Cleaning products work in different ways. Surfactants help move greasy material into water, acids can dissolve some mineral deposits, and oxidizing agents can break down certain coloured molecules. Products should never be mixed casually because some combinations are dangerous.
Metals are chosen for different jobs: copper conducts electricity, steel carries loads, aluminium saves weight, zinc coatings protect steel and chromium helps stainless steel resist corrosion.
Walls, windows and insulation are chemistry too. Pigments control colour, glass gets its properties from a silicate network, and foams trap gas to slow heat transfer.