Glossary

Grinding agents or materials and substances containing grinding agents are described as abrasives (ground solid minerals such as corundum, clay, quartz, pumice or chalk). Their structure helps to loosen stubborn dirt from surfaces.

Cleaning products or accessories, e.g. sponges, may contain abrasives.

Important: the more scratch-sensitive the surface, the more gentle the materials NEED to be.

Does not contain acid.

The material is resistant to acids (exception aqua regia, hydrofluoric acid).

Substances which are sensitive to acid include e.g. lime-bound stones (marble, Jurassic limestone, shell limestone, Solnhofen limestone, travertine); these chalk stones foam when acid is applied and the damaged surface displays burns in the form of matte areas. Acid may also cause burns to artificial stone floors and discolouration to terracotta coatings. Base metals such as e.g. aluminium are also attacked by acid.  

Polymethyl methacrylate, also known as acrylic glass or Plexiglas^®, is a synthetic glass substitute and is frequently used as a splash guard, for example in shower cubicles or as a wall covering.

The advantage of acrylic – in contrast to glass – is its relative insensitivity to impacts. It is also highly weather-resistant.

Care should, however, be taken when cleaning it, since few household cleaning products are explicitly suitable for acrylic. Acrylic contains "internal stresses" depending on processing and application. When these come into contact with chemical substances such as non-ionic surfactants, solvents and the corresponding acids, then 'stress cracks' may develop and the formation of cracks may become visible on the glass. Furthermore, acrylic may be dulled with the use of the wrong cleaning product and/or cloth, spoiling its appearance

Intensive cleaner.

For the neutralisation of unpleasant odours, such as sanitary and kitchen odours, mould and animal smells, tobacco smoke.

Targeted dissemination of aromatic substances on ventilation and air conditioning, using air fresheners, scented candles and scented oils.

Ability to resist substances with a (basically) alkaline reaction, such as caustic soda, caustic potash, ammonia, etc.

The noticeable reaction to substances with a (basically) alkaline reaction (e.g. artificial stone, terrazzo, marble).

Also known as "basic". Alkaline is the opposite of acid. A pH value between 7 and 14 represents an alkaline liquid.

See alkaline-resistant (e.g. porcelain stoneware, brick, granite, epoxy resin).

Aluminium is a light, soft (scratch-sensitive) – but tough – metal and the opposite of a precious metal. At just room temperature, it reacts with air and water to form aluminium oxide. This is a thin layer impermeable to air and water and which protects the aluminium from corrosion. Aluminium has good thermal conductivity. In the home, it is often used for cooking utensils (e.g. camping utensils) and baking trays.

Delays the surface becoming dirty again.

Measures for avoiding the damage to metallic components which can be caused by corrosion. It is impossible to achieve complete resistance to corrosion. The protective measures undertaken generally aim to reduce the speed of corrosive attack to the extent that damage can be avoided during the lifespan of the component.

A substance with no electrical conductivity or very weak electrical conductivity.