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SANITIZER – An agent that reduces the number of bacteria to a safe level, but does not completely eliminate them, as judged by public health requirements. Usually in foodservice areas.

SAPONIFICATION – The process of converting a fat into soap by treating it with an alkali. Also, the process used by some cleaners to remove grease and oil.

SCALE – Calcium or mineral deposits in steam boilers and in steam and water pipes.

SEALER – A coating designed to penetrate and provide the initial protection to a floor surface by filling the tiny holes. Also, a product which prevents color bleeding.

SOAP – A natural cleaning agent produced by the reaction of a fat or oil and an alkali.

SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE – Bleaching and disinfecting agent.

SPORE – A special hard, shell-like cell structure of a rod-shaped bacteria which has an inactive form, and is the most resistant of all living things to heat, chemicals and drying. Can only be destroyed by sterilization.

SPOTTER – A carpet stain remover.

SPRAY BUFF – An intermediate floor care procedure that cleans, removes black marks and shines the wear areas of a floor. Utilizes a sprayed solution, a floor machine and a synthetic floor pad.

STERILIZATION – The process of killing all forms of microbial life, including vegetative bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores.

STRIPPER – Specially formulated detergent that breaks the bond of floor wax and finish when used as directed, without damaging flooring material.

SURFACTANT – Surface-active agent that increases the emulsifying, foaming, dispersing, spreading and wetting properties of a product.

TERRAZZO – A non-resilient floor material composed of marble and Portland cement.

USE-DILUTION – The final concentration at which a product is used.

VIRUCIDE – A chemical agent that kills viruses.

WAREWASHING – Washing of dishes, utensils, glassware, pots, pans, etc. in the institutional market.

WATER CONDITIONER – A material that improves the quality of water for a given application or use.

WATER HARDNESS – A measure of the amount of metallic salts found in water. Hard water can inhibit the action of some surfactants and reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

WATER SOFTENER – Substance that removes or counteracts the hardness
of water.

WAX – A natural protective coating for hard surfaces.

WET MOPPING – Applying a liberal amount of cleaning solution. Used in disinfecting, thorough cleaning, scrubbing and stripping. Requires removing excess solution.

WETTING AGENT – A chemical that reduces surface tension of water, allowing it
to spread more freely.