cleaning lexicon

Welcome to our lexicon. We would like to introduce you to the technical terms used in the world of cleaning.

A
beading effect
Some cleaners have the property of leaving a pearling effect after cleaning. This means that dirt or limescale has less chance of sticking to the surface. This means that it stays clean for much longer. The pearling effect or lotus effect is not only found in cleaners, but also certain textile surfaces have this effect and waterproofing shoes can also produce this effect. The pearling effect originally comes from bionics and was derived from the lotus plant.

The Perfect SOL Glass Cleaner from Solution offers a lotus effect for glass cleaning

abrasion-resistant
Abrasion resistance is a property that describes how much a material reacts to abrasion. If a material is abrasion resistant, it is insensitive to mechanical stress, especially friction.

ACME
ACME stands for "Association of Consulting Management Engineer" and is a standard for American trapezoidal threads.

acrylic glass
Acrylic glass, also called Plexiglas, is a plastic that is often used as a glass substitute. The hard and transparent plastic is shatterproof and impact-resistant. Areas of application include: picture frames, shower partitions, prostheses, glasses, and much more.

You can find cleaners for acrylic glass here

Alkaline
Solutions that have a pH value greater than 7 are called alkaline. Strongly alkaline solutions have a pH value greater than 10. Examples of alkaline solutions are: soaps, detergents, caustic soda.

You can find alkaline cleaners in our shop

alkali-resistant
We speak of alkali resistance when the metal or material is resistant to alkalis. This means that the material/metal hardly dissolves and is not attacked. When cleaning, it is therefore important to know what material the surface to be cleaned is made of in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. It is also always advisable to check the material compatibility beforehand on a small, inconspicuous area.

alcohol
Alcohol is a liquid that has flammable and disinfectant properties. It can be used as a disinfectant in medicine. In cleaning, alcohol can be found in glass cleaners, solvents, disinfectant cleaners, and much more.

You can find cleaners with alcohol in our shop

allantoin
Allantoin is formed from uric acid in various mammals and is often used to treat scars and wounds. Eczema or ulcers caused by skin diseases can also be treated with it.

allergen-reduced
A product is allergen-reduced if it contains hardly any ingredients that can trigger allergies or if the composition is deliberately chosen to avoid certain allergies.

all-purpose cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner or universal cleaner can, as the name suggests, be used for many different areas. It is ideal for cleaning almost all surfaces and also floors. However, a special cleaner should be used for wooden floors, as all-purpose cleaners usually contain surfactants. all-purpose cleaner a must-have for the cleaning cabinet.

amidosulfonic acid
Amidosulfonic acid is a crystalline powder that dissolves in water and can therefore be used as a cleaner. It is primarily used for decalcification and is even much more effective than citric acid. Household and coffee machines in particular can be descaled very well with it and is both extremely material-friendly and efficient.

Cleaners based on amidosulfonic acid can be found here

Antibacterial
Antibacterial means that the cleaner is effective against bacteria. In addition to cleaners, the term is also used in hygiene products.

Antistatic
Antistatic means that the material prevents electrostatic charging through friction. There are certain fibers that prevent electrostatic charging.

Products with the property antistatic can be found in our shop

AQL
AQL stands for "Acceptance Quality Level" and is a quality management value. The lower the AQL value, the better the quality of the batch. If the value is high, defective goods were found during inspection. The value is important for the qualification of packaging systems and for incoming goods. It plays a particularly important role with disposable gloves.

ASTM
ASTM is the abbreviation for "American Society for Testing and Materials" and is an international standards organization for goods and services.

Ethereal
The term "essential" often appears in combination with oils. Essential oils are oily, easily evaporating extracts from plants or parts of plants. They usually have the characteristic smell of the plant from which they originate.

Breathable
Breathable or air-permeable means that the material is able to let water vapor through. This property is important for clothing or gloves in which you could sweat. Sports clothing and outdoor clothing in particular are often breathable. But work gloves or gardening gloves can also be breathable and thus make work easier.

B
bactericide
The term "bactericidal" often appears in connection with disinfectant cleaning agents or Disinfectant . If the cleaning agent or disinfectant has a bactericidal effect, this means that the bacteria cause irreversible cell death.

base
A base has a pH value greater than 7 and can neutralize acids in an acid-base reaction.

Battery Act
The Battery Act is a directive aimed at increasing the return and recycling rate and protecting the environment. Batteries contain substances that are hazardous to the environment and health, but the directive limits these. It also sets out requirements for manufacturers and companies that must be met during production and sale. Below are some of the requirements that manufacturers must meet:

• Batteries and accumulators must be registered before they can be sold.
• Batteries containing harmful substances must be labelled.
• The quantities sold must be reported.
• There must be a possibility of return.
• Guarantee environmentally friendly disposal.

Cotton
Cotton is a plant genus and a natural fiber. It has many different applications. Thanks to its skin-friendly, soft, durable and breathable properties, it is often used for textiles. Other products made from cotton: cotton buds, balls of wool, cotton pads, and much more.

At mundizio you can find for example cotton mop

wetting ability
The wetting ability describes how well a liquid substance can spread over a surface.

trimming material
The bristles of brushes are the various types of bristles. There are many different materials: animal fibers, plant fibers, wires, plastic fibers or a mixture of the above.

texture
The quality describes the quality or condition of a product.

beer stein
Beer scale is a calcareous deposit that resembles boiler scale. It consists of calcium oxalate, is barely noticeable and provides a hiding place for bacteria. Iodine-containing disinfectants or acidic cleaners can be used to remove it.

You can remove beer stone optimally with the Eilfix BLR cleaner for beer lines

binder
Binders are used to combine different substances such as powders. They are often added in liquid form. Binders can also serve as a type of glue for two solid substances. Binders are used in the paint industry, the food industry, and in connection with building materials and wood construction materials.

Biodegradable
The term "biodegradable" is now appearing more and more frequently on a wide variety of products, and is particularly common on packaging. A product is biodegradable if it can be broken down into its elementary components by microorganisms. The time it takes to do this is not important. The chemical structure is therefore an important factor in biological degradation. It is possible that fossil raw materials can be broken down, but renewable raw materials may not be broken down. If the organisms are unable to break down the product, this can have serious consequences, as it is broken down into very small particles by UV rays, pressure, salty water or different temperatures, thus damaging the environment.

biocide
biocides Products are used to combat pests such as insects, mice, rats, algae, fungi or bacteria. Antibacterial cleaning and Disinfectants , wood preservatives, mosquito sprays and ant poison are biocidal products.

Blue Angel award
Products and services can receive the "Blue Angel" environmental label. There are already over 12,000 products and around 1,600 companies that have been awarded the Blue Angel. The environmental label was created by the federal government to protect people and the environment.

bleach
Bleach is often used when washing to lighten the color of clothing or textiles. Bleach is often used to keep textiles sparkling white. Even stubborn stains can be removed with it. In addition to its cleaning properties, it also has a disinfecting effect.

floor coating
Floor coating is a huge area, because every floor can be tailored to the use of the room. Different properties such as gloss/matt/anti-slip/smooth/and much more can be achieved through the coating.

Braunstein
Brownstones are manganese minerals and are available in various forms and properties. Since water contains iron and manganese, these deposits build up over time. These deposits are often found in bathrooms in particular.

Milizid Kraftgel is the optimal cleaner for removing manganese dioxide.

break-resistant
Material that has a break-resistant property is not fragile or does not break easily.

C
calcium alginate
Calcium alginate is a food additive with the label E404. It serves as a gelling agent and is often used in medicine in compresses for superficial and deep wounds. The aim is to prevent the dressing material from sticking to the wound secretion.

carnauba wax
Carnauba wax is a natural wax extracted from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera). It is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products, varnishes, polishes and other products to create a smooth, shiny finish. It is also known for its robust properties and is often used as a replacement for other waxes that are not tough enough in certain applications.

cellulose (also: cellulose)
Cellulose is one of the most common organic compounds and is found in the cell walls of plants. Wood is made up of approximately 40% to 50% cellulose and cotton is almost 100%.

Chemical resistance
Chemical resistance describes the behavior of a material when it comes into contact with chemicals. There are basically three different categories: chemically resistant, conditionally chemically resistant and chemically unstable.

chenille
Chenille is a special yarn that is made into a soft fabric. Chenille means caterpillar, as the yarn with its protruding hairs resembles a caterpillar. The chenille fabric is particularly soft and robust, which is why chenille is often used for clothing and upholstered furniture.

At mundizio you will find chenille mop

chlorine
chlorine is a chemical element and highly reactive. It has a very wide range of applications. It is used as a disinfectant for swimming pools, bleach for textiles or paper, but also as a weed killer or to combat mold. Products containing chlorine should be used with care.

chlorine-free bleached
Pulp is often bleached with chlorine during production. For example, paper is often bleached with chlorine to make the paper whiter and more durable. However, bleaching with chlorine is harmful to the environment. There are the following options to reduce the impact on the environment:

• Low-chlorine bleached (ECF = elemental chlorine-free bleached): here chlorine compounds are used instead of chlorine itself.
• chlorine-free bleached (TCF = totally chlorine-free bleached): oxygen compounds are used for bleaching.
• chlorine-free bleached recycled paper (PCF = Process Chlorine Free): Bleaching process without chlorine compounds and chlorine

chrome
Chromium is a chemical element and is "only" a minor metal. It is used, among other things, as an alloying element or for hard chromium plating or decorative chromium plating.

D
opacity
Coverage is a particularly important property for paints. It describes the ability to cover a certain surface. The poorer the coverage, the more difficult it is to cover the surface. This means that the surface can show through. It also depends on the quality of the paint.

Deodorized
The term "deodorized" is often used to describe air fresheners or room sprays. This means that they mask or eliminate bad smells.

elasticity
The elongation is a strength value that determines how much a material can be extended under the application of force before it tears or breaks.

DEHP
DEHP stands for diethylhexyl phthalate and is one of the most common plasticizers. You can find a definition of plasticizers under the letter "W".

Dermatologically tested
The term "dermatologically tested" is often found on cosmetic or hygiene products. It means that the product has been tested. However, it says nothing about the results or how the product is tested. Basically, all products that come onto the market in Europe are extensively tested before they come onto the market, even if it is not mentioned on the packaging.

disinfection
Disinfection is a hygiene measure that is necessary to kill or inactivate pathogens. The aim is to prevent further infection. With effective disinfection, 84 to 99.9% of germs are killed.

Decitex
Decitex describes the fineness of textiles. The fineness is determined by the diameter of the yarn, but this is difficult to measure. The basic system behind it is the Tex system. In addition to decitex (dtex), there is also millitex (mtex) or kilotex (ktex). In principle, it is possible to add many different prefixes to it. The basic size is as follows: 1 tex = 1 gram per 1000 meters . From this basic size, the following measurements for dtex, mtex and ktex result:

• 1 mtex = 0.001 tex = 1 gram per 1,000,000 meters
• 1 dtex = 0.1 tex = 1 gram per 10,000 meters
• 1 ktex = 1000 tex = 1 gram per 1 meter

diagnostics
Diagnosis describes the detection of diseases. It includes the anamnesis, physical and further examinations and the analysis of body tissue and excretions.

DIN standard
DIN stands for "Deutsche Institut für Normung eV" and covers standardization in Germany, but also worldwide. A standard is a document that specifies requirements for products, services and processes. The DIN standard brings many advantages, such as supporting rationalization and quality assurance. A well-known example is the DIN formats of paper

dispenser
A dispenser or dosing dispenser is a manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic dispensing device. They are used to store and dispense various products. The versatility is enormous and ranges from soap dispensers to stands.

dispersion
A dispersion in combination with floor care means that a protective layer is applied to the floor. This protects the floor from traffic marks and dirt, as the floor is now much more resistant.

dosage
Correct dosing of cleaning agents is essential to achieve optimal cleaning results. Incorrect dosing can also lead to health risks or harm the environment.

fragrances
There are different types of fragrances and they have different functions. Synthetic fragrances in particular are often used for perfumes, room candles or scented sprays because natural fragrances are less available than the demand. Unfortunately, synthetic fragrances can also cause allergies.

fragrance-free
Products that are fragrance-free do not contain any synthetic fragrances and usually have a neutral smell.

E
Ecolabel
Ecolabel is an environmental label for consumer products and services. This seal has been in existence since 1992. Products or services receive this label if they have a lower environmental impact compared to competing products. This means that the customer immediately recognizes the more environmentally friendly and healthier product.

single-disk machine
A single-disk machine is used to clean floors. It is possible to use different pads depending on the floor. The cleaning agent can also be adapted to the conditions.

exposure time
The exposure time in cleaning refers to the point in time at which the cleaner takes effect. A short exposure time means that cleaning can be carried out quickly because the cleaner takes effect quickly.

elastane
Elastane is a synthetic chemical fiber that is mainly made from petroleum. The most important properties of elastane are its high stretchability and elasticity. Elastane is also known under the name Lycra or Dorlasten.

emulsion
An emulsion consists of two different liquids that are normally not miscible. Separation is not visible. Some cosmetics, milk or mayonnaise are examples of emulsions.

de-resining
Pine trees naturally contain resin as a protective layer. In order to be able to work on the surface of the wood, the resin must be removed. There are various methods for removing the resin from the wood: saponification, dissolving, burning out or drilling/milling out.

EPDM
EPDM stands for "ethylene propylene diene, M group" and is a synthetic rubber. It is a very resistant plastic to chemical liquids, UV rays, weather and much more. In general, it is very robust, thermally resistant and frost-proof. This is why the plastic is often used for seals, pond liners, roof liners or absorbing mats for swimming pools.

Ergonomic
Ergonomics is the science of optimally designing the interface between people, the environment and machines. The aim is to design the work environment and work equipment in such a way that human needs are met. For example, it is about the correct adjustment of the desk chair or screen, but also the work environment such as the noise level in the work environment. The term ergonomic often appears on cleaning machines or cleaning trolleys, but it can also appear on the bottle of a cleaning product.

ethanol
Ethanol is an alcohol and is volatile, highly flammable and colorless with a pungent odor. It is used primarily as a disinfectant, solvent or extraction agent.

extraction purification
Extraction cleaning is used in particular for cleaning carpets and upholstery. The cleaning solution is applied to the carpet/upholstery and then vacuumed away with the dirt. This process is repeated several times and at the end the cleaning solution is also vacuumed away.

F
color refreshing
The property "color refreshing" describes that the color of the product is refreshed. This term is often used in shoe care in particular. Shoe polish with a certain color gives the shoes a new shine and care at the same time.

colorfast
Colorfast means that the product is colored in such a way that it will not rub off, fade or run.

Colorless
The contents of products labeled "colorless" are, as the name suggests, free of color and therefore in most cases transparent.

dyes
Dyes are chemical compounds that are able to color other materials. Food colorings are often used to make food look more appealing. Dyes can be divided into animal, vegetable, organic, inorganic or natural dyes.

fiber protection
Fiber protection is an advantage for carpets. Many cleaning products advertise fiber protection. This gives the fibers a protective layer that protects them from dirt, graying, and rapid re-soiling. This protective layer keeps the carpet clean and like new for much longer.

particulate matter
Fine dust is dust with a grain size of less than ten micrometers. The term is known in connection with car exhaust fumes. In the long term, it is harmful to health because it can penetrate into the alveoli and enter the bloodstream.

Fat
Fat can be extracted from animal and plant cells, but can also be produced synthetically. They are not water-soluble, so special cleaning agents are needed to remove them. Greasy dirt is particularly common in the kitchen.

Grease-repellent fibers
Grease-repellent fibers are often found in kitchen or cleaning sponges. These allow the sponges to last much longer and clean much more thoroughly.

fat-dissolving power
The grease-dissolving power is particularly important for kitchen cleaners. Since hobs, worktops and ovens often come into contact with grease or oil, a high grease-dissolving power is a great advantage for cleaning, as no grease film or greasy layer remains.

virgin fiber board (also: primary fiber board)
A fresh fiber board consists of primary fiber materials. These are then either bleached or unbleached and pigmented or coated.

frost-proof
Products that are frost-proof can be exposed to low temperatures without damaging the material.

FSC-certified
FSC stands for "Forest Stewardship Council" and is an international certification institute that ensures more sustainable forest management. This means that products with this certification are made from wood that comes from responsible management.

filling power
The term filling power can be understood in different contexts. When cleaning, it is associated with floor care. A high filling power means that sanding marks are filled and a smooth surface is present.

fill line
The filling line or calibration mark is a marking on serving vessels such as wine glasses, beer glasses or shot glasses. It marks the nominal volume of the vessel.

filling volume
The filling volume or the filling quantity describes the actual content of a container. A bottle can usually contain more than is actually inside.

fungicide
Fungicidal products are used to kill fungi and spores. Plant protection products often have a fungicidal effect, but they also help against mold. In medicine, they are used to combat skin fungi, for example.

G
Ready to use
Some cleaning products have the term "ready to use" on them. This means that the cleaner can be used immediately without having to dilute it or anything similar.

odor-inhibiting
Odor-inhibiting products prevent bad odors from occurring or neutralize them. There are odor-inhibiting products for personal hygiene as well as for bad odors in rooms.

odorless
Odorless means that the product has a neutral scent or no scent.

odor remover
Odor eliminators remove unpleasant odors.

tasteless
Tasteless is a property that describes that something has no particular or unique taste. In colloquial terms, you could also say: "It doesn't taste like anything."

gloss dispersion
A gloss dispersion is used to treat a floor covering. This creates a kind of protective layer, which usually makes the floor more robust and resistant.

glass corrosion protection
Glass corrosion protection is a thin coating that protects the glass from corrosion. This protection keeps the glass shiny for years.

Gluten-free
Gluten consists of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates and when combined with water it forms an elastic mass. Gluten itself is not harmful to health, but some people are allergic to it. Wheat, spelt, barley, rye, oatmeal and many other products contain gluten.

glycerin
Glycerin is a colorless, syrupy alcohol that is found in all natural fats and oils. Glycerin is used in many different areas. In cosmetics and some household products, it is used as a moisturizer. In the food industry, glycerin is used as a sweetener. For example, glycerin can be found in creams, shoe polish, chewing gum, toothpaste and even in some medicines.

granite
Granite is a natural stone that is used primarily as a building material. It can be used as a worktop in the kitchen and as a washbasin and floor in the bathroom. Granite is very easy to clean.

granulation
Granulation is a grainy surface.

graphite
Graphite is a black-gray mineral made of carbon and is a semi-metal and non-metal. Graphite has a wide range of applications. One well-known application is pencil leads. Graphite is also widely used in industry.

basic cleaning
A thorough cleaning is carried out especially when a property has just been finished. Newly laid floors in particular require thorough cleaning or intensive cleaning, as dirt or streaks often remain after laying. In general, thorough cleaning only needs to be carried out at longer intervals. This removes all adhering dirt or other residues from the surfaces. Maintenance cleaning is carried out for cleaning in between.

H
HACCP
HACCP stands for " Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point " and is a hygiene concept that assesses the dangers and risks involved in food processing. The aim is to identify dangers and risks early and, if necessary, avoid them.

primer/primer
A primer is required when a non-absorbent or mineral substrate is to be treated. The adhesion promoter only penetrates the surface slightly and is the perfect preparation for mortar, filler or even paint. The adhesion primer is also used on floors as an adhesion promoter for improving cement-bound mortar, screeds and concrete. This significantly increases adhesion, crack resistance and abrasion resistance.

bonding agent
Adhesion promoters are a type of primer to prepare the surface so that it provides better adhesion for varnishes, paints or adhesives.

adhesive power
The adhesive properties describe how well paint or glue adheres to the surface. However, various cleaners can also have good adhesive properties, such as toilet cleaner. The toilet cleaner's good adhesive properties on the toilet bowl mean that cleaning can be carried out economically, as the cleaner stays on the edge and does not flow away immediately.

hard seal
A hard seal is a type of care film for the floor. It makes it significantly more durable and resistant to heel marks. A hard seal can be used particularly for new or thoroughly cleaned floors.

hard wax
Hard wax is often used on floors and is often used as a filler for scratches, holes or edge damage. It is melted and poured into the area to be filled.

hard water tolerance
Water comes in different strengths: soft, medium and hard and also varies from region to region. The term hard water compatibility means that this cleaning agent can also be used in regions with hard water.

resin
Resin is a viscous product that is divided into natural resin and synthetic resin. Natural resin is mainly obtained from conifers and is used in oil painting or handball. Synthetic resins are produced synthetically and are used primarily in industry. They are used in the manufacture of adhesives, foams and wood fiber materials.

skin-neutral
This term is often used on skin care products. It should be distinguished from the term pH-neutral, because pH-skin-neutral means that the product has the same pH value as the skin and therefore does not attack the acid mantle. The skin has a pH value of about 5.5 and pH-neutral means a value of 7. Skin-neutral products are significantly more skin-friendly than others.

skin-friendly
This term often appears in connection with products that come into contact with the skin. It means that it is gentle on the skin and is also suitable for sensitive skin.

yeast deposits
Yeast deposits often appear in food processing areas. Yeast residues can occur particularly during beer production. These deposits can also occur in the catering industry. The hoses of the dispensing system can be severely affected by this. There are therefore special cleaners for cleaning them.

HEPA
HEPA is the abbreviation for "High-Efficiency Particulate Air/Arrestance" and is a particulate filter. The filter is used to separate suspended particles from the air. The filters can be found in air purifiers, vacuum cleaners and air washers. In addition to HEPA, there are other particulate filter classes: EPA ("Efficiency Particulate Air filter") and ULPA ("Ultra Low Penetration Air"). The filter classes can only be assigned if they meet the requirements of the standard.

deep pile
Deep pile carpets are carpets in which the pile layer is made of long yarns. The opposite of this is the short pile carpet.

Hydrophil
Hydrophilicity means "water-loving". This means that the connection with water is very good. The opposite of hydrophilicity is hydrophobicity, an example of this is water and oil, which are not miscible.

Hygienically packaged
Hygienically packaged means that the product has been packaged under certain hygiene regulations and therefore meets a high hygienic standard.

hygrometer
A hygrometer is a measuring instrument to determine the humidity.

Hypoallergen
Hypoallergenic means that the product triggers fewer allergies. However, this does not mean that the product is automatically suitable for allergy sufferers. In the end, it all depends on the exact composition of the ingredients.

I
impregnation
Many different products can be impregnated and thus protected from dirt or other external influences. Wood, textiles, paper or concrete can all be impregnated. Depending on the material, different methods are used for impregnation. For textiles, paraffin or wax emulsions are often used to make them weatherproof. In construction, high levels of water absorption are often prevented or a surface is protected from dirt.

incontinence
Incontinence means that urine or, in rare cases, stool can no longer be held back in a controlled manner.

insecticide
An insecticide is a chemical agent used against insects.

K
lime
Lime is a versatile raw material that is often used as a building material. Lime is extracted from limestone and is available in various forms. For example, a distinction is made between marble and chalk. Lime is used as a raw material in the construction industry. It is also used as a mineral fertilizer, in paper and plastics, in the paint industry and even in sewage treatment plants.

lime setting
"Setting" means that something is dissolved. This means that cleaners with the "limescale setting" property dissolve limescale, but also other dirt such as tea or coffee residue. This property is a great advantage, especially in the kitchen.

chamber vacuum sealer
With a vacuum sealer, food can be vacuum-sealed and thus preserved for longer. It is also used to prepare food for sous-vide cooking. With a chamber vacuum sealer, liquids can be vacuum-sealed without any problems. No special bags are required and even jars can be vacuum-sealed in the chamber.

carnauba wax
Carnauba wax is obtained from the Brazilian carnauba palm. The palm leaves have a wax layer that is dissolved when the leaves are dried. Carnauba wax is a natural hard wax with a very high melting point of 80-87°C. Furthermore, it is indigestible and harmless to humans and the environment. Carnauba wax is used in the food industry, for example as a coating for citrus fruits or gummy bears/chewing gum so that they do not stick together. It is also used in cosmetic products and cleaning products. Carnauba wax is often found in shoe polishes, lip balms and creams. It can be identified by the abbreviation E903.

rubber
The common term for rubber is rubber. In principle, rubber is made from caoutchouc. Through processing, rubber becomes elastic and extremely tensile. The range of applications is enormous.

sweeping dust
Sweeping dust is used for the quick dry cleaning of hard floor coverings. This binds dust and allows for quick sweeping cleaning.

sweeping chips
Sweeping chips have the same function as sweeping dust. However, the chips are significantly coarser than sweeping dust.

germs
Germs are so-called pathogens. Algae, bacteria, parasites, fungi, prions, protists, viruses or viroids are pathogens. If one of these pathogens is present, an infection occurs. The symptoms of infection vary depending on the pathogen.

label-free
Label-free means that the product does not contain any harmful contents, as no labeling of hazardous substances or similar is necessary.

ceramics
Ceramics are made of clay and the products fired from it are also called ceramics. The production of ceramics has been around for many decades. Nowadays, for example, dishes and toilet bowls are made of ceramic.

Compatible
Another word for compatible is "compatible" or "matching". For example, the blue bucket is compatible with all cleaning carts.

Compostable
Compostable means that, for example, packaging is biodegradable under certain conditions. Temperature and duration play an important role here. In an industrial composting plant, the material must decompose at 60°C within three months. The remains must then pass through a 2mm sieve, with a maximum of 10% remaining in the sieve. A "homemade" garden composting plant is also possible. Here, the material must decompose at 30°C over a period of one year. But compostable does not mean that it can simply be disposed of in nature, because the specified conditions are not met here.

convection oven
A convection oven heats or cooks the food or dish using steam.

concentrate
A concentrate can be liquid or powdered and contains one or more desired substances in high concentration or in pure form. A big advantage of concentrates is that a small amount is enough for the purpose. In the case of cleaners, the concentrate usually has to be diluted with water. This makes it very economical and saves space.

corrosion
Corrosion occurs primarily in metal. It is a reaction between metal and oxygen, hydrogen, electric current, bacteria or dirt. Corrosion weakens the material and is therefore a negative reaction. There are also different types of corrosion:

• Uniform surface corrosion
• pitting corrosion
• crevice corrosion
• intergranular corrosion
• stress corrosion cracking
• Galvanic corrosion

With the help of corrosion protection, this reaction can be avoided or reduced. 25-30% of the costs caused by the damage can be avoided by corrosion protection.

power gel/power cleaner
Power gels or power cleaners are ideal for particularly stubborn dirt. For example, there are washing-up liquids with a power gel formula. These are very effective for burnt dirt. But there are also power cleaners for many other areas, such as the sanitary area.

Scratch-free
Cleaners or cleaning utensils can have a scratch-free property. Cleaning sponges or polishes in particular can have a scratch-free property. This means that even sensitive surfaces can be cleaned with them without damaging or scratching them.

cross-contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when a surface or object that is already contaminated with germs, such as doorknobs or handles, is transmitted to uncontaminated people through touch.

L
long-term protection
Care or protective products for wood or floors sometimes offer long-term protection, which means that the product is protected for several months.

latex
Latex, or colloquially rubber, is a material that is obtained from the rubber plant. The rubber-like substance is found in the milky sap of the plants. Latex can be processed in different ways to obtain the end product. The hardness of the rubber can be determined through further processing. The range of applications is also very wide here.

smooth running
Machines run smoothly when they function without disruption. They also run smoothly and quietly.

LDPE
LDPE stands for low density polyethylene and is therefore a plastic with a low density. The plastic is very light, soft and flexible due to its low density.

food-safe
Food-safe packaging is the packaging that comes into contact with food but does not pose any health concerns.

food safe
The term "food safe" is often found on products that come into contact with food, such as cutlery, crockery or storage containers. The symbol ensures that the requirements of the Food and Consumer Goods Act and the Consumer Goods Ordinance are met.

food safe
Food safe means that the product, such as labels, is permitted to come into contact with food.

Linen
Linen is made from the fiber of the stems of the flax plant. Products can be made from half-linen or pure linen. Half-linen consists of at least 40% linen mixed with cotton. Pure linen, on the other hand, consists of 100% flax fibers. Linen fabrics are now back in fashion. Bed linen, clothing and even cleaning cloths are made from linen. The following properties speak for linen: robust, tear-resistant, lint-free, dirt-repellent, bactericidal and antistatic.

Levurozid
This term is often found on disinfectants and means that it kills yeast.

linoleum
Linoleum is often used as a floor covering. It stands out for its robustness, design and sustainability. Linoleum originally consists of linseed oil, cork flour and jute fabric. Thanks to the natural ingredients, the floor covering is antibacterial and hygienic and is therefore ideal for schools, kindergartens and hospitals.

solvent
The purpose of a solvent is to dissolve gases, liquids or solids with a substance (often liquid). There must be no chemical reaction between the two substances.

Solvent resistant
Materials are solvent-resistant if they are resistant to the attack of aggressive solvents. This is important for cleaning gloves or gloves for use in chemical applications.

Air-permeable
Air-permeable materials allow gases/air to pass through. A synonym for this is "breathable". A common example is sportswear.

air performance
The air output is a characteristic of a ventilation system or compressor. It describes the amount of air delivered in a certain time.

M
Marble
Marble is a noble material and is used in various areas of interior design. In the kitchen, marble is used to make a worktop, in the living room it is used to make a window sill and in the living room it is also used to make the floor. Minerals are exposed to high heat and pressure in the earth's interior and thus form marble. The transformation of the minerals takes a very long time. The different rocks allow for great variety, so marble is available in many shades of color and grain.

material-friendly
Material-friendly cleaners are particularly friendly when used on sensitive surfaces. The cleaner does not attack coatings or similar.

reusable
Containers or bottles that have a reusable designation are always reused.

menthol
Menthol comes from mint oil and gives it the typical, fresh mint smell. It is found in various types of mint, but menthol is also found in thyme and basil. Menthol is often used in essential oils. Menhtol also has many different effects, including analgesic, cooling, circulation-stimulating, antipruritic and insecticidal.

methanesulfonic acid
Methanesulfonic acid is a very strong acid and is used as a base for detergents or for coloring light metals such as aluminum.

Microbiological/Microbiology
Microbiology is the science of small organisms that are usually not visible to the naked eye. It examines metabolism and its effect on other microorganisms.

microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that has a fineness of less than one decitex. One decitex means that 10,000 meters of the fiber weighs one gram. This means that microfibers are very, very fine fibers. Microfibers are also popular for cleaning cloths, as they promise high moisture absorption and lint-free cleaning.

microperforation
A perforation means that a flat object or a hollow body is pierced. The shape, size, order and quantity play a major role. The holes in a microperforation are therefore very small. Perforations occur in many different areas. Examples are: the tear-off edge of paper, stamps or even toilet paper has a perforation between the sheets.

minerals
Minerals form the basic structure for various rocks and are therefore natural, chemical building blocks. They are created through geological processes. Crystals form during this process. Minerals are often found in rock layers, cracks or faults caused by the rise and cooling of magma from the earth's interior. There are more than 5,600 different types on earth.

MRSA
MRSA is a hospital germ and stands for "methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus". Staphylococci are pathogens and often settle on mucous membranes and the skin. The bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, but despite settlement they often do not cause illness, only when they settle on wounds or mucous membranes. The course of the disease can then be very serious, as the pathogen is multi-resistant. Symptoms can include: skin inflammation, wound infections or inflammation of individual organs.

N
re-leathering
Re-leathering refers to the finishing of windows, for example, when streaks, marks or other residues remain. Re-work is often also required after washing the car to avoid any water stains.

sodium salt
A sodium salt is a salt formed by the ionic bond between the cation of sodium Na ⁺ and the anion X ^- an acid. A well-known sodium salt is table salt.

Natron paper
Natron paper is used as packaging material. It is made from recycled paper and is smooth on one side. Furthermore, it has a very high tear resistance and is environmentally friendly and recyclable.

natural
Natural means that the ingredients are predominantly organic and of natural origin. The product also contains no foreign additives and the natural composition has not been altered.

natural stone
All rocks that are found in nature are called natural stones. Natural stones are mostly used as building materials. Granite, marble and basalt are all natural stones.

Netzkraft
When it comes to cleaners, the wetting power refers to the wetting of the surfaces. For example, toilet cleaners have a good wetting power when the gel does not immediately run down the walls of the toilet when applied, but rather sticks slightly so that the cleaning effect can unfold.

neutral cleaner
Neutral cleaners or all-purpose cleaners are all-round cleaning products and can be used in many different areas. They can be used on any surface imaginable and are ideal for both floors and work surfaces.

nitrile
Nitrile is a high-quality material that is used especially for disposable gloves. The material has a high chemical resistance and is generally durable. Compared to latex gloves, nitrile gloves are also suitable for allergy sufferers and are therefore much more skin-friendly.

Nordic Swan ecolabel
The Nordic Eclabel is a Scandinavian sustainability seal that certifies products from 60 different areas. The countries behind this environmental label are Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. The focus of the label is on the environment, quality and safety of the products.

noroviruses
Noroviruses are everywhere and cause gastrointestinal disease. They are highly contagious and are transmitted through contact infection, objects/surfaces or even raw food.

nylon
Nylon is a fiber made from the plastic polyamide. It is often used for stockings, blouses, shirts or sportswear because it is very durable and tear-resistant.

O
Economically
The economy stands for the economy. So "economical" means that it relates to the economy. It also means economical, whereby maximum benefit is achieved with minimal effort/consumption.

eco-certified
A product is organic certified if it has been checked by a state-recognized organic control body. The product must meet the requirements of the EC organic regulation.

oils
Oils is a general term for organic liquids that do not mix with water. They therefore have a higher viscosity than water. Oils can also be divided into different categories. There are fatty oils, essential oils, mineral oils and silicone oils.

P
palm oil
Palm oil is an edible fat that is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of an oil palm. Palm oil is contained in various foods and cosmetics. The use and production of palm oil is viewed critically because its production is not considered sustainable and causes ecological problems.

paraffin
Paraffin is mostly obtained from waste products from the petroleum industry and is both harmful to health and bad for the environment. Paraffin is used in candles, cosmetics and shoe polish, for example.

fragrance-free
Products, especially hygiene products, can have the property "fragrance-free". This means that it is odorless and free of synthetic fragrances. This property is particularly important for people with very sensitive skin or allergy sufferers.

care film
There are various ways and means of applying a protective film to a floor. There is a suitable treatment for every floor.

PH value
The pH value can be used to determine whether an aqueous solution is acidic or basic. If the solution has a pH value of exactly 7, it is neutral. If the pH value is less than 7, the solution is acidic and if the pH value is greater than 7, the solution is basic. There are various methods for determining the pH value. On the one hand, the pH value can be calculated using formulas or the reaction of indicator dyes is used to determine it.

phosphoric acid
Phosphorus is a chemical element and phosphoric acid is the most important acid of phosphorus. Phosphoric acid is often used as a starting material for fertilizers, rust removers or can also be found in detergents. As the name suggests, the substance is very corrosive, so it is used in highly diluted form in the food industry as a preservative, acidity regulator or acidifier.

planetary gear
The planetary gear consists of a large ring gear. The sun gear is located in the middle of the ring gear and there are several planet gears around the sun gear. The structure of the planetary gear is reminiscent of the solar system, because the planets orbit the sun gear.

polishing
When polishing, the material on a surface is removed minimally. The aim of polishing is to smooth a surface. There are various polishing processes and tools.

polyester
Polyester is a plastic that is now mainly processed into yarns and fibers. Polyester is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PET plastic bottles. The advantages of polyester fibers are that they do not stretch much, fall easily and do not wrinkle particularly. They are also robust and hard-wearing. Because they absorb very little water, they are also used for sportswear.

polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE for short) is a thermoplastic and can be divided into four different categories based on its density. There is PE with a high, medium and low density, but also a linear PE with a low density. PE is mainly used for films and packaging.

polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP for short) is also a thermoplastic material that has a huge range of applications. Many packaging materials, but also textiles, floating ropes, bicycle helmets, thermal boxes and much more are made of PP. What is special about PP is that it does not contain any plasticizers and is therefore less harmful to health. Furthermore, PP is heat-resistant, harder and suitable for use in microwaves.

polystyrene
Polystyrene is a plastic that is foamed and is usually amorphous or partially crystalline. The plastic is used primarily for food packaging and as sound and heat insulation. High rigidity, medium hardness and resistance to breakage are some of the properties of the plastic.

pore filler
Pore ​​fillers are used in particular for stone carpets. But they are also used to freshen up and fill open pores or porous floors. After use, the floor looks like new and shines with a new shine.

PPN (= Pharmacy Product Number)
The PPN is a billing system for medicinal products and increases the security of medicinal products against counterfeiting. This number confirms compliance with Directive 2011/62/EU.

propanol
Propanol is a liquid that is flammable, hygroscopic and colorless. It has a pleasant smell. It is also miscible with water, ethanol and ether. Propanol is often used as a solvent for disinfectants and esters. It is also used to produce insecticides, herbicides and medicines.

Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane (PU for short) is a plastic that is very good at insulating and flexible. PU is often used for soft foam products. It is used for mattresses, surfboards, refrigerator insulation and even astronauts' space suits, for example.

Spot application/cleaning
We speak of spot cleaning or application when the cleaning agent can be applied to a specific spot and very precisely. This means that small stains can be treated in a targeted manner.

polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC for short) is also a plastic that is particularly weather-resistant, abrasion-resistant and flame-retardant. A distinction is made between hard and soft PVC. Soft PVC contains plasticizers and hard PVC does not. PVC is well known as a floor covering, but is also used for adhesive tape, packaging film and even records.

R
rapeseed oil
Rapeseed oil is a plant-based oil. The oil is extracted from rapeseed and contains many unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the ratio of 3-omega fatty acids to 6-omega fatty acids is particularly good and therefore rapeseed oil is considered healthy.

smoke resin remover
Smoke resin is usually very stubborn and forms particularly in the kitchen, in ovens, grills or smoke ovens. This cleaner can remove these and at the same time other dirt such as fat, oil or protein residues.

recycled fiber
There are now many products made from recycled fibers, such as cleaning cloths, toilet paper, tissues and much more. Recycled fibers are good for the environment and protect natural resources.

abrasives
Abrasives are particularly found in hand washing pastes or hand cleaners. They are used to remove heavy soiling.

purity
The purity of a product or material has different meanings depending on the case. With diamonds, purity stands for quality. With metal, purity stands for the composition of the material. Cleaning is, of course, about cleanliness.

cleaning stone
A cleaning stone is a natural product and can be used without any additional chemicals. It removes a wide variety of contaminants such as limescale, urine scale, rust, toilet rings and many other types of dirt. The biggest advantage is that no cleaner needs to be used. The stone works solely through its high mechanical cleaning performance.

cleaning enhancer
Cleaning enhancer is an additive to the cleaner that increases cleaning performance. Ideal especially for stubborn dirt.

pure water
Pure water is treated water that can also be used as drinking water, for example. With the help of a pure water cleaning system, windows, solar panels or facades can be cleaned without chemicals. Pure water cleaning has several advantages, because the cleaning is carried out without chemicals and no rework is necessary.

tear resistance
The tear strength is one of the strength values ​​of a material and describes how much force a material can withstand before it is destroyed.

RK-listed
The RK-listed cleaning agents are tested and meet certain requirements.

rust
Rust often occurs when steel or iron is exposed to moisture. It is characterized by its yellowish and reddish color. There are both ready-made cleaning products and practical household products for rust. There are also various ways to protect metal from rust.

rotaviruses
Rotaviruses are found all over the world, but they are particularly prevalent in developing countries and are often responsible for child mortality. In our country, too, this virus often leads to hospitalization of small children. There are now vaccinations against rotaviruses. The infection is noticeable through diarrhea. In adults, however, the disease usually progresses without symptoms.

moisturizing
The term "moisturizing" often appears on creams, shower gels or soaps. This term is particularly common in products for very dry skin. It means that the product leaves a kind of greasy film on the skin and protects it from drying out.

residue-free
Residue-free cleaners have the property that no residue remains after cleaning. No subsequent cleaning is required and no annoying streaks are left. This makes cleaning much easier and faster. This property is practical for window cleaners.

soot particles
Fine dust consists mainly of soot particles, which are created by burning organic substances such as wood or diesel. Soot is bad for the environment, the climate and health. The very fine particles can settle in the lungs and penetrate the tissues. For example, the soot particles absorb the heat from the sun's rays, which is why the ambient temperature rises.

Non-slip/anti-slip
Floor care products that have a non-slip or anti-slip effect guarantee a safe surface. This can prevent accidents such as slipping.

S
ammonium chloride
Sal ammoniac is a mineral and is created by volcanism. It can be white, yellow or grey, but it can also be colourless. Sal ammoniac is known for its sal ammoniac pastilles, which are good for coughs and also have an expectorant effect. Sal ammoniac is also used as a food additive. Another area of ​​application is cleaning. Sal ammoniac is an all-rounder and can be used against limescale or grease. It can even be used to clean windows without streaks.

hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is often used for cleaning, but it attacks the surface. Therefore, suitable protective measures should be taken when using hydrochloric acid. Gloves and safety glasses are essential. Hydrochloric acid can be used to remove rust from the bathtub, but it can also easily remove scale.

suction power
Suction power is an important feature for vacuum cleaners and other cleaning devices. To be precise, suction power is the maximum pressure difference to the surrounding air pressure. The higher the suction power, the better the suction performance of the device.

absorbency
Absorbency is an important criterion for cleaning cloths and mops. The higher the absorbency, the more water the cloth or mop can absorb. This property is important for cleaning floors or surfaces.

acid
Acids are liquids that have a pH value of less than 7. They are the opposite of bases and can be liquid, solid or gaseous. They also have corrosive properties and can even dissolve infinite metals and organic materials. There are also different strengths of acids and different types of acids. Acetic acid or citric acid are often used for cleaning. They are often used as lime removers.

acid-resistant
Materials or surfaces are acid-resistant if they react little or not at all when in contact with acid. This property is important, for example, for gloves that come into contact with chemicals.

shampooing
Shampooing means lathering something. For example, a car, upholstery or even a carpet can be lathered with the cleaner before cleaning.

low-foaming
Many cleaners have the property of "low foaming", especially those that still have to be diluted with water. This property guarantees that little foam is produced when the mixture is made.

layer reduction
Layer removal here refers to floor care. Cleaners with this property break down existing protective layers so that new ones can be applied.

molds
Mold is a generic term for fungi that have a characteristic mycelium and consist of microscopically small spores. Mold is usually shiny to velvety and is often colored. Furthermore, it can grow very well under certain conditions. Mold likes temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and, above all, a moist environment. If mold appears, it should be removed as quickly as possible or have it removed, as it is not only harmful to the material, but also to health.

impact resistance
A material is "impact resistant" if it is resistant to external impacts.

dirt-repellent
Dirt-repellent means that the material has a protective layer due to a certain treatment, which gives dirt no chance of sticking to it.

dirt breaker
Dirt breakers are the strongest of all maintenance cleaners. They are particularly well suited for industry because they remove stubborn and greasy dirt and oily contamination without any problems. All water-resistant surfaces, including porous surfaces, can be cleaned excellently with them.

quick cleaner
As the name suggests, quick cleaners have the ability to carry out time-saving cleaning. These cleaners are usually ready to use and can be applied straight away. There are quick cleaners for different areas.

soap residue
Soap residue often occurs in the bathroom, but it can also occur in the kitchen. It is usually found in the shower cubicle or in the sink. There are many cleaners that remove this contamination quickly and easily. As the name suggests, shower gel and shampoo leave residues in the tub or sink after a while.

sesame oil
Sesame oil is used in wood care as a natural protection against insects and moisture. It is rich in antioxidants and also contains vitamin E, which helps protect the wood from damage caused by UV rays. Sesame oil is applied by applying it directly to the wood and rubbing it in. However, it should be noted that sesame oil has a strong odor and can cause the wood to turn a darker color, so it is best to test it on a small area before applying it to a large area.

silicone
Silicone is a synthetic polymer. Silicones have many positive properties, as they are heat-resistant, hydrophobic, dielectric and often not harmful to health. This is why silicone is often used in cosmetic skin care products or skin protection products. Silicone therefore has a wide range of applications, as silicone is also used in the bathroom as a grout.

spores
Some bacteria can form spores under certain circumstances. Spores can survive for decades and remain highly infectious. In addition, the spore wall is significantly thicker and is therefore resistant to physical and chemical influences. This is particularly a problem when sterilizing medical instruments, as spores can also survive heat.

spray extraction cleaning
Spray extraction cleaning is a cleaning process that is ideal for carpets. The cleaning mixture is applied under pressure and the loose dirt is immediately vacuumed away. After the cleaning cycle, an additional cycle with clear water can be carried out to finally remove the cleaning agent residue. This means that the carpets stay clean for much longer. Advantages such as low residual moisture and thorough and gentle cleaning speak in favor of spray extraction cleaning.

Dust
Dust is a general term for the accumulation of very small particles. The particle size is measured in micrometers and then determines the exact name of the dust. Dust is roughly divided into the following three categories: fumes, fine dust and coarse dust. In addition, the finer the dust, the more harmful it is to health. Very, very fine particles can even get into the bloodstream. For this reason, a respiratory mask should be worn when doing mechanical work, for example. Various helpers also help with the removal of house dust to avoid allergies.

Sterile
The term "sterile" is mostly used in medicine and has two basic meanings. On the one hand, it means infertility, but also "freedom from germs". For example, the doctor must disinfect his hands before an operation and the surgical instruments must also be sterile in order to avoid bacterial infections and other possible communicable diseases. Various medical products and disposable gloves are also sterile.

streak-free
The "streak-free" property is an important criterion, especially for glass cleaners. Many cleaners therefore promise streak-free cleaning, because no annoying residue remains after cleaning.

T
telescopic pole
A telescopic pole has the property of being extendable. This property makes cleaning windows much easier. But telescopic poles are also advantageous for many other areas, such as painting walls or removing dust from the ceiling.

surfactants
Surfactants are used to reduce the interfacial tension between two different substances. Surfactants are especially needed for two substances that cannot bond together, such as water and oil. The structure of the surfactants makes it possible to bond oil and water. Surfactants are often present in detergents and cleaners. Since surfactants can irritate and dry out mucous membranes, there are now also surfactant-free cleaners.

deep ground
Deep primer is a primer for walls and ceilings made of plaster, gypsum or concrete. The aim is to reduce the absorbency of the substrate and to strengthen the surface. Furthermore, the primer means less paint and paste is needed for the wallpaper. The primer also makes it easier to remove the wallpaper from the wall later.

deep sealing
Deep sealing is applied directly after basic cleaning. It repels dirt and makes subsequent maintenance cleaning easier.

Translucent
Translucent is a synonym for "semi-transparent" or "semi-transparent".

sure-footedness
Slip resistance is an important criterion for floors to reduce the risk of slipping. Slip resistance can be increased with certain floor cleaners or care products.

Tritan
An odorless and tasteless plastic that is popular for products that frequently come into contact with food. Tritan is very resistant to heat and impact, making it a good choice
for example for drinking bottles or baby bottles.

dry shampooing
Dry shampooing is a type of carpet cleaning. The foam is applied to the carpet using a single-disk machine or dry shampooing machine. The advantage of dry shampooing is that the carpet does not get as wet and dries more quickly after cleaning. This method is particularly advantageous for large areas. After the foam has been applied, it is worked on with a brush and then vacuumed.

drying time
The drying time is a parameter for many different areas. In general, the drying time, as the name suggests, describes the time until the material is dry. This time is an important parameter for paint, floor coverings and especially adhesives.

tuberculocide
Tuberculocide can be found on the packaging of disinfectants or disinfectant cleaners. This means that the product kills tuberculosis bacteria.

U
environmentally friendly
Products, processes, materials and much more that do not harm the environment.

universal cleaner
Universal cleaners or all-purpose cleaners can be used on almost all surfaces and areas. The all-rounder can be used anywhere, so to speak.

clearance
The clearance height describes the height from the floor to the device or trolley. Example: pallet stand with clearance height of 100mm. This means that a forklift or pallet truck can be used to move the stand. The pallet stand can therefore be driven under.

maintenance cleaning
Maintenance cleaning refers to regular cleaning. In contrast to maintenance cleaning, there is also initial or basic cleaning, which is very important, for example, for newly laid floors, as a cement film often remains.

urea
Urea is the Latin term for urea and is a natural part of our skin. Its job is to bind moisture and keep the skin supple. Horse urine was used in the past, but urea is now produced artificially. Urea is moisturizing and has a high and rapid effectiveness. Urea is often included in skin protection and care products, especially in products for very dry skin.

urinary stone
Urine scale is mainly found in toilets. It is caused by the reaction of urine with hard water and is usually yellowish-brown in color. The deposits can also develop into real stones. There are various cleaning products for urine scale, but household products such as baking powder, cola or vinegar can also remove stubborn dirt from the toilet.
To combat urinary stones we offer our Urinex from Eilfix - order here.

UV rays
UV rays stand for ultraviolet rays. On the one hand, these UV rays from the sun are important for the production of vitamin D, but on the other hand, they can also be harmful to the skin and eyes. It is therefore important to protect the skin with sunscreen to prevent sunburn, sun allergies, premature skin aging and skin cancer.

V
VAH
Many descriptions of disinfectants contain the expression "VAH listed" or "VAH certified". VAH stands for "Association for Applied Hygiene eV" and in this context means that this disinfectant meets all of the VAH's quality requirements. In summary, the VAH is responsible for the quality assurance of disinfectants.

vacuuming
Vacuum sealing removes the air from the packaging. This method is also often used with food to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

vinyl
Vinyl is mainly known as a floor covering and is made of the thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC for short). Basically, PVC is a rather hard and brittle material. However, by adding plasticizers, it is possible to make the material softer. Vinyl as a floor covering has many advantages. It is very scratch-resistant and robust. In particular, it is extremely easy to care for, as it is also insensitive to moisture, unlike a wooden floor.

virus
The structure of viruses consists of one or more molecules, and sometimes a protein shell. Inside the molecules is genetic material, i.e. DNA or RNA, which is used for reproduction. Unlike bacteria, viruses have no cell nucleus, no metabolism of their own, no ability to generate energy and no ability to synthesize proteins. There are also different levels of "danger" of viruses. Viruses can cause a cold, cold sores or gastrointestinal disease, but can also trigger serious infections such as HIV or liver inflammation.

virucidal
Disinfectants that are effective against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses are called virucidal. There is also the term "limited virucidal", in which the disinfectant is only effective against enveloped viruses. Non-enveloped viruses are significantly more resistant than enveloped viruses, because with a non-enveloped virus the host cell must be destroyed. In contrast, with enveloped viruses the first point of attack is the lipids of the virus envelope and are therefore easier to destroy.

Viscous
The term "viscous" can be used to describe the properties of a liquid. If a liquid is described as highly viscous, it is viscous and thick, like honey. However, if a liquid is described as low viscous, it is a thin liquid, like water.

viscose
Viscose is a plant-based material and is obtained from a tree. First, viscose is processed into a fabric and used to make clothing. In addition to sustainability, viscose has many advantages. It can absorb up to 400% of its own weight and is therefore very robust. It is also breathable, absorbent and also suitable for allergy sufferers.

fleece
The term fleece originally comes from the Latin "vellus" and means "wool, sheepskin". In the past, this was the name given to the coat of a sheep. Today, a material with fibers that stick together is called fleece or nonwoven fabric.

W
low maintenance
Low-maintenance devices are those that do not require extensive and frequent maintenance.

detergents
Surfactants are detergents. These reduce the interfacial tension of two repelling liquids and allow them to mix. Detergents are contained in detergents, dishwashing liquids or cleaning agents.

Water resistant
Surfaces or materials are water resistant if they cannot be damaged by water.

water softening
In some regions the water is particularly hard, which means that the water contains a lot of lime. Hard water has various disadvantages in the home, such as heavy limescale deposits or brittle laundry. There are therefore various methods to make water softer, so to speak.

water hardness
Water hardness describes the concentration of calcium and magnesium in tap water. Water hardness varies depending on where you live. There are basically three different levels of water hardness:

• Hardness range "soft": > 1.5 millimoles of calcium carbonate per liter
• Hardness range "medium: 1.5 to 2.5 millimoles of calcium carbonate per liter
• Hardness range "hard": < 2.5 millimoles of calcium carbonate per liter

Water hardness plays an important role in various areas. The degree of hardness can play a role in cleaning, as this often determines the dosage. In general, "hard" water is not harmful. Detergents now contain enough softeners and deposits on the fittings or in the kettle, as well as in coffee machines, can be easily removed by regular cleaning or descaling. Citric acid, vinegar cleaner or other limescale removers are useful for this.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
There is a difference between the two terms mentioned. Waterproof means that no water will get in. Water-resistant or water-repellent means that, for example, rain is repelled, but in longer and heavier downpours it will still get through.

plasticizers
Plasticizers are used to soften hard and brittle materials. This makes them more stretchable and flexible for further processing. They also have a wide range of applications and can be found in plastics, paints, coatings, sealants, rubber and rubber articles and adhesives. It is important to note that plasticizers are harmful to health.

resilient
A synonym for resilient is robust. Something is resilient if it does not break easily.

Works independently
A cleaner works independently if no wiping or scrubbing is necessary after use.

duration of action
The duration of the effect describes the period in which the product develops its full benefit. Example: The impregnation of the floor has an effect duration of two months. This means that the protection of the floor is present for two months.

Z
cellulose
Cellulose is obtained from the fibers of a plant, such as wood or annual plants, and is processed into a fiber using chemical and mechanical processing. Cellulose is particularly important for paper production. Cellulose is also used for cotton wool, handkerchiefs, wound dressings and many other hygiene products.

cement veil
A cement veil describes the remains of the grout from laying tiles or natural stones.

citric acid
Citric acid is a versatile cleaning miracle. It can be used in the bathroom, in the kitchen, and also for laundry. When using citric acid, a few points must be observed because, as the name suggests, it is an acid. When using it, care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes. If you have sensitive skin, gloves should be worn when cleaning.