Defining “A Multi-Surface Cleaner”
Understanding the Term "Multi-Surface Cleaner"
I know this sounds obvious. But with decades in the cleaning industry, we find that understanding chemistry CAN be confusing. So, by definition, a multi-Surface Cleaner is:
An all-in-one, versatile cleaning solution designed to break down dirt, grease, and grime on various household surfaces. These surfaces include countertops, appliances, floors, and finished wood, among others.
There are a lot of multi-surface cleaners available. So you might be asking, “Then what’s the difference?” In our opinion, part of that is, “Where does the cleaner come from and where does it go when you’re done?” A simpler question MIGHT be “Is it gentle on the environment and still work?”
Gabe’s Pride is an effective Multi-Surface Cleaner. Our products are produced right here in the USA.
Our products are formulated and tested to be eco-friendly, bio-degradable and safe for surfaces, people, pets, and mother earth.
Why is that important?
When you finish cleaning a surface, you have some expectations They are:
- That surface should now be dirt free.
- There should be no residue or film left behind by the multi-surface cleaner.
You might assume that. But how do you know that’s true?
#1 Find a safe cleaner that actually cleans.
How do you do that? Find one that is just a cleaner. No antibacterial or disinfectant cleaner, just a cleaner. This will ensure you “get a better clean”. Clean soils and debris first. Then disinfect, if needed. Honestly, most household surfaces do not need to be disinfected if they’re properly cleaned.
In the event that you choose to disinfect, PLEASE read the instructions on how to disinfect correctly. Most people disinfect incorrectly which is dangerous to your health.
You can find more on THAT topic here.
#2 Choose a cleaner WITHOUT bleach or ammonia.
Ammonia: Commonly found in cleaning products throughout the US. Ammonia is a strong irritant. Depending on sensitivities, ammonia can cause breathing problems. It can also damage various surfaces due to its high pH (alkaline) (11 - 13) and corrosive nature. It can etch natural stone (marble, granite), strip finishes from hardwood floors, damage sealants, cloud plastics/acrylics, tarnish metals like brass and copper, and soften paint, to name a few.- Chlorine Bleach: Widely used as a sanitizer, this product is not a cleaner. Chlorine bleach can irritate and burn the soft tissue inside the nose, throat, and lungs. This can be very harmful to both old and young.
- Phthalates: Synthetic fragrances use these in many on-the-shelf products. Research on these substances indicates they are linked to hormone disruption and environmental damage and disrupting human hormones.
- Parabens: Preservatives sometimes added to cleaners. These may negatively impact both ecosystems and human hormone balance.
- Triclosan: An antibacterial agent that can contribute to antibiotic resistance within germs and bacteria. This is also found to pollute waterways and due to lack of evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap and water, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted its use in 2016.
- Formaldehyde: Often used as a preservative. The health risks associated with formaldehyde range from skin irritation to potential link with cancer.
Gabe’s Pride cleaners contain NONE of these dangerous chemicals
#3 Does it come as a concentrate?
In our opinion, you should have options when cleaning. Concentrates allow YOU to choose when and where to use good cleaning products. If you’re mopping, use it in mop buckets. If using it for other surfaces, use spray bottles at a lower cost. For many daily uses a spray bottle is the most convenient. But having a concentrate to wet-mop floors is a plus.
Purchase Price
Do yourself a favor, figure out the true cost of the products you use. Higher quality products (like Gabe’s Pride) might cost a little more up front. But in the long run, it costs a whole lot less than those cleaners you’re picking up in the store. The reason is simple: Better quality cleaners require less chemical to clean. That means you save your money. Cheaper products with a higher dilution ratio cost more in the end because you use more. And, once used, the earth has to “recycle” what’s been flushed down the drain or released into your air. Not to mention a better quality cleaner gives you a better clean!
The pH Scale
A good, Multi-Surface cleaner should be on the alkaline side of the pH scale. This means it can clean most types of dirt and grease from most surfaces. Floors, counters, walls, stoves, microwaves and tables. From food scraps to fingerprints, a multisurface cleaner should effectively clean almost everything except soap scum.
Shampoos, bar-soaps, liquid and dish soaps are alkaline. When used, these create soap scum. This is the reason you should NEVER use dish soap to clean your shower, shower doors or tub.
A few things to remember:
You want a pH of 9 – 10 for an effective Multi-Surface Cleaner. If the raw materials used to make the cleaner are high quality and safe, this is a safe pH with the best cleaning capability.
How does “Clean” smell?
Fragrance doesn’t clean. When done right, a fragrance is used as a pleasant additive, not to cover up a bad smell. We understand that many people have severe reactions to scented materials. We believe a good quality cleaning product with a fragrance should not cause allergic reactions.
Follow the Dilution Ratio
If you have to use a cleaner full strength to get the job done but the instructions say to dilute it, it’s not a good cleaner. We caution you to NOT use cleaning materials in this manner. Doing so can be hazardous to your health or damage the surface. Good cleaning materials should always work at the stated dilution ratio.
You want to clean according to the soil / dirt, not the surface. This is the primary reason we help our customers reduce the number of cleaning products they use. A good cleaner should be safe for all the surfaces it’s rated for.
Last and most important, disinfectants don’t clean and cleaners don’t disinfect. The surface is sanitary if all the dirt is removed. It is not sanitary after a disinfectant is used as disinfectants leave a film to collect and kill germs that land on the surface and will attach to your food, hands, utensils, etc. Remember what you WANT on your food and hands. When you want a safer and more hygienic cleaner that actually works,
use Gabe’s Pride!
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