Description - Thinner is a solution used before applying a remover. It helps to soften the layers of finish or paint.  Thinners are used to help remove oil-based paints. Removing a latex based finish is usually done with strong chemical remover. Paint thinner is a mineral spirit, and it is easy to use.

 Types:

    •  Acetone

    •  Naphtha

    •  Spirits like white spirit or mineral spirit

    •  Turpentine

    •  Phenol

    •  Benzyl

    •  MEK also was known as Methyl ethyl, and it is useful for removal of cellulose nitrate    

    •  DMF Dimethylformamide

    •  Ethanol is appropriate for removing a shellac finish

Hazardous effect - are the removers and thinners flammable. Choose the ones which are not. If using a flammable remover, keep it away from open fire

Storage  - make sure remover is not left open. In contact with air, they tend to evaporate and lose the chemical properties.

Is it Cost and environmentally friendly - do not buy a large amount and buy products with fewer chemicals. Buy smaller packages which will be used in one go.

Patch test- test and see how will the remover react with the surface. Not all removers respond in the same way. If possible ask for a sample and test it before buying a larger quantity.

Understand what are the good and bad sides of the product:

    •  Turpentine is the best option for a product which will be fast and efficient. It has fewer chemicals than other. It is more cleaning product than thinner.

    •  Naphtha is also known as benzene, and it is the best option for degreasing.  It is inflammable product and needs to be handled with care

    •  Lacquer Thinner is the best for cleaning used brushes but as a thinner is not the best possible option.

    •  Mineral Spirits have no smell and are used to thin the paint. It is not flammable. However, it will vaporise fast if left in the open for too long.

    •  Alcohol is a thinner which  can be used to remove shellac-based finishes.

Cleaning agents are substances used every day in a different form and with a different purpose. Their  propose can vary based on the areas where cleaning needs to be done, and but in general are used to remove: dirt, stains, dust, smell, bacteria

Forms:  Most big cleaning agents can be purchased in form of:

    •  powders

    •  sprays

    •  granules

    •  liquids

Ingredients: Cleaning products are used for multiple reasons, mostly to remove stains, odor, bacteria and all those reasons are for health or beauty. Cleaning products are water based, but they can contain:

    •  Acidic is used for inorganic/mineral content like scaling. They have an active ingredient like mineral acid, and some inhibitors might be added.

    •  Hydrochloric acid is known as mineral acid.

    •  Sulfuric acid is used in cleaners to unblock clogged pipes

    •  Non-Chemical option is vinegar, and it can  help to clean scale and lime

Locations:  All these cleaning agents can be used in different living areas like: Kitchens, toilets, rooms, offices

Surfaces: These cleaning agents can be used on the following surfaces:  Glass, wood, ceramics, marble, concrete

Easy to Use - Cleaning products are supposed to help to clean faster and more efficient. Of course, some effort needs to be added, and some stains might take a longer time or scrubbing but with cleaning product is much faster. If yo need to use more energy to clean particular area and product is not giving any result it might be a time to find a new one

Durable - cleaning tools and products should last for a long time. Some parts are easier to get damaged, so be careful with them. Using cleaning tools and cleaning agents is making cleaning process faster, and both should last for a long time. Check how long the product should last and buy the one with the longer time span.

Value - Value for the money is what we are looking for. If possible buy concentrated solutions. Cleaning agents are concentrated in a smaller package.They are usually mixed with other ingredients like water and will provide and excellent cleaning solutions. If possible buy a multi-purpose cleaning solution which can be used on different surfaces and for different types of dirt. Buy in larger quantities or bulk.

Cleaning tools are necessary for every cleaning process. It is not enough just to apply the product.  Some of them need to be wiped, scrubbed or washed with water.  A wide choice of cleaning tools is available. However, buying basic ones will help to speed up the cleaning process and will make it easy.

    •  A huge selection of sponges is available. Some have a more rough side, and some are the mix of both rough and soft. The sponge can be reused as long as it is washed and cleaned after the usage.

    •  Organic cotton white towels are the best choice. You can find them in ay store, and they are easy to clean after the usage. They can be washed or bleached.

    •  A Squeegee is the best help for cleaning windows and showers

    •  Having different microfibre cloths for different areas to clean the good practice. Using microfibre cloths does not require any cleaning products. Just a little bit of water will be enough

    •  A Spray Bottle is a great time saver when you need to rinse something. Also, they can be used to keep the cleaning products in. If you use concentrated cleaning products and mix them with water,  having a small spray bottle will come in handy

    •  Brooms vary in size and quality and are the primary tool for cleaning any surface out of dust. Together with a dustpan, it is tool number 1.

    •  Mops helps to clean any water stains on the floor and also contributes to wash all of the areas in the house-like floors

    •  Buckets can be used to store cleaning supplies, but also can be utilised when mopping used for tough stains. Sometimes simple sponge and cleaning product are not enough.

    •  Use a scrub brush for tough stains. Sometimes simple sponge and cleaning product are not enough.