Inorganic Cleaners—Aqueous-Based
Perhaps the classic example of an aqueous-based cleaner is common “Windex” which is a mixture predominantly of deionized water combined with a series of organic solvents that includes isopropyl alcohol, butylcellosolve, ammonia and a blend of surfactants and emulsifiers.
Some aqueous-based solvents may be totally inorganic in their nature being generally comprised of either an acid or an alkaline compound.
A typical example of an acidic inorganic solvent is the commercial product known as “Lime-Away,” which has gone through several formulation changes over its history. Its primary active ingredient is an acid (originally phosphoric acid and more recently a mix of glycolic acid and citric acid) which is effective at dissolving mineral deposits on glass, plastics and porcelains.
A typical example of an alkaline inorganic solvent is household ammonia which is an extremely dilute mixture of ammonia in water to which are added various surfactants, emulsifiers, and detergents to provide a degreasing capability.
