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Overview of Household Chemicals and Their Importance
There’s no question that chemicals play a vital role in every home around the world. Whether it’s the myriad of cleaning products used to keep things clean and sanitary, or the things we use when baking to give our cakes all the lift they need, these compounds help people in everyday life on a constant basis.
The question is: What are the most used chemicals in homes around the world? Let’s find out together – we’ll provide an overview of each, from sodium hypochlorite to sodium lauryl sulphate, discussing what they do and how they’re commonly used.
Key Takeaways:
Chemicals are essential in daily life, aiding in cleaning, disinfecting, cooking, and personal care around the world
The Top 10 chemicals include:
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach): A powerful disinfectant used in cleaning and laundry
Acetic Acid (Vinegar): Used in cooking and cleaning, effective in descaling and preserving
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Used in baking, cleaning, and as an odour neutraliser
Ethanol (Alcohol): Common in hand sanitisers and surface cleaners as a disinfectant
Calcium Carbonate: A gentle abrasive found in cleaning and beauty products
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): A surfactant in soaps and shampoos, that creates lather
The Top 10 Household Chemicals
From the bottle of bleach under the sink to the vinegar in the pantry, here’s a list of all the household chemicals used around the world, in no particular order:
1. Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Sodium hypochlorite (also known as NaClO) is a strong disinfectant, and works by breaking down cell walls of bacteria and other pathogens, making it highly effective for disinfection and stain removal.
Roughly 70% of sodium hypochlorite manufactured becomes bleach, which in turn becomes used in household cleaners and laundry aids, according to Public Health England. Beyond these uses, sodium hypochlorite is also used to sanitise surfaces, making it a go-to for keeping kitchens and bathrooms germ-free.
Some of the common reasons for using this chemical include its disinfectant properties and its ability to deodorise; sodium hypochlorite is strong against bacteria, viruses, and many forms of fungi, according to the National Library of Medicine.
It can also help eliminate bad smells thanks to its ability to break down molecules, and is commonly used as part of a restoration process on clothes and surfaces to remove stains and return white cloth to its original brightness.
2. Ammonia
Ammonia (NH3) is known for its ability to clean up greasy surfaces. With a global demand of over $69 billion each year, a sizable amount of commercially produced ammonia is used for cleaning chemical manufacturing. While much of it ends up in industrial cleaners, many of these will make their way into homes.
You’ll often find ammonia in products like oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and even floor waxes. Due to its ability to dissolve grime and tough stains, ammonia is particularly useful for tasks like window cleaning and oven maintenance. Plus, despite its strong odour, ammonia evaporates quickly and leaves surfaces shiny and streak-free.
3. Acetic Acid (Vinegar)
Vinegar’s primary component, acetic acid (CH3COOH), is present in concentrations up to 5–8% in household vinegars used in cooking and cleaning.
It is a versatile household staple, as its acidic nature allows it to break down mineral deposits, making it effective for descaling kettles and cleaning glass or metal surfaces.
It’s also a vital ingredient in cooking, whether it be for adding that acidic note to meals, or in the pickling process as a preservative. Other common uses of acetic acid exist, as it is very versatile.
4. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or as it is commonly called, baking soda, is a versatile chemical with mild abrasive and deodorising properties. It can be used as a gentle scrub for sinks and stovetops or as an odour neutraliser in refrigerators and carpets.
When combined with an acid, it also produces carbon dioxide, making it an essential ingredient in baking as a chemical raising agent, or as a reactant in a fire extinguisher.
This effect has also led to it being used as an antacid, to help soothe heartburn or indigestion issues caused by an excess of acid in the stomach.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a bleaching agent that has gone from a lesser known product in the UK to a household staple. In fact, according to ChemAnalyst, sales have risen by 3.6% due to increased use for sanitation during the past few years.
In household applications, it’s often used as a surface disinfectant, as well as to brighten fabrics. Hydrogen peroxide also plays a role in oral hygiene as a teeth whitener and mouth rinse, as well as a part of the process of bleaching hair.
While it has been used in the past as a way to clean wounds, this is not recommended by health care experts around the world, such as Cleveland Clinic.
6. Citric Acid
Citric acid (C6H8O7) is an acid that naturally forms in citrus fruits. It is present in many food-safe cleaners and descalers due to its natural origin and effective cleaning properties.
It’s great for descaling and breaking down limescale and other mineral deposits, which makes it popular for cleaning kettles and coffee machines, but citric acid is also used for making homemade cordials, such as elderflower, blackcurrant, and more.
Being biodegradable, it is a great choice for home applications across the board.
7. Ethanol (Alcohol)
Ethanol (C2H5OH), or ethyl alcohol, is well-known for its disinfectant properties, which is why it’s commonly used in hand sanitisers and surface cleaners.
Ethanol-based cleaners made up a good portion of an increased use of cleaning products following COVID-19, with a 69% increase across parts of the world according to one study from Environmental International.
Beyond that, as a quick-drying solvent ethanol is often seen in glass cleaners, making it ideal for crystal clear finishes.
8. Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a naturally occurring mineral often used as a gentle abrasive in cleaning products, as well as an alternative to microplastic beads in face scrubs and other cosmetics.
Effective for polishing surfaces, whether that be around the house with metal and stone without scratching, or for use on our skin, it is ideal for those wanting a more natural abrasive.
9. Acetone
Acetone (C3H6O) is a solvent that breaks down oils and adhesives, making it perfect for removing nail polish and sticker residue. It’s highly effective but also evaporates quickly, which is why it’s a common ingredient in beauty and household cleaning products alike.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Sodium lauryl sulphate (C12H25NaO4S), sometimes shortened to SLS, is a surfactant that helps create lather in soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents, and has become a staple because of this.
By breaking down grease and oils, sodium lauryl sulphate allows these products to effectively clean surfaces and fabrics, though some people may experience skin sensitivity to it. Generally speaking, however, it is a perfectly safe chemical in these products.
Applications of Household Chemicals in Common Products
Household chemicals can be found across a wide range of products that serve us daily, from cleaning and personal care to food preservation. Sodium hypochlorite, for example, is found in both laundry bleach and surface disinfectants, while acetic acid is used in both cooking and eco-friendly cleaning.
These chemicals help meet essential hygiene and maintenance needs, supporting us in cooking, cleaning, and maintaining hygiene standards at home. With a broad range of uses, these chemicals have truly become indispensable in modern life.
Safety Considerations for Household Chemicals
When using household chemicals, safety should be a top priority. According to NIDirect:
“You should be aware of all the chemicals present in your home. Most of them aren’t dangerous if you use them properly. However, many chemicals need more careful handling than others.”
Many common chemicals can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or left on the skin, so it’s essential to read labels carefully and store products out of reach of children and pets.
Here are some key steps to keep in mind when handling these chemicals at home:
- Never mix chemicals unless the label indicates it is safe, as this can result in dangerous reactions – bleach and ammonia, for instance, produce toxic fumes when combined
- Ventilating your space during use is important, as many chemicals release fumes that can cause irritation
- Following guidelines, such as using gloves and goggles when handling strong substances like bleach or ammonia, can help minimise risks
- Make sure to only use as much as you need of a product, and to keep it safely stored away between uses
- Keep an eye out for the chemical product symbols and be aware of what each of the labels mean
Conclusion
As ReAgent provides chemical solutions essential in many household applications, we know that valuing each chemical for what it does for us is important. Household chemicals may be commonplace, but they help us out immensely in our day-to-day lives, giving great options for cleaning, disinfecting, cooking, and personal care.
From bleach to baking soda, these compounds enable us to maintain healthier, more comfortable living spaces.
