Cleaning agents are substances used to remove dirt, grease, stains, and deposits from surfaces. They help maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and the appearance of homes, clothes, utensils, and furniture.

Examples: soaps, detergents, bleaches, waxes, polishes, scouring powders.

1. Detergents: Used for washing clothes and cleaning surfaces.


2. Degreasers: Contain organic solvents to dissolve oils and fats.


3. Abrasives: Clean by rubbing off dirt through friction (e.g., Vim, sandpaper).


4. Acids: Remove mineral deposits and rust.


5. Polishes: Applied to furniture, floors, and metal surfaces to improve appearance.


6. Waxes: Protect surfaces and enhance shine.


7. Bleaches: Remove stains and disinfect surfaces.

1. Washing clothes, dishes, and utensils.


2. Cleaning kitchen, bathroom, and household surfaces.


3. Removing stains from fabrics, utensils, and surfaces.


4. Polishing furniture, floors, and metals.


5. Disinfecting and killing germs to maintain hygiene.

Commercial Cleaning Agents are cleaning agent that are Prepared in factories under controlled conditions.

Ingredients are carefully measured and mixed to ensure effectiveness . Examples include store-bought detergents, bleaches, and liquid soaps. Quality control is regulated by agencies like NAFDAC and SON in Nigeria.

Materials/Chemicals: Sodium carbonate (washing soda), Sodium lauryl sulfate (surfactant), Soap noodles or palm oil derivatives, Perfumes and coloring agents

1. Melt soap noodles and mix with sodium carbonate.


2. Add surfactants to increase cleaning power.


3. Blend perfumes and coloring agents.


4. Dry or package liquid detergent for sale.

Materials/Chemicals: Sodium hypochlorite, Water, Sodium hydroxide (to stabilize solution)

1. Mix sodium hypochlorite with water under supervision.


2. Add a small amount of sodium hydroxide to stabilize the solution.


3. Bottle in labeled containers.

Materials/Chemicals: Paraffin wax, Mineral oil or turpentine, Beeswax (optional).

1. Melt wax in a pan.


2. Add mineral oil or turpentine to reduce thickness.


3. Pour into containers and allow to cool.

Homemade Cleaning Agents : are cleaning agents that can be made at home using simple materials.

• Homemade Scouring Powder (Vim): eggshells, broken china ware, detergent powder.


• Furniture Polish: soap, boiling water, turpentine.


• Fine Sand: mixed with detergent to clean rough surfaces.


• Edo Powder: used to clean metals like brass, copper, and gold.


• Pawpaw Leaves: fresh leaves for cleaning galvanized pails and blackened aluminum pans.


• Asisa Leaves: rough leaves for cleaning wood surfaces and blackened pots.

1. ashing clothes, dishes, and utensils.


2. Cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces.


3. Removing stains from fabrics and utensils.


4. Polishing furniture, floors, and metal surfaces.


5. Disinfecting and maintaining hygiene.

Materials: 8g bar soap, 7ml boiling water, 7ml turpentine

1. rate soap.


2. Pour boiling water over grated soap in a pot.


3. Melt over low heat.


4. Beat into smooth cream.


5. Gradually add turpentine while beating.


6. Store in clean, airtight container.

Chemical Use: Soap cleans and emulsifies dirt; turpentine gives shine and acts as solvent

Materials: Eggshells, Broken china ware (optional), Detergent powder.

1. Grind eggshells and broken china ware into fine powder.


2. Sift to remove large particles.


3. Mix thoroughly with detergent powder.


4. Store in dry, airtight container.

• Fine sand: mixed with detergent for cleaning rough surfaces.


• Edo powder: cleans metals using mild abrasiveness.


• Pawpaw leaves: contain natural enzymes for removing blackened layers on aluminum.


• Asisa leaves: rough leaves act as natural scrubbers for wood and pots.

1. Apply furniture polish with a soft cloth on tables, chairs, or wooden surfaces.


2. Use scouring powder to scrub metal utensils and tough stains.


3. Fine sand or powdered leaves can clean blackened pots.


4. Store all homemade cleaning agents in labeled, airtight containers.


5. Wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.

• Always use gloves and avoid inhaling fumes.


• Store cleaning agents in clean, airtight containers.


• Label containers with content and date.


• Commercial cleaning agents are regulated by NAFDAC and SON.


• Ensure proper mixing and measurement of chemicals for effectiveness.