The first impression made by a building is to a large degree determined by its façade. This is why professional cleaning is extremely important for all companies. Façades and the materials they are made of are just as diverse as the companies behind them: glass, metal and stone must be cleaned and protected in a professional manner.
Foam allows the safe and exact application of a cleaner to the area that is to be cleaned. Furthermore, foam prolongs the working time and prevents the premature drying of the cleaner.
High-pressure cleaning or machine cleaning of façades usually requires low foam since foam reduces cleaning power and disturbs the proper functioning of machines. In this case, low-foaming surfactants with high cleaning power are used.
Hydrotropic surfactants improve the solubility of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.
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 to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. Nonionic surfactants are often used in cleaners 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.
Cleaning of surfaces from dirt means first to remove dirt from the surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water to avoid redeposition. Since dirt usually contains oils and fats, cleaners must contain surfactants that are able to emulsify these components effectively.
Shiny surfaces like metal or glass can appear hazy and dull if water condensation causes fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
Static charges on surfaces can cause electric shocks that may damage electronic devices. Furthermore, static charges may accelerate re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to avoid static charges on surfaces.
Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners, especially if strong acids are used. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
