT: Handle without gloves; leave where children or pets can reach
D Clip Rim Hanger
Fragranced toilet rim hanger
Use it for: Deodorizing toilets from the bowl rim.
Do NOT use on: Sinks, drains, drinking fountains, or anywhere near food
Do NOT: Handle without gloves; leave where children or pets can reach
Diamond Urinal Screen
Fragranced urinal screen
Use it for: Deodorizing urinals and reducing splash.
Do NOT use on: Sinks, floor drains, drinking fountains, or anywhere near food
Do NOT: Handle without gloves; leave where children or pets can reach
Smartblock Urinal Screen with Block
Urinal screen with deodorizer block
Use it for: Deodorizing urinals and catching debris.
Do NOT use on: Sinks, floor drains, drinking fountains, or anywhere near food
Do NOT: Handle without gloves; leave where children or pets can reach; assume the block is para-type until confirmed (ask us)
Urinal Screen with Para Block
Urinal screen with para-dichlorobenzene (para) block
Use it for: Deodorizing urinals and catching debris.
Do NOT use on: Sinks, floor drains, drinking fountains, or anywhere near food; small closed rooms without ventilation
Do NOT: Handle without gloves; leave where children or pets can reach; put more than one block in a urinal
Para-dichlorobenzene vapor is a health hazard. Use only in ventilated restrooms and keep away from food, children, and pets.
Polishes and glass cleaners
11 products
Polishes leave a thin protective film. That film is what makes them slippery on floors and stops new finishes from bonding. Glass cleaners work best in the shade with a clean squeegee or microfiber cloth.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Use a small amount, applied to the cloth or surface as the label directs.
- On stainless steel, wipe with the grain and buff dry.
- On glass, work out of direct sun, then squeegee or wipe with microfiber and detail the edges.
- Wipe up any overspray on floors right away.
- Check the label before using glass cleaner on window tint film.
Bar Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaner
Use it for: Glass and mirrors.
Do NOT use on: Window tint film or coated glass unless the label allows
Do NOT: Use in direct hot sun; mix with other products
Brite Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Stainless polish
Use it for: Cleaning and polishing stainless steel.
Do NOT use on: Floors and walkways (slip hazard); food-contact surfaces unless wiped clean
Do NOT: Spray near flame
Cape Cod Polishing Cloths
Metal polishing cloth
Use it for: Polishing solid metals like brass, copper, and silver.
Do NOT use on: Plated, lacquered, or painted metal; electronics
Do NOT: Use on food-contact surfaces without washing after
Glass and Surface Cleaner
Glass cleaner
Use it for: Glass, mirrors, and shiny hard surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Window tint film or coated glass unless the label allows
Do NOT: Use in direct hot sun
Lifeguard Revitalizer
Furniture polish
Use it for: Furniture care.
Do NOT use on: Floors (slip hazard)
Do NOT: Use on anything that will be refinished
Scrub Off Spot Remover (Ettore)
Water spot remover paste for glass, tile, and porcelain
Use it for: Removing hard water spots, calcium, lime scale, and soap scum from glass, shower doors, tile, and porcelain before regular cleaning.
Do NOT use on: Natural stone; tinted, film-coated, or coated glass; automobile glass unless the label allows (retailer instructions conflict); fiberglass or acrylic without testing
Do NOT: Use on a full window before testing a small area; mix with other products
Sheila Shine
Stainless polish
Use it for: Cleaning and polishing stainless steel.
Do NOT use on: Floors and walkways (slip hazard); food-contact surfaces unless wiped clean
Do NOT: Spray near flame
Sprayway Furniture Polish with Lemon
Furniture polish
Use it for: Dusting and polishing wood furniture.
Do NOT use on: Floors (slip hazard)
Do NOT: Use on anything that will be refinished; spray near flame
Sprayway Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaner
Use it for: Glass and mirrors.
Do NOT use on: Window tint film unless the label allows
Do NOT: Use in direct hot sun; spray near flame
Squeegee Off Super Concentrate
Window cleaning concentrate
Use it for: Window washing solution, diluted per label.
Do NOT use on: See label
Do NOT: Use undiluted
Stainless Steel Polish and Cleaner (R3)
Stainless polish
Use it for: Cleaning and polishing stainless steel.
Do NOT use on: Floors and walkways (slip hazard); food-contact surfaces unless wiped clean
Do NOT: Spray near flame
Dust control
3 products
Sweeping compounds and treated cloths hold dust so it does not become airborne. Oil-based compounds can stain carpet and unsealed surfaces, and treated cloths can leave floors slippery.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Choose the compound type (oil-based or wax-based) the label recommends for the floor.
- Scatter a thin layer ahead of the broom and sweep it up completely.
- Use treated cloths for dusting only, not on floors or glass.
Floor Sweep
Sweeping compound
Use it for: Holding dust while sweeping; oil-based and wax-based versions.
Do NOT use on: Carpet; unsealed wood or concrete (oil-based compounds can stain)
Do NOT: Leave on floor
Super Sweep
Sweeping compound
Use it for: Holding dust while sweeping.
Do NOT use on: Carpet; unsealed wood or concrete (oil-based compounds can stain)
Do NOT: Leave on floor
Treated Wood Cloth
Treated dusting cloth
Use it for: Dusting furniture and woodwork.
Do NOT use on: Floors (slip hazard); glass (smears)
Do NOT: See label
Scrubbers, pads, scrapers, and abrasive cleansers
14 products
Abrasives work by scratching. The right one removes soil; the wrong one leaves permanent scratches. Always start with the least aggressive tool. Pad colors generally run from white (gentlest) to black (most aggressive).
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Start with the gentlest tool that will do the job, and step up only if needed.
- Test in a hidden spot first.
- Keep the surface wet while scrubbing.
- Wipe or rinse away the residue.
- For razor blades, wet the glass, hold the blade flat, scrape in one direction, and use a fresh blade.
Diversey Emerel Creme Cleanser
Mild abrasive cream
Use it for: Gentle scouring of sinks, tubs, and countertops.
Do NOT use on: High-gloss acrylic, glass cooktops, polished stone without testing
Do NOT: Let dry on surface
Doodle Bug Pads
Abrasive scrub pads
Use it for: Scrubbing floors, baseboards, and walls with a pad holder.
Do NOT use on: Fiberglass, acrylic, glass, polished stone, brushed stainless
Do NOT: Use a stripping-grade pad when you only meant to clean
Floor Pads
Machine scrub/strip pads
Use it for: Machine work: white polishes, red buffs, blue and green scrub, black strips.
Do NOT use on: Wood floors; finished floors with a stripping-grade (black) pad
Do NOT: Run a pad dry on stone
Grill Screens
Abrasive grill screen
Use it for: Cleaning commercial griddles and grills.
Do NOT use on: Stainless appliances, glass, porcelain, chrome, nonstick
Do NOT: Use on a hot grill without heat protection
Grill-Brick
Pumice grill block
Use it for: Cleaning commercial griddles and grills.
Do NOT use on: Stainless appliances, glass, porcelain, chrome, nonstick
Do NOT: Use on a hot grill without heat protection
Norton Sanding Screenback
Floor sanding screen
Use it for: Screening wood floors before recoating.
Do NOT use on: Any floor not intended to be sanded; vinyl or stone
Do NOT: Use without dust protection
Pot and Pan Pad
Abrasive scour pad
Use it for: Scrubbing durable pots and pans.
Do NOT use on: Nonstick, brushed stainless, glass, fiberglass
Do NOT: See label
Pumie Sticks
Pumice stone
Use it for: Removing rings and scale from porcelain toilet bowls.
Do NOT use on: Anything but porcelain toilet bowls: glass, fiberglass, enamel tubs, chrome
Do NOT: Use dry (always wet)
Razor Blade 5 Pack
Scraper blades
Use it for: Scraping paint, labels, and stuck-on debris from plain glass and hard surfaces.
Do NOT use on: Tinted, coated, or tempered glass; wood floors; painted surfaces
Do NOT: Use dry on glass (always wet it)
Scrub Daddy
Texture-changing sponge
Use it for: Everyday scrubbing that is gentle on most surfaces.
Do NOT use on: High-gloss or soft finishes without testing
Do NOT: See label
Scrubbing Pads
Abrasive scrub pads
Use it for: Hand scrubbing; white is gentler than green.
Do NOT use on: Fiberglass, acrylic, glass, polished stone, brushed stainless
Do NOT: See label
SOS Pads
Steel wool soap pad
Use it for: Scouring durable cookware and grills.
Do NOT use on: Stainless appliances, nonstick, glass, chrome, fiberglass, aluminum
Do NOT: See label
Sponge Scrubbers
Sponge with scrub side
Use it for: Wiping (sponge side) and light scrubbing (scrub side).
Do NOT use on: Fiberglass, acrylic, glass cooktops, polished stone (scrub side)
Do NOT: See label
Stainless Steel Scrubbers
Steel scrubbers
Use it for: Heavy scouring of durable cookware and grills.
Do NOT use on: Stainless appliances, nonstick, glass, chrome, fiberglass
Do NOT: See label
Pest control
2 products
Pesticide labels are legally binding: using one in a way the label does not allow is against federal law. Staff should point customers to the label and never suggest other uses.
How these products should be used (always after reading the label):
- Read the entire label before use.
- Remove people, pets, and food, and cover food-prep surfaces.
- Ventilate, and follow the label's re-entry time.
- Wash hands after handling.
Metered Insecticide
Automatic insect spray
Use it for: Automatic insect control in dispensers, used per label.
Do NOT use on: Food-prep areas, food, occupied rooms during application
Do NOT: Use on people or pets
Sterifab
Insecticide/disinfectant
Use it for: Bed bug and insect control plus disinfecting, used per label.
Do NOT use on: Finished wood, plastics, or fabric without testing
Do NOT: Use near flame; apply to people or pets
Know your surface
Porous surfaces soak up product and can stain or etch. Non-porous surfaces mostly risk scratches and finish damage. When you're not sure what a surface is, use a pH-neutral cleaner, a soft cloth, and test first.
| Surface | Safe starting point | Do not use |
|---|---|---|
| Natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone, granite, slate) | Stone cleaner or neutral cleaner | Any acid (including vinegar), bleach, scouring powder, green or black pads |
| Grout | Neutral cleaner and a grout brush | Repeated strong acids; bleach on colored grout |
| Hardwood floors | Cleaner made for sealed wood | Standing water, steam, ammonia, bleach, degreasers, oil soap, furniture polish, vinyl floor finish |
| Vinyl and VCT with floor finish | Neutral floor cleaner | Degreasers or strippers unless you mean to remove the finish |
| Stainless steel | Stainless polish and microfiber, wiped with the grain | Bleach, steel wool, scouring powder |
| Glass and mirrors | Glass cleaner, squeegee, microfiber | Razor scrapers on tinted, coated, or tempered glass; abrasive pads |
| Fiberglass and acrylic tubs and showers | Non-abrasive bath cleaner and a soft sponge | Scouring powder, pumice, green pads, steel wool |
| Chrome, brass, and plated fixtures | Mild cleaner, then rinse and dry | Strong acids left to sit; scouring powder |
| Carpet and upholstery | A matched spotter; blot, don't rub | Bleach, degreasers, over-wetting, untested spotters |
| Aluminum, copper, cast iron | Mild cleaner, then rinse | Oven cleaner, strong degreasers, bleach |
Never mix
These combinations can release toxic gas or make a product stop working.
| Never mix | With | What can happen |
|---|---|---|
| Bleach | Toilet bowl cleaners, delimers, hard water or rust removers, vinegar, any acid | Chlorine gas |
| Bleach | Ammonia, ammonia-based glass cleaners, urine | Chloramine gas |
| Bleach | Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer | Toxic compounds, including chloroform |
| Bleach or disinfectants | Enzyme cleaners and odor eliminators | The enzymes are killed and the product fails |
| Acid cleaners | Degreasers, oven cleaner, floor strippers | Heat, splatter, and neutralized product |
| Any drain product | Another drain product | Violent reaction and splash-back |
| Any two products | Each other, unless both labels say it is safe | Unknown reactions |
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the chemical products we sell are available in our SDS library and on request. An SDS is the manufacturer's detailed safety document: hazards, first aid, safe handling and storage, and protective equipment.
View our Safety Data Sheet library
We update the library as manufacturers revise their sheets, so always check the revision date on the SDS. If you don't see a product, or you need the most current version, ask at our 34th Street shop or email sales@shopthecleaninghouse.com with the product name and size. Commercial account customers: we'll provide the SDS for any chemical product you buy from us.
Emergencies
If someone is having trouble breathing, is unconscious, or has swallowed a product, call 911.
For any other exposure to skin, eyes, or lungs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 and follow the first aid section on the product label and SDS. Have the product container with you when you call.
Our responsibility, and yours
This page is general information to help you choose and use products safely. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or Safety Data Sheet, and it can't cover every surface, finish, or situation. Lists of surfaces and cautions are not complete: if a use isn't listed on the label, don't assume it's safe.
The Cleaning House is not responsible for damage to property or injury resulting from misuse of any product, failure to follow label directions or dilution rates, mixing products, or use on surfaces a product is not intended for. When in doubt, test first or ask us.
Questions? Visit our 34th Street shop or email sales@shopthecleaninghouse.com.