Why Household Stains Form and How the Right Cleaner Breaks Them Down product guide

AI Summary

Product: Selleys Cleaning Product Range (Rapid Mould Killer, Complete Clean Multipurpose Spray, Sugar Soap, Oven Plus Heavy Duty Gel, Oven Wipes, BBQ Cleaners) Brand: Selleys Category: Household Cleaning Products Primary Use: Chemically matched cleaning solutions targeting the four main household stain types — mould, grease, mineral scale, and carbonised food — each formulated with the specific active ingredient class required to break down that stain at a molecular level.

Quick Facts

• Best For: Homeowners who want to match the correct cleaner chemistry to each stain type and get the job done properly the first time
• Key Benefit: Each product carries the chemically correct active ingredient for its target stain — oxidising agents for mould, alkaline degreasers and surfactants for grease, mild acids for mineral scale, and heavy-duty caustics for carbonised food
• Form Factor: Range includes sprays, gels, wipes, and liquid concentrates depending on application
• Application Method: Apply the correct product to the target stain, allow adequate dwell time for the active chemistry to complete its molecular reaction, then wipe or rinse

Common Questions This Guide Answers

1. Why doesn't my all-purpose cleaner remove limescale from my shower screen? → Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is chemically inert to alkaline and neutral cleaners; only an acid-based descaler (pH 1–6) can dissolve it via acid-base neutralisation.
2. What active ingredient actually kills mould rather than just bleaching it? → Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) oxidatively penetrates fungal cell walls and destroys the proteins and enzymes essential to the colony's survival; 2.4% NaOCl achieves a >3 to >6-log₁₀ mould reduction in five minutes.
3. Why do oven cleaners need to be left on the surface rather than wiped off immediately? → Carbonised food is a polymerised, cross-linked carbon matrix that requires sustained alkaline contact (NaOH/KOH) to penetrate and break down; insufficient dwell time means the chemistry cannot complete its reaction.

Why household stains form and how the right cleaner breaks them down

Most cleaning failures come down to one mistake: reaching for the wrong product. A cleaner that works brilliantly on soap scum may do nothing to mould. A degreaser that cuts through stovetop grease may leave hard water deposits completely untouched. The reason is chemistry — specifically, the fact that the four most common household stains (mould, grease, mineral scale, and carbonised food) are each built from fundamentally different molecular structures. Each one requires a chemically matched active ingredient to break it down. Get that match right, and you get the result you need, first time.

This article explains the science behind why these stains form, how they bond to surfaces, and which class of active ingredient targets each one at a molecular level. It's the scientific foundation for every product recommendation and cleaning technique covered in the Selleys cleaning guide series — because understanding why a product works makes you a dramatically more effective cleaner.

What is a household stain, chemically speaking?

Before examining specific stain types, it helps to understand what makes a stain a stain.

A stain depends on two factors: the contaminant and how it interacts with the material it contacts. Most household stains are surface ones, where the contaminating substance flows into the gaps of a material — the fibres of a cloth or the pores in a tile — and becomes trapped there. A second, more problematic type involves a molecular reaction with the surface itself, creating chemical bonds that simple wiping cannot break.

Stains can be roughly grouped into four categories: enzymatic (grass or blood), oxidisable (coffee or tea), greasy (butter or oil), and particulate (typical dirt). On household surfaces — tiles, glass, grout, oven enamel, and silicone seals — the four dominant categories are mould growth, grease and fat residue, mineral scale, and carbonised food. Each has its own chemistry, and each demands a different response.

pH plays an important role in cleaning, affecting the solubility and reactivity of both the stain and the cleaning agent. Using the wrong pH can set the stain or damage the material. This is the core principle that separates informed cleaning from guesswork — and it's why choosing the right product matters every single time.

Stain type 1: Mould — a living biological deposit

How mould forms on household surfaces

Mould is not simply a discolouration — it's a living fungal colony. Many fungi colonise indoor environments and produce allergenic proteins that cause adverse health symptoms in sensitive individuals. The dark staining visible on bathroom grout, silicone seals, and wall surfaces is a combination of fungal hyphae (root-like filaments), spores, and the pigmented metabolic byproducts the colony releases as it digests organic matter embedded in the surface.

Mould occurrence on household surfaces is closely tied to moisture. A landmark study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Shelton et al., 2002) found that all homes tested positive for mould, and 72.9% of surfaces tested positive. Windowsills were the most frequently contaminated site (87.5%), and Cladosporium was the most commonly identified mould (31.0%).

Many fungal species produce mycotoxins, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is why treating mould as a cosmetic problem — painting over it or wiping the surface — produces no lasting result. The colony must be killed at a cellular level, and that requires the right active ingredient, applied correctly.

How oxidising agents kill mould

The most effective active ingredient against household mould is sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), the active compound in bleach-based mould killers. Its mechanism is oxidative: hypochlorite ions penetrate fungal cell walls and disrupt the proteins and enzymes essential to the organism's survival.

Research published in PubMed (Foto et al., 2004) confirmed that five-minute exposures to 2.4% NaOCl produced a >3 to >6-log₁₀ reduction of culturable mould counts in controlled laboratory studies. Organisms were non-culturable after 5–10 minute contact times on non-porous and porous ceramic carriers respectively, and Aspergillus fumigatus spore-eluted allergen levels dropped by an average of 95.8% in just 30 seconds.

Chlorinating agents such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide degrade mycotoxins. Oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide and ozone are also effective. This is why Selleys Rapid Mould Killer — formulated with oxidising active ingredients — doesn't just bleach the visible stain; it chemically dismantles the biological structure of the colony. For a complete step-by-step application guide, including dwell times and post-treatment prevention, see our guide on [How to Remove Mould from Bathrooms, Walls and Silicone Seals Using Selleys Rapid Mould Killer](Not specified by manufacturer).

Stain type 2: Grease — a hydrophobic molecular barrier

How grease bonds to kitchen surfaces

Grease is chemically hydrophobic — it repels water. Kitchen surface grease has two main components: fat-based and protein-based residues. The fat component consists primarily of triglycerides, molecules formed from a glycerol backbone bonded to three long-chain fatty acid molecules via ester linkages. Those ester bonds are the key target for any effective degreaser.

When grease is exposed to heat — as it inevitably is on stovetops, rangehood filters, and oven surfaces — it undergoes oxidation and polymerisation. The triglyceride chains cross-link with each other, forming a tough, adhesive film that bonds strongly to surfaces and becomes progressively harder to remove the longer it's left. Fresh grease spatter is relatively easy to emulsify; baked-on grease film requires saponification; and carbonised grease requires heavy-duty alkaline chemistry. Knowing which stage you're dealing with puts you in control of the result.

How alkaline degreasers and surfactants break down grease

Alkaline degreasers work through two complementary mechanisms: saponification and surfactant emulsification.

Saponification is the primary mechanism for fat-based grease. In alkaline cleaning, saponification is a hydrolysis process that breaks ester bonds in triglycerides to form soap (salts of fatty acids) and glycerol. In practical terms, fats, oils, and lipids react with an alkali like sodium hydroxide to form soap and alcohol — transforming insoluble grease into a water-soluble form that can be washed away. Without saponification, the grease simply stays locked to the surface. High alkalinity (pH 11.0 to 14.0) is required to drive this reaction effectively.

Surfactant emulsification handles the remaining grease that saponification doesn't fully convert. Surfactants remove oil and grease by forming structures called micelles around them. The oil-soluble parts of the molecule dissolve into the grease, forming a spherical structure around the oil droplet. The water-soluble parts then face outward, allowing the whole micelle to dissolve in water and carry the grease away with it.

All effective degreasing operates through one or more of four fundamental soil-removal mechanisms: solubilisation, emulsification, saponification, and displacement. Selleys Complete Clean Multipurpose Spray and Selleys Sugar Soap combine surfactant and alkaline chemistry to address all of these pathways, delivering consistent results across surfaces. For surface-specific grease removal techniques across stovetops, rangehoods, and splashbacks, see our guide on [How to Degrease a Kitchen](Not specified by manufacturer).

Stain type 3: Mineral scale — an inorganic crystal matrix

How hard water deposits form on glass and tiles

Hard water scale is chemically distinct from every other stain type discussed here — it's inorganic rather than organic. Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit composed mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It forms when water containing dissolved calcium and magnesium salts is heated or undergoes pressure changes. As the water's capacity to hold dissolved minerals decreases, those minerals precipitate out and form solid deposits.

The formation of limescale is largely a consequence of soluble calcium bicarbonate in water. This compound decomposes when heated to form insoluble calcium carbonate, which makes up the bulk of limescale.

On shower screens and glass surfaces, the problem is compounded by soap scum — a secondary deposit formed when calcium and magnesium ions in hard water react with soap molecules to form insoluble calcium stearate salts. These bond to the calcium carbonate already on the glass, creating a layered, tenacious deposit that neither a surfactant alone nor a dry cloth can remove.

These deposits typically appear as white or off-white scale, but over time they can transition into a denser, grey, more crystalline mineral form that's even more resistant to removal.

Why only acids can dissolve mineral scale

This is the most critical mismatch in household cleaning: people reach for an alkaline or neutral all-purpose spray to clean shower screens, and it simply doesn't work because calcium carbonate is chemically inert to alkaline and neutral cleaners. Acidic cleaners, with a pH under 7, are what work on mineral deposits, rust, and tannin stains.

The chemistry is a straightforward acid-base neutralisation reaction. When an acid contacts calcium carbonate, it donates hydrogen ions (H⁺) that react with the carbonate (CO₃²⁻) to form water and carbon dioxide gas — the fizzing you see when a descaler contacts heavy scale. This dissolves the crystal matrix and releases the deposit from the surface. Limescale deposits can be chemically removed with acidic solutions, and a wide variety of acidic cleaning compositions have been developed for this purpose.

Sulphamic acid has excellent descaling properties for heavy mineral deposits. Citric acid is the preferred active ingredient in consumer products where surface compatibility and user safety are priorities — it delivers strong results against light-to-moderate scale without damaging chrome, glass, or grout sealants at typical working concentrations.

For a detailed comparison of Selleys glass and surface cleaning products against light water spots, heavy mineral scale, and combined soap scum deposits, see our guide on [Hard Water Stains and Soap Scum on Glass and Shower Screens](Not specified by manufacturer).

Stain type 4: Carbonised food — a polymerised carbon matrix

How baked-on and burnt food bonds to oven and BBQ surfaces

Carbonised food residue is the most chemically complex and mechanically resistant stain type in the home. It forms through a two-stage process.

The first stage is the Maillard reaction: named after French chemist Louis Camille Maillard, who first described it in 1912, this is a form of non-enzymatic browning that typically proceeds rapidly from around 140°C to 165°C. During this reaction, amino acids and reducing sugars in food combine to produce hundreds of new flavour and colour compounds, including large dark molecules called melanoidins that begin to adhere to cooking surfaces.

At higher temperatures, caramelisation and subsequently pyrolysis become more pronounced. Pyrolysis is the heat-induced decomposition of food that creates bitter, scorched flavours and potentially toxic black carbon.

The soiling matter deposited on ovens is a complex organic mixture of natural fats and other deposits from cooking. When heated at normal oven temperatures, this soiling matter converts into an infusible polymeric mass in which the organic material may also be charred. This polymerised, cross-linked carbon matrix is why standard kitchen cleaners produce no visible result on oven interiors and BBQ grates.

Why heavy-duty alkaline chemistry is required

Detergents, scouring powders, and similar cleaning agents are not adequate for removing baked-on soil of the type found in home ovens. Removing this type of soil requires powerful chemical or physical action. Among the most effective compounds known for this purpose are the caustic alkalis — sodium and potassium hydroxides.

Highly alkaline oven cleaners contain significant amounts of caustics, specifically sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide. These caustics are effective in removing baked-on food and are the active ingredient class that gets the job done when nothing else will. Selleys Oven Plus Heavy Duty Gel uses a gel formulation because the thickened texture maximises dwell time on vertical oven surfaces, allowing the alkaline chemistry to penetrate and break down the polymerised carbon matrix before wiping. The result is a clean surface, not just a wiped one.

The distinction between oven carbonisation (enclosed, sustained heat) and BBQ carbonisation (open-flame, direct heat with fat drip) creates different residue profiles that require tailored product choices. For a full comparison of Selleys Oven Plus Heavy Duty Gel, Selleys Oven Wipes, and Selleys BBQ Cleaners against their respective residue types, see our guide on [Oven vs. BBQ Cleaning: Choosing the Right Selleys Heavy-Duty Cleaner](Not specified by manufacturer).

The pH framework: matching cleaner to stain

The single most useful framework for choosing the right cleaning product is pH. Every stain type has a chemical character, and the right cleaner must be chemically opposite to that character to neutralise and dissolve it.

Within aqueous cleaners, pH determines the cleaning chemistry and substrate compatibility: alkaline degreasers (pH 9–14), neutral degreasers (pH 6–9), and acidic degreasers (pH 1–6, primarily for scale and mineral deposit removal rather than oil degreasing).

One critical caution: never mix acid-based descalers with hypochlorite-based mould killers. The combination produces chlorine gas, a toxic respiratory irritant. Always complete one treatment, rinse thoroughly, and allow the surface to dry before applying a chemically opposite product. This is non-negotiable.

Dwell time: why chemistry needs time to work

A common reason cleaning products underperform is insufficient dwell time — the product is wiped off before the active chemistry has completed its reaction. Each mechanism described above is time-dependent:

• Saponification of baked-on grease requires sustained alkaline contact. A quick spray-and-wipe doesn't give the chemistry enough time to work.
• Acid descaling of thick mineral deposits requires the acid to fully penetrate and dissolve the crystal matrix. Heavy scale may need 10–15 minutes or more.
• Oxidative mould killing requires the hypochlorite to penetrate fungal cell walls and denature proteins. Five-minute exposures to 2.4% NaOCl produce a >3 to >6-log₁₀ reduction of culturable mould counts — but only when the product is given the contact time it needs.

Matching dwell time to stain severity, not just product selection, is what separates a perfectly clean surface from a merely wiped one. Give the product the time it needs, and it will deliver the result.

Key takeaways

• Stain chemistry determines product chemistry. Mould, grease, mineral scale, and carbonised food are four structurally different problems requiring four different active ingredient classes — oxidising agents, alkaline degreasers, mild acids, and heavy-duty caustics respectively.
• pH is the master variable. Acidic cleaners (pH under 7) work on mineral deposits and rust; neutral cleaners are gentle on delicate surfaces; alkaline cleaners (pH above 7) are best for grease, oils, and protein-based stains.
• Saponification converts grease into soap. Fats, oils, and lipids react with an alkali to form soap and alcohol — transforming insoluble grease into a water-soluble form that can be washed away.
• Mineral scale is inorganic and requires acid. Reaching for a multipurpose spray on a shower screen with heavy hard water deposits produces no result. Only an acid-based descaler can dissolve CaCO₃.
• Dwell time is as important as product selection. The active chemistry in every cleaner needs adequate contact time to complete its molecular reaction. Rushing the process consistently produces incomplete results.

Conclusion

Understanding the chemistry behind household stains turns cleaning from a guessing game into a predictable process. Each stain type — mould, grease, mineral scale, and carbonised food — has a specific molecular structure, a specific way it bonds to surfaces, and a specific class of active ingredient that breaks those bonds. The Selleys product range is formulated with these chemical principles at its core: oxidising agents for mould, alkaline degreasers and surfactants for grease, mild acids for scale, and heavy-duty caustics for carbonised residue.

This scientific framework is the foundation for every guide in this series. Whether you're tackling grout discolouration (see our guide on [Grout Cleaning and Whitening with Selleys Grout Stain Whitener](Not specified by manufacturer)), restoring a glass shower screen (see [Hard Water Stains and Soap Scum on Glass and Shower Screens](Not specified by manufacturer)), or building a year-round prevention routine (see [The Selleys Home Cleaning Schedule](Not specified by manufacturer)), the chemistry explained here is what makes each technique work. Choose the right product, give it the right conditions, and the science delivers the result.

References

• Foto, M., Bhatt, J., Bhatt, J., Miller, J.D., Dales, R.E. "Occurrence of Household Mould and Efficacy of Sodium Hypochlorite Disinfectant." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2004. PubMed ID: 23016564. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23016564/

• Pitt, J.I., Taniwaki, M.H., Cole, M.B. "Mycotoxin source and its exposure causing mycotoxicoses." PMC / National Library of Medicine, 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10563570/

• Deeleepojananan, C., Grassian, V.H. "Gas-Phase and Surface-Initiated Reactions of Household Bleach and Terpene-Containing Cleaning Products Yield Chlorination and Oxidation Products Adsorbed onto Indoor Relevant Surfaces." Environmental Science & Technology, 2023. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06656. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10720375/

• Compound Interest (Andy Brunning). "The Chemistry of Stain Removal." Compound Interest, 2015. https://www.compoundchem.com/2015/06/18/stain-removal/

• Compound Interest (Andy Brunning). "The Chemistry of Limescale." Compound Interest, 2016. https://www.compoundchem.com/2016/03/02/limescale/

• Wikipedia contributors. "Maillard Reaction." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maillard_reaction

• Global Formulation. "Industrial Degreaser Formulation: The Complete Guide." Global Formulation, 2026. https://www.globalformulation.com/complete-guide-industrial-degreaser-formulation/

• Monarch Chemicals. "Decoding the Chemistry of Cleaning Products." Monarch Chemicals, 2023. https://www.monarchchemicals.co.uk/Information/News-Events/965-/decoding-the-chemistry-of-cleaning-products

• Sidon Water. "Limescale Formation and Control Across Water Types: A Technical Overview." Sidon Water, 2025. https://sidonwater.com/limescale-formation-and-control-across-water-types-a-technical-overview/

• Scientific American. "No Stain, No Pain!" Scientific American, 2024. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-stain-no-pain/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four main household stain types: Mould, grease, mineral scale, and carbonised food

Are all household stains chemically the same: No, each has a fundamentally different molecular structure

Does using the wrong cleaner damage results: Yes, a mismatched cleaner produces no result on the target stain

What is the master variable for choosing a cleaner: pH

What pH range is effective for mineral scale: Acidic, pH 1–6

What pH range is effective for grease removal: Alkaline, pH 9–14

What pH range is effective for mould killing: Alkaline, pH 11–13

What pH range is required for carbonised food: Strongly alkaline, pH 12–14

Are neutral cleaners effective on grease: Yes, on light grease on delicate surfaces

Are neutral cleaners effective on mineral scale: No

Can an alkaline cleaner remove limescale: No, calcium carbonate is inert to alkaline cleaners

Can a multipurpose spray remove heavy hard water deposits: No

What active ingredient kills household mould: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)

What is the mechanism of sodium hypochlorite against mould: Oxidative disruption of fungal cell wall proteins and enzymes

Does sodium hypochlorite just bleach mould visually: No, it chemically dismantles the biological structure

What contact time achieves >3-log₁₀ mould reduction with 2.4% NaOCl: Five minutes

What allergen reduction does 2.4% NaOCl achieve in 30 seconds: Average 95.8% reduction of Aspergillus fumigatus spore allergens

Is mould a living organism: Yes, it is a living fungal colony

What causes the dark staining from mould: Fungal hyphae, spores, and pigmented metabolic byproducts

What percentage of homes test positive for mould: 100% in the Shelton et al. 2002 study

What is the most commonly contaminated household site for mould: Windowsills (87.5% in the Shelton et al. 2002 study)

What is the most commonly identified indoor mould species: Cladosporium (31.0%)

What is the primary cause of mould growth on surfaces: Moisture

Does painting over mould produce a lasting result: No

What is the chemical structure of grease: Triglycerides — glycerol bonded to three long-chain fatty acids via ester linkages

What makes grease water-resistant: It is chemically hydrophobic

What happens to grease when exposed to heat: It undergoes oxidation and polymerisation

What does polymerised grease do to surfaces: It forms a tough, adhesive film that bonds strongly to surfaces

What is saponification: A hydrolysis process that breaks ester bonds in triglycerides into soap and glycerol

What does saponification convert grease into: A water-soluble form that can be washed away

What pH drives saponification effectively: pH 11.0 to 14.0

What is the second mechanism by which degreasers remove grease: Surfactant emulsification via micelle formation

How do surfactant micelles work: Oil-soluble parts surround the grease; water-soluble parts allow it to dissolve in water

What are the four soil-removal mechanisms in degreasing: Solubilisation, emulsification, saponification, and displacement

What is limescale chemically: Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)

What causes limescale to form: Dissolved calcium and magnesium salts precipitating from hard water

What triggers calcium carbonate precipitation: Heating water or pressure changes

What is soap scum chemically: Insoluble calcium stearate salts formed from calcium ions reacting with soap

Can soap scum be removed by surfactant alone: No

What type of reaction dissolves calcium carbonate: Acid-base neutralisation

What gas is produced when acid contacts limescale: Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

What is the preferred acid in consumer descalers for surface safety: Citric acid

Does citric acid damage chrome, glass, or grout sealants at working concentrations: No

What acid has excellent descaling properties for heavy deposits: Sulphamic acid

What is the Maillard reaction: Non-enzymatic browning combining amino acids and reducing sugars, starting around 140°C to 165°C

What does pyrolysis produce on cooking surfaces: Bitter, scorched, potentially toxic black carbon

What is carbonised food residue structurally: A polymerised, cross-linked carbon matrix

Do standard kitchen cleaners remove carbonised oven residue: No

What active ingredients are required for carbonised food removal: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Why is a gel formulation used for oven cleaners: To maximise dwell time on vertical surfaces

Is dwell time as important as product selection: Yes

What happens if dwell time is insufficient: The active chemistry does not complete its molecular reaction

How long should an acid descaler dwell on heavy mineral scale: 10–15 minutes or more

What is the dwell time for oxidative mould killing to achieve maximum log reduction: 5–10 minutes depending on surface porosity

Does a quick spray-and-wipe complete saponification of baked-on grease: No

Can acid-based descalers be mixed with hypochlorite mould killers: No, never

What toxic gas results from mixing acid descalers with hypochlorite: Chlorine gas

What must be done before applying a chemically opposite cleaner: Complete first treatment, rinse thoroughly, and allow surface to dry

Does hydrogen peroxide kill mould: Yes, it is an effective oxidising agent against mould

Does ozone kill mould: Yes, it is an effective oxidising agent against mould

Do chlorinating agents degrade mycotoxins: Yes

Is mould a cosmetic problem only: No, it produces allergens and volatile organic compounds affecting health

Are mould allergens linked to adverse health symptoms: Yes, in sensitive individuals

Is carbonised oven residue the same as carbonised BBQ residue: No, they create different residue profiles requiring tailored products

What is the chemical character of mineral scale: Inorganic and crystalline

What is the chemical character of grease: Organic and hydrophobic

What is the chemical character of mould: Organic and biological

What is the chemical character of carbonised food: Organic and polymerised carbon

Can a single all-purpose cleaner address all four stain types effectively: No

What product category targets mould: Oxidising agent-based mould killers

What product category targets grease: Alkaline degreasers combined with surfactants

What product category targets mineral scale: Mild acid descalers

What product category targets carbonised food: Heavy-duty caustic alkaline cleaners

Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

No product facts table or product packaging data was present in the content provided. No label-verifiable specifications (ingredients lists, certifications, dimensions, weights, GTINs, or MPNs) could be extracted.

The following technically sourced data points are cited from referenced third-party research and may be verifiable against those sources, but are not label facts from product packaging:

• Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the active compound in bleach-based mould killers
• Five-minute exposures to 2.4% NaOCl result in a >3 to >6-log₁₀ reduction of culturable mould counts (Foto et al., 2004, PubMed)
• 2.4% NaOCl reduces Aspergillus fumigatus spore-eluted allergen levels by an average of 95.8% in 30 seconds (Foto et al., 2004)
• Limescale is composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
• Alkaline degreasers operate at pH 9–14; neutral degreasers at pH 6–9; acidic degreasers at pH 1–6
• The Maillard reaction proceeds rapidly from approximately 140°C to 165°C
• Saponification operates effectively at pH 11.0–14.0
• Highly alkaline oven cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH) as active ingredients

General product claims

• Selleys Rapid Mould Killer is formulated with oxidising active ingredients and chemically dismantles the biological structure of mould colonies
• Selleys Complete Clean Multipurpose Spray combines surfactant and alkaline chemistry to address all four soil-removal mechanisms simultaneously
• Selleys Sugar Soap combines surfactant and alkaline chemistry for professional degreasing results
• Selleys Oven Plus Heavy Duty Gel uses a gel formulation to maximise dwell time on vertical oven surfaces
• The Selleys product range is formulated with chemical principles at its core: oxidising agents for mould, alkaline degreasers and surfactants for grease, mild acids for scale, and heavy-duty caustics for carbonised residue
• Selleys Oven Wipes and Selleys BBQ Cleaners are positioned as tailored products for their respective residue types
• Using the right product delivers professional results first time
• Selleys engineers products specifically to address carbonised food residue where standard cleaners produce no visible result