Most cleaning products fall into five general categories based on similarity of function. A few special cleaning products, however, are one of a kind, designed to solve individual problems (opposite). Abrasives: Gritty compounds containing mineral particles, abrasives are sometimes mixed with detergent, bleach, or other substances. Suitable for cleaning and polishing met­als, they are often present in scouring powders for clean­ing and brightening surfaces such as ceramic tile and porce­lain plumbing fixtures. Abrasives work by dislodg­ing dirt, then the detergent in the mixture lifts the dirt par­ticles from the surface. Use care when cleaning plastic, fiberglass, imitation marble, or chrome…