The Complete Handbook of Household Cleaning Products
A professional's guide to selecting, using, and maintaining cleaning chemicals, tools, and equipment
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
An impartial, technical reference for choosing, using, and maintaining household cleaning products. No hype, just chemistry and practical facts.
About this book
The household cleaning aisle is a maze of conflicting claims, proprietary terms, and vague promises. This handbook cuts through the noise, offering a structured education on the chemistry, application, and business of cleaning products. It covers the core science—how surfactants lift grease, how enzymes break down proteins, how pH levels affect different surfaces—and translates that into actionable selection and usage advice.
Written for professionals and serious hobbyists, the book provides concrete methods for reading labels, calculating dilution ratios, testing for compatibility, and troubleshooting common issues like streaking, residue, or product failure. It moves beyond the store shelf to explain maintenance routines, proper storage, and even the business opportunities available in reselling, private labeling, and consulting.
Whether you're a facility manager looking to optimize your budget, a professional cleaner tackling a stubborn stain, or an entrepreneur exploring the cleaning industry, this handbook is your neutral, data-driven field guide. It doesn't tell you which brand to buy; it gives you the framework to determine the right tool for the job yourself.
Reader Reviews
Mary Allen
★★★★★This is a solid reference, and I've already used it to settle an argument with a supplier about why their 'neutral' floor cleaner was leaving a film (pH and hard water, as it turns out). I wish it had more specific brand mention comparisons to make choosing between products quicker on the job, but the framework it provides is sound. I imagine this will stay in my truck for a quick consult on most jobs.
Sarah White
★★★★★I bought this for my cleaning business to train my new staff, and it's been fantastic. The first chapter alone, on how surfactants actually work versus what the labels claim, was worth the price. I finally understand why my old degreaser was failing on certain types of grease and how to switch to a solvent-based product correctly. It's readable, practical, and has completely changed how I buy supplies. Highly recommended for anyone serious about doing the job right.