Hard surface cleaners, used in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other surfaces, contain coupling solvents that are miscible in water and aid in removal of oily particles from the contaminated surface. The task of cleaning is made easier because solvent encapsulates the oily particles making them easier to lift from the soiled surface.

The most popular solvent for hard surface cleaning found almost universally in all purpose cleaners is Eastman™ EB solvent. Eastman™ EB solvent provides excellent coupling action and performance. In November 2003, EPA formally proposed removing ethylene glycol butyl ethers such as Eastman™ EB solvent from the Clean Air Act Amendments’ list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).

Other glycol ethers such as Eastman™ DB, Eastman™ EP, Eastman™ DP, Eastman™ EEH can also be used with the water based systems for good cleaning.

Clean surfaces are important for good appearance and sanitation in home, business and institutions. Liquid spray, saturated nonwoven wipes and other means of applying formulations containing coupling solvent and other chemical ingredients are helping to maintain this good cleaning performance.