Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners. Unlike spray application, foam application does not produce irritant aerosols. Foam can be applied specifically to the area that is to be cleaned. Further­more, foam prolongs the working time of the sanitary cleaner.

In case too much foam is not desirable, e.g. in toilet bowl cleaners, low-foaming surfactants can be used.

With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.

Depending on product type, dosage system and application, the viscosity of a cleaner must be in the “right” range and therefore needs to be either decreased or increased.

Degreasing means effectively removing hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats). In sanitary cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.

Wetting of dirt and surfaces is the first and critical step in the cleaning process. Special surfactants with fast wetting properties speed up the cleaning of surfaces, especially if hydrophobic (greasy and/or polymer-based) surfaces are to be cleaned.

Emulsifiers play an important role not only when greasy soil is to be emulsified in cleaning solutions, but also when cleaning agents contain a high proportion of perfume oil or when a hydrophobic solvent is to be incorporated to enhance the cleaning effect.

Everyone knows fogged glass surfaces and mirrors in the bathroom. Fogging can be prevented by using a combination of special surfactants and polymers in glass and sanitary cleaners.

Static charges on glass and plastic surfaces may attract dust and accelerate the re-soiling after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.

Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.