Core Chemistry Matrix

Chemical Families Overview

Chemical Type	Primary Purpose	Best On	Avoid On	Examples
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (SH)	Kill organic growth	Mold, algae, mildew, roofs, siding	Most metals, fabrics, untreated wood	Pool chlorine, soft wash
SODIUM PERCARBONATE	Oxygen bleach	Wood, decks, fabrics, organic stains	Poor for rust/minerals	OxyClean
SODIUM HYDROXIDE	Heavy degreaser	Grease, oil, dumpster pads	Aluminum, glass, paint	HD80
SURFACTANTS	Improve wetting/cling	Used with other cleaners	Rarely alone	Elemonator
ACID CLEANERS	Remove minerals	Rust, hard water, efflorescence	Natural stone, sensitive metals	OneRestore
SOLVENTS	Dissolve petroleum	Tar, gum, adhesives	Some plastics/paint	Mineral spirits
CHELATING AGENTS	Bind minerals	Hard water applications	Limited alone	EDTA blends

Field Reference Cards

Individual Chemical Guide

Sodium Hypochlorite (SH)

Category: Oxidizer

Best for: algae, mold, mildew, moss, roof stains, vinyl siding, stucco, painted brick.

Not effective on: rust, calcium, hard water, oxidation, oil, grease.

Sodium Percarbonate

Category: Oxygen bleach

Best for wood restoration, composite decking, patio furniture, upholstery, and organic staining.

Sodium Hydroxide

Category: Alkali

Breaks down grease and oils. Excellent for restaurant pads, hydraulic oil, and heavy grease. Avoid aluminum, glass, and painted finishes.

Surfactants

Reduce surface tension, improve dwell time, penetration, and rinsing. Used to enhance other cleaners.

Acid Cleaners

Used to dissolve mineral deposits such as rust, calcium, hard water stains, efflorescence, and mortar haze.

Examples include oxalic, citric, phosphoric, hydrochloric, and ammonium bifluoride blends.

OneRestore

Specialty restoration acid blend for calcium, hard water, oxidation, rust, atmospheric staining, mortar haze, and efflorescence.

Solvents

Best for tar, tree sap, adhesives, asphalt, paint transfer, and petroleum-based contamination.

Chelating Agents

Bind dissolved metal ions and improve cleaning performance in hard water conditions.

Professional Field Reference Guide

Green algae / mold