Vol. 9, Issue 1 (2020)

Author(s):
Ragini Dubey, Surinderjit Kaur, Devinder Tiwari and Preeti Sharma

Abstract:
Cleansers and disinfectants are essential requisites for removal of offensive odour, dirt, contaminants and to provide sparkling clean looks. Various household cleaning products have been developed to facilitate the removal of dust and dirt, for surface maintenance and for disinfection of the home. These are the substances, usually liquid in nature that are used to remove the dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells and clutter on surfaces. A good cleansing agent must be effective in removing dirt and also in maintaining low levels of micro-organisms. Different methods of floors cleaning are followed in each household and accordingly the preference for cleanser varies. The present study was conducted to know the preference of floor cleansers among respondents, factor affecting and problems experienced and possible health risks while using these cleansers. The study was conducted on the residents of Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana. College of Community Science and College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, total of 120 respondents comprised the sample of study. Data were collected through personal interview with the help of interview schedule. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondent’s i.e 82.50 per cent preferred Harpic, followed by Lysol (33.33%), Domex (23.33%) and Phenyl (21.67%). However, less than five per cent of the respondents also showed their preferences for Acid (3.33%), Mr. Muscle (1.67%) and homemade cleansers (4.16%). Cleansing efficiency, past experience, price and brand were considered at top priority by the respondents while selecting cleansers. The results regarding the problem experienced while using floor cleansers revealed that 25.00 per cent of respondents reported the problem of itching followed by 20.83 per cent who reported breathing problem, 16.67 per cent felt irritation in throat. Problem of red and rough skin was also reported by 12.5 per cent of the respondents and 4.16 per cent of the respondents complained that prolonged use of these synthetic products causes crack on skin particularly hands and feet.