Final answer:
Acidic cleaning agents, particularly those with mineral acids and chelants, are commonly used to remove mineral deposits. They can be enhanced with surfactants and corrosion inhibitors to protect the cleaning surfaces. Alternative substances like phosphates and oxygen-based bleaching agents are also used, though the former have seen reduced usage due to environmental concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acidic cleaning agents are typically used to remove mineral deposits. These cleaners are effective for eliminating inorganic deposits such as scaling because of their active ingredients, which often include strong mineral acids and chelants. To increase efficiency and protect surfaces from damage, these acidic cleaning products may also contain surfactants and corrosion inhibitors.
Detergents like Finish, which contain phosphates, are effective at binding calcium and magnesium ions, helping to prevent hard-water type limescale deposits. However, the use of phosphates has decreased due to their ecological impact. Alternatively, some cleaners use oxygen-based bleaching agents to break up and bleach organic deposits, which are more environmentally friendly.
Toilet bowl cleaners specifically target calcium carbonate deposits and include acids in the form of dilute hydrochloric, phosphoric, or formic acids, turning the calcium carbonate into water-soluble salts.
Moreover, all-purpose cleaners that contain concentrated solutions of surfactants and water softeners work effectively on common dirt in hard water conditions. Alkylbenzenesulfonates, an anionic detergent, and modified fatty alcohols are typical surfactants used, while sodium triphosphate acts as a water softener.