Lemon juice is a citric acid and works in much the same way as does vinegar. It is sometimes found in toilet bowl cleaners. Hydrochloric and sulfuric acid are used in dilute concentrations in some toilet bowl cleaners. Menu Alkalies Alkalies are soluble salts that are effective in removing dirt without excessive rubbing. They are good grease removers because the alkalies form an emulsion, a mixture where oily or solid particles are held in suspension.
Alkalies readily remove oily dirt.
Alkaline cleaners also can remove oil from an oil-based paint, drying it and causing it to crack or peel. Alkalies have a tendency to darken aluminum surfaces. Alkaline substances vary in strength. Most are toxic, some are corrosive, others can irritate skin and eyes. The stronger alkalies can cause burns and, if swallowed, can cause internal injuries or death.