cleaning agent
Substance for scrubbing
A cleaning agent is any substance used to remove dirt, stains, or unwanted matter from surfaces.
The term covers everything from soap and detergent to industrial solvents and specialized formulas: The janitorial staff switched to eco-friendly cleaning agents.
In technical contexts, cleaning agent is preferred over the more casual "cleaner."
Fatty alkali cleanser
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
- ammoniaAcrid nitrogen-hydrogen gas
- vinegarAcidic cooking liquid
borax · hydrogen peroxide · alcohol · lye · chlorine · surfactant · degreaser · abrasive
Dissolving liquid or financially stable
- emulsifyDisperse one liquid throughout another
- dissolveDisperse into liquid
- stripNarrow elongated piece
- scourClean by hard rubbing
alkaline · dislodge · saponify · extract · mineral spirits · acetone · heavy-duty · industrial strength
Kills or inhibits germs
- sterilizeEliminate all microorganisms
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
bleach · biocide · bactericidal · chlorhexidine · hospital-grade · hand sanitizer · autoclave · hygiene
Free-flowing substance
- powderFine dry particles
- gelWobbly semi-solid substance
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
- foamBubble-filled substance
tablet · pod · concentrate · paste · wipe · aerosol · granule · crystal
Device releasing pleasant scent
- deodorizerSubstance that removes smells
- fragrancePleasing olfactory quality
- scentedHaving added fragrance
- citrusAcidic fruits with segments
lavender · eucalyptus · mint · linen spray · room spray · potpourri · sachet · baking soda
Able to decompose naturally
- non-toxicCauses no harm
- hypoallergenicUnlikely to cause reactions
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- plant-basedSourced from flora
organic · fragrance-free · concentrated · antibacterial · abrasive · gentle · industrial · all-purpose
soap
Fatty alkali cleanser
- bleachChemical stain and germ killer
- solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
- ammoniaAcrid nitrogen-hydrogen gas
vinegar · borax · hydrogen peroxide · alcohol · lye · chlorine · surfactant · degreaser · abrasive · polish
solvent
Dissolving liquid or financially stable
- emulsifyDisperse one liquid throughout another
- dissolveDisperse into liquid
- stripNarrow elongated piece
scour · alkaline · dislodge · saponify · extract · mineral spirits · acetone · heavy-duty · industrial strength · oven cleaner
antibacterial
Kills or inhibits germs
- sterilizeEliminate all microorganisms
- germicideAgent that kills microbes
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
sanitizer · bleach · biocide · bactericidal · chlorhexidine · hospital-grade · hand sanitizer · autoclave · hygiene
liquid
Free-flowing substance
foam · tablet · pod · concentrate · paste · wipe · aerosol · granule · crystal · bar
air freshener
Device releasing pleasant scent
- deodorizerSubstance that removes smells
- fragrancePleasing olfactory quality
- scentedHaving added fragrance
citrus · lavender · eucalyptus · mint · linen spray · room spray · potpourri · sachet · baking soda · charcoal
biodegradable
Able to decompose naturally
- non-toxicCauses no harm
- hypoallergenicUnlikely to cause reactions
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
plant-based · organic · fragrance-free · concentrated · antibacterial · abrasive · gentle · industrial · all-purpose · streak-free
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- Ozoneozone, ozone layer, ozone hole, ozone depletion, stratospheric ozone
- surface finishingpolishing, buffing, sanding, grinding, varnishing
cleaning agentplain water
Unadorned drinking liquid
cleaning agentpollutant
Environment-harming agent
toxic substance · adulterant · impurity · poison · pathogen
clean, agent, cleaning, unclean, detergent, cleanse, agents, cleansing, disinfectant