Review of the Domestos product line: characteristics, composition, pros and cons

Domestos are universal products designed for cleaning, whitening, and disinfecting the entire home. Produced in the St. Petersburg branch of the British company Unilever. The product line is represented by universal and professional gels, sprays, stickers and toilet blocks.

The product is popular among domestic housewives; it easily and effectively cleans surfaces, kills germs, is economical to use, creates a protective barrier on the surface, and removes mold and mildew. In addition, Domestos can be used to whiten clothes and shoes, clean burnt fat, and wash dishes. The only drawback of the universal gel is the strong chlorine odor, which can be removed by thorough rinsing with cool water.

Domestos is a line of universal products designed for cleaning, disinfecting and bleaching plumbing fixtures, tiles, and painted surfaces. Suitable for getting rid of rust, limescale, and various household contaminants.

Main characteristics and composition of Domestos products

The history of Domestos disinfectants began in the UK in 1961. It was its manufacturers who first developed an innovative bottle shape with a curved spout, which became the standard for packaging cleaning products for sanitary ware.

Domestos products are presented in the most popular and sought-after forms:

• universal gel;
• spray;
• toilet block, sticker.

The thick form of the gel ensures impeccable cleanliness and hygiene at home, protection from pathogens.

Manufacturers claim that the main function of Domestos is disinfection. To make sure of this, study the composition and instructions for use on the packaging.

This is one of the few products recommended for use in homes with children and child care institutions.

Domestos includes:

1. Sodium hydrochloride is a disinfectant, bleaching and degreasing component. The substance contains about 95% active chlorine, which kills most pathogens.
2. Nonionic surfactants are considered biodegradable elements that do not harm the environment. They are responsible for abundant foaming, dissolving the gel in water, and removing contaminants.
3. Fragrances – aromatize, drown out unpleasant odors.

The composition of Domestos is improved and refined every year, its effectiveness and safety are increased, and new release forms are developed.

Important ! "Domestos" is a chlorine-containing, potent agent. Before use, carefully read the instructions for use, follow the dosage, and do not forget about gloves.

Laundry detergent

The structure of such a substance includes chlorine. It is this component that is responsible for the whitening effect. Using Domestos as a whitening agent:

1. Dilute one cap in five liters of liquid;
2. Send the liquid and pour it on things. Hold for about forty-five minutes;
3. Then rinse the textiles;
4. Do the wash (Normal mode).

This wash is suitable for removing yellow and gray stains. If you soak the substance first. Most stains will dissolve on their own.

How the cleaning agent works

The composition and technical characteristics of Domestos allow it to be used for cleaning and disinfecting almost any surface:

• baths, toilets, sinks;
• shower cabin;
• tiles;
• walls and floor.

Conducted studies prove that the thick universal gel not only copes well with complex stains, but also destroys up to 99% of microbes and bacteria known to science.

Its mechanism of action is based on a powerful chemical reaction: sodium hydrochloride destroys the cellular structure of microorganisms and prevents their reproduction. In addition, the substance provides visual whitening, penetrating deeply into the structure of dirt.

Advantages

Domestos has been known to Russian housewives since 1997, when the first gel for cleaning toilets appeared on the market. Over time, the line of products has expanded significantly, and the gel has become one of the most popular in our country.

Among its advantages are:

1. Versatility. According to the instructions, Domestos is suitable for cleaning and disinfecting the entire home.
2. Economical use. For 5 liters of water, 4 caps of product are required.
3. Fast action. To clean the surface, the gel takes from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.
4. Efficiency. According to housewives, the gel copes well with fresh stains.
5. Prolonged action. To maintain hygienic cleanliness, it is enough to use Domestos 1-3 times a week.
6. Convenient packaging and dosage. Bottle volume is 500, 750 or 1,000 ml.
7. Safety. The cap is protected from opening by children.
8. Detailed instructions for use.

Important ! Despite the “protective” cap, keep Domestos away from children!

Flaws

In addition to the obvious advantages, buyers note some disadvantages:

1. Strong smell. Despite the presence of fragrances, many people do not like the chemical aroma. At the same time, housewives note that the unpleasant odor disappears after 2-3 rinses.
2. The universal gel does not cope well with old rust, urinary stones, and limescale.
3. You cannot process parquet, marble, or unvarnished wood.
4. With prolonged exposure, streaks may appear on the metal surface and the shine may disappear. In addition, some types of plastic and sealant are damaged. Colored fabric becomes discolored.

As a rule, strict adherence to dosage and exposure time helps to avoid damage to the surface being cleaned.

Toilet

The cleanliness of the bathroom must be carefully monitored and dirt must be kept away. Each family member and guests visit the toilet several times a day. A large number of harmful bacteria accumulate within a day. To avoid infections, you should use a disinfectant, such as Domestos. The instructions for use for the toilet, compiled by the manufacturer, contain the following advice on this matter: buy a special composition for cleaning toilets (the hole and cap of this Domestos are at an angle of 45 degrees). Apply the gel under the rim, pressing lightly on the sides of the bottle. As a result, the toilet bowl will be treated with gel all around. It would be ideal if on weekdays, while everyone in the household is at work or school, you clean the toilet and leave it like that until everyone comes home. Do not wash off immediately after treatment.

Types of products and how to use them

The Domestos product line includes more than 35 items, differing in release form, purpose, and aroma.

Table 1. Types of cleaning products from the Domestos series

Domestos "Double Strength"

Broad-spectrum cleaning liquid with a variety of scents

Pros:

• quickly removes dirt from any surface;
• has a noticeable whitening effect.

The downside is the persistent chlorine smell.

Great for washing walls, floors, window sills, tile joints, work surfaces:

1. Dilute 4 caps of product in 5 liters of water.
2. Wet the sponge and apply to the surface.
3. Scrub thoroughly, paying special attention to heavy soiling.
4. Change the water to clean water and wipe the surface again.

Make sure that the solution does not come into contact with exposed skin, mucous membranes, or eyes. In case of contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water.

Domestos "Expert power 7"

Thick gel designed for effective cleaning of bathrooms, sinks, toilets, and shower trays. The improved spout, which has 7 holes instead of 1, helps liquids easily penetrate under the rim of the toilet, into the sink drain hole, and into any hard-to-reach place.

Thanks to the active, enhanced formula, it copes with old stains in the bathroom, yellowness, and limestone, restoring cleanliness and freshness to surfaces.

Mode of application:

1. Apply a small amount of undiluted gel under the toilet rim or on the sink.
2. Leave for 15–25 minutes.
3. Scrub with a brush.
4. Flush the water several times.

Domestos "Active Shield"

The only product in the product line that does not contain chlorine. Its active component is hydrogen peroxide, which is safe for the respiratory system and skin.

Suitable for cleaning toilets only

Buyers note that the product does not cope with old stains. It rather has a protective function. On new plumbing, it creates a protective barrier that prevents limescale and rust from settling.

Application of Domestos for the toilet:

1. Apply the gel to the inside surface and rim of the toilet.
2. Leave for 1–1.5 hours.
3. Scrub with a brush or sponge.
4. Rinse it off.

After 5-7 days, repeat the treatment.

Power 5 block

The convenient and, most importantly, hygienic shape of the block allows it to be placed in the most contaminated and hard-to-reach place - under the toilet rim.

Pros:

• efficiency: 1 block is enough for 450 flushes;
• abundant foaming;
• pleasant, unobtrusive smell;
• Easily and securely attached to the toilet rim;
• does not paint the surface, does not leave streaks or marks;
• forms a protective layer that repels dirt.

The use of blocks and stickers allows you to clean the bathroom less frequently and the surface remains clean longer.

Domestos "Anti-rust-Antinalet"

Domestos is suitable for removing rust from ceramic, earthenware, and metal surfaces

Buyers note the advantages of the product over analogues:

• unobtrusive, citrus aroma;
• thick consistency;
• quick destruction of rusty stains.

Application:

1. Apply the gel to the contaminated area.
2. Leave for half an hour.
3. Rub with a brush and rinse.

Universal spray

Use the spray to clean work surfaces, walls, window sills:

1. Set the dispenser to spray mode.
2. While squeezing the trigger, wet the surface.
3. Leave for 3-5 minutes.
4. Rinse off with a wet sponge.
5. Be sure to return the dispenser to the closed position.

The spray is suitable for bleaching almost any materials

Pros:

• convenient application on vertical surfaces;
• economical use;
• versatility;
• performance.

Domestos against blockages

Domestos gel for cleaning pipes acts similarly to professional household chemicals for clearing blockages in the bathroom, shower, and sink:

1. Pour liquid into the drain.
2. Leave for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the drain by running the hot tap for 5-7 minutes.

Important ! The product is safe for all types of pipes.

Caution doesn't hurt

Despite the fact that the product is ideal, it is unsafe. Try to clean Domestos so that children, animals, and disabled people cannot reach it.

It is advisable to carry out processing and washing with rubber gloves, as the product can cause irritation, allergies, and burns.

This cleaning product should not be used if there is a sick person with moderate or severe asthma living in the home, as the fumes may cause a suffocation attack.

Non-standard use of Domestos

Domestos can be used to whiten clothes, clean shoes, and wash dishes.

Whitening clothes

Use the gel only for pure white, natural fabrics, without accessories, prints, appliqués or other decorative elements:

1. Dilute 2 caps of liquid in 3 liters of water.
2. Soak the laundry and rinse after 15 minutes.
3. Wash as usual with fabric softener to get rid of the chlorine smell.

To clean old, stubborn stains:

1. Fill the damaged area with liquid.
2. Wait 5 minutes.
3. Soak the entire item for another 10 minutes.
4. Rinse and machine wash.

Important ! Do not use Domestos for colored items. It discolors the fabric.

Cleaning the soles of shoes

White shoes made of leather or faux leather, as well as bags and gloves can be completely processed

The gel will help quickly restore the whiteness of the darkened soles of sneakers:

1. Apply a little undiluted product to a cotton pad.
2. Wipe the sole. If the shoes are colored, try not to get them on the fabric.
3. Leave for 5-7 minutes.
4. Wipe with a damp cloth.

Dilute the gel with water (1:1) and be sure to test on an inconspicuous area.

Cleaning dishes

Domestos will do an excellent job of removing tea or coffee stains, burnt fat, and dark spots on enamel dishes.

Apply a small amount of gel to a sponge and thoroughly rub the contaminated areas. If the stains are old or heavily burnt, leave the gel on the dishes for a few minutes.

Important ! Rinse the dishes thoroughly after cleaning with Domestos, first with running cold water, then with boiling water.

The whiteness of things

It turns out that you can bleach clothes, towels, and bed linen! Domestos' instructions for use mention this. You can see a photo of this wonderful product in this article. Please note that there are several options: classic (blue) and flavored.

Let's get back to things. As we just said, there are products with a pleasant aroma. They can be used for linen. Take 5 liters of hot water, add 1 capful of product, let the laundry sit for 45 minutes. Then just rinse, no need to wash with powder. You can leave the laundry overnight. But the scheme is different: half a cap of Domestos for 5 liters of water.