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Cleaning Specialities

For brilliant results: tailor-made chemical solutions by Zschimmer & Schwarz offer the pure and cleaning power of innovation. Whether for household use, in the car, in hospitals or in large-scale industry: our surfactants, polymers and phosphonates, combined with additional formulation services, shorten development times for our customers. Our products make life cleaner for people all over the world. Environmentally friendly, efficient, compatible even with sensitive surfaces: this is cleaning at its best.

If you wish to find out more about our products and services, please contact us – we are more than happy to answer your questions!

CONTACT

Zschimmer & Schwarz
Cleaning Specialities Division
Max-Schwarz-Strasse 3–5, 56112 Lahnstein | DE

T +49 2621 12-262
F +49 2621 12-568
cleaning@zschimmer-schwarz.com

Home Care

A welcoming and cosy home requires constant care. The modern consumer’s expectations for cleaning and care products have changed dramatically over the last couple of years. In addition to the simple and safe application of a product, efficiency and eco-friendliness have become important criteria in purchase decisions. Zschimmer & Schwarz offers a wide range of raw materials that support formulators in the manufacturing of modern products.

Dishes

Whether mechanically or manually – perfectly removing food residues from dishes is a highly demanding cleaning task. Dishes are expected to sparkle and be hygienically clean, ideally in no time at all and regardless of the type and stubbornness of the residues.

  • Cleaning - High foam: In manual dishwashing, consumers often equate foam with cleaning power. Thus high-foaming surfactants are preferred for formulating manual dishwashing agents.
  • Cleaning - Low foam: The cleaning process in a dishwasher requires low-foaming surfactants.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in alkaline or electrolyte-rich formulations, such as automatic dishwashing detergents. 
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) completely. For this purpose, nonionic surfactants are a good choice since they provide a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: Wetting of dirt and surfaces is the first step in the cleaning process and thus very important. Special surfactants with good wetting properties speed up the cleaning process.
  • Emulsifying: Cleaning dishes means first to remove dirt from the surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water to avoid dirt redeposits on the dishes. Dishwashing agents must contain surfactants that are able to emulsify the main dirt components (oils and fats) effectively. 
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners and rinse aids. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties can prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
Floors / carpet

The cleaning requirements for different types of flooring are just as diverse as the materials themselves. There is a great difference between the caring cleaning of delicate wood floors and the targeted elimination of stains on carpets. Foaming capacity, cleaning power, sustainability and special finishes, such as antistatic properties, are factors that vary depending on the respective application area.

  • Cleaning - High foam: For manual carpet cleaning, it’s recommended to use a high-foaming product that creates a “dry” foam to prevent soaking of the carpet. To prevent re-soiling, the cleaner should dry as non-sticky powder.            
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in floor and carpet cleaners.      
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) completely. In floor cleaners and in spray extraction cleaners for carpets, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.           
  • Wetting: Wetting of dirt and surfaces is the first and critical step in the cleaning process. Fast wetting speeds up the cleaning process. In floor cleaning and in spray extraction cleaning of carpets, the use of special wetting agents is necessary, especially if hydrophobic, polymer-based surfaces are to be cleaned.
  • Emulsifying: Cleaning of floors means to remove dirt from the surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water. If not dispersed properly, the dirt redeposits on the floor. Surfactants with emulsifying properties are needed to remove oily and fatty dirt.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on carpets and floors can cause electric shocks that may damage electronic devices. Furthermore, static charges can accelerate the re-soiling of floors and carpets. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to avoid static charges on floors and carpets.
Hard surfaces

Surface cleaning includes all types of hard surfaces, such as plastic and wood surfaces or furniture. These need to be cleaned in the private home as well as in professional and industrial areas. The specific requirements that must be met by cleaning agents are as diverse as the surfaces themselves.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy application of cleaners. Especially a ready-to-use cleaner can be applied with a foam sprayer safely and exactly at the area where it should work. Foam prolongs the working time of the cleaner (e.g. oven cleaners). Furthermore, foam can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.             
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Sometimes, foam is not desired when cleaning surfaces in the household. In this case, low-foaming surfactants can be used in surface cleaners.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.         
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In surface cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: 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.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling 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.
  • Anti-fogging: Shiny surfaces can appear hazy and dull if water condensation leads to fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on surfaces can cause electric shocks that may damage electronic devices. Furthermore, static charges may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties can prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
Glass

At home, glass surfaces can be found practically everywhere – from windows to mirrors to the oven door. Cleaning them is supposed to be a quick affair with a streak-free finish. If desired, the cleaning agent can provide specific properties such as antistatic or anti-fogging effects.

  • Cleaning - High foam: A foaming glass cleaner can be applied exactly on the spot and prevents the formation of aerosols. Surfactants help to adjust the suitable foam volume of the cleaner.
  • Cleaning - Low foam: If foam is not desired, low-foaming surfactants can be used in glass cleaners. 
  • Degreasing: Removing grease and fats from glass surfaces without leaving streaks is not an easy task. Surfactants that are effective wetting and cleaning agents at lowest concentrations and work synergistically together with solvents like alcohols are the perfect solution for this problem.
  • Wetting: In glass cleaners, it’s crucial to use surfactants that are capable of wetting dirty surfaces very effectively at lowest concentrations.
  • Anti-fogging: 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 cleaners.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on glass and plastic surfaces may attract dust and accelerate re-soiling after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties prevent static charges on surfaces.
Textiles

The textiles available on the market are just as diverse as the personal preferences of the individuals wearing them. Their cleaning must perfectly match the specific material because a delicate silk scarf cannot be washed with the same detergent as a robust terry towel.

  • Cleaning - Low foam: Laundry detergents need an effective foam control at different temperatures and different water hardness. A certain foam volume protects the fabrics from friction, while too much foam reduces the cleaning power and causes overfoaming of washing machines. The key is a balanced mixture of surfactants and auxiliaries, taking care of foam control, stability and cleaning power at the same time.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in laundry detergents, especially in concentrated products.               
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In laundry detergents, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: Wetting of dirt and fabrics is the first step in the cleaning process, thus surfactants with good wetting power help to clean textiles, especially at challenging conditions, like short wash cycles or low temperatures.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling 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.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on fabrics can cause electric shocks that may damage electronic devices. Furthermore, static charges may accelerate the re-soiling of textile surfaces after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
Sanitary

In contrast to most other cleaning agents, sanitary cleaners have an acidic pH value that allows them to effectively remove specific types of soiling like rust or limescale. Anti-corrosion agents can effectively protect metals against the effects of acidic cleaning agents.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners. Unlike spray application, foam application does not produce irritant aerosols. Foam can be applied exactly at the area where the cleaner should work. Furthermore, foam prolongs the working time of the sanitary cleaner.  
  • Cleaning - Low foam: In case too much foam is not appreciated, e.g. in toilet bowl cleaners, low-foaming surfactants can be used.    
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In sanitary cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: 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.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling 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.
  • Anti-fogging: 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. 
  • Antistatic: 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.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.

Sepawa
16.10.2024 - 18.10.2024

Berlin | Germany

Industrial and Institutional

Products used in the area of professional cleaning, for example in food production facilities, hospitals and public buildings, have to meet higher requirements than household products. The residue-free removal of contaminations is an essential criterion. Zschimmer & Schwarz has developed a wide range of products that can be adapted to individual requirements.

Commercial kitchen

When it comes to food preparation, hygiene is always the top priority. This is why cleaning the respective rooms and equipment is of utmost importance. From the hygienic and quick cleaning of dishes to the professional degreasing of stoves: the cleaning agents and their application may differ, but they all have to deliver a hygienically clean result.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners and helps to prolong the working time of the cleaner (e.g. oven cleaner, kitchen hood degreasers). Foam can also protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Often, foam is not desired, especially in machine cleaning of surfaces in large kitchens. Low-foaming surfactants with high cleaning power are an excellent choice for these applications.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: Wetting of dirt and surfaces is the first 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.
  • Emulsifying: Cleaning of surfaces from dirt means first to remove dirt from the surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water and prevent redeposition. Since dirt in kitchens usually contains oils and fats, cleaners must contain surfactants that are able to emulsify these components effectively. 
  • Anti-fogging: Shiny surfaces can appear hazy and dull if water condensation causes fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on surfaces can cause electric shocks that may damage electronic devices. Furthermore, static charges may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to avoid static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
Floors / carpet

The requirements for the cleaning and care of flooring materials are as diverse as the materials themselves. There is a difference between the professional cleaning of carpets in a public building and the thorough cleaning of a concrete floor in an industrial warehouse. Foaming capacity, cleaning power, sustainability and special applications, such as antistatic properties, are factors that vary depending on the application.

  • Cleaning - High foam: For manual carpet cleaning or spot cleaning, it’s recommended to use a high-foaming product that creates a “dry” foam to prevent soaking of the carpet. To prevent re-soiling, the cleaner should dry as non-sticky powder.   
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Machine cleaning of floors, e.g. by scrubber dryers or spray extraction cleaning of carpets, requires the foam volume to be as low as possible. Thus, special low-foaming surfactants are used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of low-foaming nonionic surfactants in formulations, such as alkaline floor cleaners or spray extraction cleaners for carpets.  
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In floor cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: Wetting of dirt and surfaces is the first and critical step in the cleaning process. Fast wetting speeds up the cleaning of floors. In floor cleaning, the use of special wetting agents is necessary, especially if hydrophobic, polymer-based surfaces are to be cleaned.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling in cleaning solutions, but also when a hydrophobic solvent is to be incorporated to enhance the cleaning effect.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on carpets and floors can cause electric shocks that may damage electronic devices. Furthermore, static charges may accelerate the re-soiling of carpets. Surfactants with antistatic properties prevent static charges on floors and carpets.
Hard surfaces

Surface cleaning is necessary for all types of hard surfaces, from plastic to wood and metal surfaces. These areas must be cleaned in the home as well as in professional and industrial areas. The specific requirements for the cleaning agents are as diverse as the surfaces themselves.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners. Foam does not produce harmful aerosols but prolongs the working time of the cleaner. Furthermore, foam can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.   
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Often, foam is not desired, especially in machine cleaning of hard surfaces. Therefore, low-foaming surfactants with high cleaning power are suitable for this application.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In hard surface cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: 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.
  • Emulsifying: Cleaning of surfaces from dirt means first to remove dirt from the surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water and prevent redeposition. Since dirt usually contains oils and fats, cleaners must contain surfactants that are able to emulsify these components effectively.
  • Anti-fogging: Shiny surfaces can appear hazy and dull if water condensation causes fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
  • Antistatic: 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.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
Sanitary

Sanitary facilities are particularly critical areas in the cleaning of commercial premises because they are very highly frequented (toilets, showers, washrooms) and require the removal of specific types of soiling such as limescale, rust, skin grease and soap residues. In contrast to most other cleaning agents, sanitary cleaning agents have an acidic pH value.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners. Unlike spray application, foam application does not produce irritant aerosols. Foam can be applied exactly at the area where the cleaner should work. Furthermore, foam prolongs the working time of the sanitary cleaner.          
  • Cleaning - Low foam: In case too much foam is not appreciated, e.g. in toilet bowl cleaners or in case of machine cleaning, low-foaming surfactants can be used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.         
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. In sanitary cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: 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.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling in cleaning solutions, but also when cleaning agents contain a high proportion of perfume oil.
  • Anti-fogging: 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. 
  • Antistatic: Static charges on glass and plastic surfaces may attract dust and accelerate re-soiling after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic cleaners. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
Facade

The first impression made by a building is to a large degree determined by its facade. This is why professional cleaning is extremely important for all companies. The facades 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.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the safe and exact application of a cleaner on the area where it should work. Furthermore, foam prolongs the working time and prevents premature drying of the cleaner.
  • Cleaning - Low foam: High pressure cleaning or machine cleaning of facades usually requires low foam since foam reduces the cleaning power and disturbs the proper function of machines. In this case, low-foaming surfactants with high cleaning power are used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: 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: 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.
  • Emulsifying: 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. 
  • Anti-fogging: 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.
  • Antistatic: 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.
  • Corrosion protection: 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.
Manufacturing areas

Cleanliness also plays an important role in industrial companies, not only in terms of the quality of the manufactured goods, but also for the safety of the employees. In each business, there is a unique set of materials which are exposed to varied types of soiling, which means that the ideal cleaning concept has to be identified in each individual case.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the safe and exact application of a cleaner on the area where it should work. Furthermore, foam prolongs the working time and prevents premature drying of the cleaner. Additionally, foam can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.          
  • Cleaning - Low foam: In machine cleaning and high-pressure cleaning, too much foam is a problem as it reduces the cleaning power and disturbs the cleaning process. Thus, low-foaming surfactants with high cleaning power are used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in surface cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: 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: 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.
  • Emulsifying: Cleaning means first to remove dirt from a surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water to prevent redeposition. Since dirt usually contains oils and fats, it is very important to use effective emulsifiers. These products also help to incorporate a hydrophobic solvent into the cleaner formulation to enhance the cleaning effect.
  • Anti-fogging: Shiny surfaces can appear hazy and dull if water condensation causes fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
  • Antistatic: 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 prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: 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.

Car Care

In today’s world, car cleaning and care call for high-performance products that are gentle on the materials as well as the environment. Zschimmer & Schwarz offers a wide range of solutions for the formulation of sophisticated products in many different areas, from manual and automated car cleaning to the removal of persistent dirt and restoring a car’s paint to its original brilliance with long-lasting effect.

Glass

It is particularly important that the windscreen is clean and free of streaks. From the inside, it is often cleaned with glass cleaning agents. On the outside, windscreen wipers and windscreen wash ensure safe driving. Additional effects, such as anti-fogging, assist in keeping a clear view of the road ahead, even in wet weather conditions.

  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils and hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised in a glass or windscreen cleaner.
  • Degreasing: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively from a glass surface. Nonionic surfactants are often used in cleaners since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: In windscreen cleaners, it’s crucial to use surfactants that are capable of wetting dirty surfaces very quickly and effectively at very low concentrations. This is why special wetting agents are needed.
  • Anti-fogging: Everyone knows fogged glass surfaces and mirrors. Especially while driving in the dark and in dense traffic, this can turn out to be a real safety issue. Fogging can be prevented by using a combination of special surfactants and polymers in glass cleaner:
  • Antistatic: Static charges on glass and plastic surfaces may attract dust and accelerate re-soiling after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.  
  • Corrosion protection: Glass cleaners often come in contact with car parts made of plastic material, e.g. head- or rear lights and mirror frames. Some surfactants and solvents can cause or accelerate damage, such as stress cracking, on these plastic parts. Therefore, it is important to choose the right surfactants to avoid damage.
Wheels

Wheels are composed of parts made from different materials, such as galvanised wheel bolts, steel or aluminium rims and rubber tyres. This is why cleaning agents must be compatible with all these different materials. Besides, they are required to quickly and effectively remove stubborn dirt such as brake dust, tar and rust.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of wheel cleaners. Furthermore, foam prolongs the working time and prevents premature drying of the wheel cleaner.    
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in wheel cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.            
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils and hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised. Especially in acidic wheel cleaners, these products can help to solubilise different ingredients, for example surfactants with anti-corrosion properties.
  • Degreasing: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. Nonionic surfactants are often used in wheel cleaners since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.
  • Wetting: 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.         
  • Emulsifying: Cleaning means first to remove dirt from a wheel surface and subsequently to disperse all dirt components in water to prevent redeposition. Since dirt usually contains oils and fats, it is very important to use surfactants that are able to emulsify these components effectively. 
  • Antistatic: Static charges may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic wheel cleaners. Especially zinc coatings on wheel bolts and cleaning devices can rapidly be corroded by acids. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process.
Interior

Leather-upholstered sports seats, fleecy floor mats, robust rubber mats for the boot and a shiny cockpit: a car’s interior creates a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere but is also exposed to dirt such as road dust, mud or melted chocolate. A range of different products is available for the successful cleaning and preventive care of the interior.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners. Additionally, foam prolongs the working time of the cleaner and can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches. Textile surfaces, such as seats, can be cleaned by foam without soaking the textile.
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Sometimes, foam is not desired while cleaning surfaces and cushions in the car interior. In this case, special low-foaming surfactants can be used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.          
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively. Nonionic surfactants are often used in surface cleaners since they possess a high fat-dissolving power. 
  • Wetting: 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, especially if hydrophobic (greasy and/or polymer-based) surfaces are to be cleaned.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling 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.
  • Anti-fogging: Shiny surfaces can appear hazy and dull if water condensation causes fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on surfaces may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning, e.g. by attracting dust. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: Car interior cleaners often come in contact with surfaces and parts made of plastic material. Some surfactants and solvents can cause or accelerate damage, such as stress cracking, on these plastic parts. Therefore, it is important to choose the right surfactants to avoid damage.
Exterior

A car wash not only lets the car’s paint shine but also guarantees the safety of the vehicle and preserves the materials. Optimum cleaning and care therefore require special ingredients.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Foam allows the easy and safe application of cleaners. Especially in the car cleaning industry, foam is preferred to prolong the working time and to prevent premature drying of the car cleaner. Furthermore, foam can protect the coating from scratches.        
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Sometimes, foam is not desired in car cleaning. In this case, special low-foaming surfactants can be used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in cleaners, especially in cleaner concentrates.                      
  • Solubilising: With the right product, high amounts of perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) or protective wax layers effectively. Nonionic surfactants are often used in car cleaners since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.                         
  • Wetting: 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, especially if hydrophobic surfaces are to be cleaned.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling 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.
  • Anti-fogging: Shiny surfaces can appear hazy and dull if water condensation causes fogging. Special surfactants and polymers used in cleaners in the right concentration can prevent fogging.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on surfaces may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning, e.g. by attracting dust. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: Metal surfaces can be damaged by acidic wheel cleaners: e.g. zinc coatings on wheel bolts and cleaning devices can rapidly be corroded by acids. Surfactants with anti-corrosion properties prevent corrosion during the cleaning process. On plastic parts, stress cracking corrosion can be caused by cleaner ingredients. Therefore, suitable products need to be chosen.
Commercial vehicles

Commercial vehicles used for the transportation of persons or goods must meet high demands. Cleaning and care play a crucial role: for the clear visibility of advertising printed on a truck tarpaulin just as much as for the cleanliness and thus the comfort of the passengers on board a bus.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Especially on large surfaces of commercial vehicles, foam can be easily applied via foam generators. Foam prolongs the working time and avoids premature drying of the cleaner. Furthermore, foam can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.         
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Sometimes, foam is not desired in vehicle cleaning. In this case, special low-foaming surfactants can be used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in cleaners, especially in high alkaline cleaner concentrates.
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively from surfaces. In cleaners for commercial vehicles, nonionic surfactants are used preferably since they possess a high oil- and fat-dissolving power.          
  • Wetting: 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, especially if hydrophobic (greasy and/or polymer-based) surfaces are to be cleaned.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling in cleaning solutions, but also when a high proportion of perfume oil or a hydrophobic solvent is to be incorporated into the cleaner.
  • Anti-fogging: Everyone knows fogged glass surfaces and mirrors. Especially while driving in the dark and in dense traffic, this can turn out to be a real safety issue. Fogging can be prevented by using a combination of special surfactants and polymers in cleaners.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on surfaces may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning, e.g. by attracting dust. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: 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.
Other vehicles

Special vehicles like motorbikes, bicycles, boats or trains come with special challenges for their users. The materials they are made of and the dirt they are exposed to are highly specific and must be taken into account when selecting cleaning and care products.

  • Cleaning - High foam: Especially on large surfaces of vehicles, foam can be easily applied via foam generators. Foam prolongs the working time and avoids premature drying of the cleaner. Furthermore, foam can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.
  • Cleaning - Low foam: Sometimes, foam is not desired in cleaning. In this case, special low-foaming surfactants can be used.
  • Eliminating turbidity: Hydrotropic surfactants help to overcome solubility problems of nonionic surfactants in cleaners, especially in high alkaline cleaner concentrates.
  • Solubilising: With the right product, perfume oils or hydrophobic solvents can be clearly solubilised.
  • Viscosity control: 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: Degreasing means to remove hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats) effectively from surfaces. In cleaners for vehicles, nonionic surfactants are used preferably since they possess a high oil- and fat-dissolving power.       
  • Wetting: 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, especially if hydrophobic (greasy and/or polymer-based) surfaces are to be cleaned.
  • Emulsifying: Emulsifiers play an important role not only in the emulsification of greasy soiling in cleaning solutions, but also when a high proportion of perfume oil or a hydrophobic solvent is to be incorporated into the cleaner.
  • Anti-fogging: Everyone knows fogged glass surfaces and mirrors. Especially while driving in the dark and in dense traffic, this can turn out to be a real safety issue. Fogging can be prevented by using a combination of special surfactants and polymers in cleaners.
  • Antistatic: Static charges on surfaces may accelerate the re-soiling of surfaces after cleaning, e.g. by attracting dust. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent static charges on surfaces.
  • Corrosion protection: 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.

Product groups

Phosphonates

Under the trade name CUBLEN, Zschimmer & Schwarz markets a wide range of phosphonate products. The focus of the portfolio comprises eight different chemical molecules (HEDP, ATMP, DTPMP, EDTMP, HDTMP, HEMPA, PBTC, BHMTMP), which are supplied in numerous different forms. Most of the products are offered as various salts – e.g. sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), ammonium (NH4+) – with a different pH value or active content. With their CUBLEN phosphonate range, Zschimmer & Schwarz provides optimum solutions for use in detergents and cleaning agents.

CUBLEN phosphonates are the products of choice for use as high-performance antiscalants, dispersants, complexing and chelating agents or as corrosion inhibitors.

ATMP

The CUBLEN A Series (ATMP) is a good complexing agent and a universally applicable inhibitor for various mineral deposits (scale). Selected ATMP products are certified according to the North American standard NSF/ANSI 60 for use in the production of drinking water. With CUBLEN ACS 402 there is also an active chlorine-compatible ATMP product available.

BHMTMP

The CUBLEN  B Series (BHMTMP) is an excellent inhibitor for both carbonate- and sulphate-based mineral deposits with high hydrothermal stability.

DTPMP

The CUBLEN D Series (DTPMP) represents the most versatile phosphonic acid in the CUBLEN product range and impresses with its outstanding price-performance ratio. DTPMP is an excellent inhibitor for mineral deposits (for example CaCO3, BaSO4, SrSO4) and a powerful complexing agent. Selected DTPMP products are certified according to the North American standard NSF/ANSI 60 for use in the production of drinking water.

EDTMP

The CUBLEN E Series (EDTMP) is a particularly powerful complexing agent with high calcium tolerance. EDTMP has a high dispersing power for ceramic slurries and retards setting in building materials.

HDTMP

The CUBLEN  F Series (HDTMP) acts as an excellent inhibitor for mineral deposits (especially for gypsum) and has high hydrothermal stability. HDTMP shows corrosion-inhibiting properties on aluminium under alkaline conditions. Selected HDTMP products are certified according to the North American standard NSF/ANSI 60 for use in the production of drinking water.

HEDP

The CUBLEN  K Series (HEDP) is a very good CaCO3 inhibitor, water hardness stabiliser and complexing agent for trivalent metal ions (for example Fe3+). In addition to aqueous products, HEDP is also available as a granular, dust-free solid with various active contents.

HEMPA

The CUBLEN  R Series (HEMPA) is an excellent dispersant for calcium-based deposits. HEMPA significantly improves the rinsing properties of washing and cleaning formulations.

In high saline systems of oilfield applications, HEMPA can show its excellent calcium tolerance.

PBTC

The CUBLEN P Series (PBTC) consists of an active chlorine-compatible phosphonic acid with high calcium tolerance, even under strongly alkaline conditions.

Applications

Phosphonates have been successfully used as additives in industrial water treatment for around 50 years. Building on this original application, phosphonates have opened up a very broad spectrum of new chemical-technical applications. This is mainly due to their multifunctional properties

  • as a complexing agent and threshold-active substance,
  • as efficient dispersing agents in combination with their
  • excellent hydrolytic and thermal stability.

CUBLEN phosphonates therefore offer optimum solutions for a large variety of application fields such as detergents and cleaning agents for household and commercial use.

Washing and cleaning agents

Our specialists from the Cleaning Specialities Division trust in CUBLEN  phosphonates as essential ingredients for washing and cleaning agent formulations. CUBLEN phoshonates fulfil an entire range of important functions both in products for household use as well as those for commercial use: among other things, they are used for water hardness stabilisation, the dispersion of dirt particles, stain removal or for the stabilisation of disinfecting or bleaching components.

Cosmetics

In the Personal Care Division, CUBLEN phosphonates are used, among other things, as bleach stabilisers in hair dye products. In soaps and shampoos they stabilise and improve the performance of detergent ingredients. Furthermore, CUBLEN phosphonates are ideal for stabilising white pigment dispersions in sunscreen lotions.

Specialities

In addition to the standard liquid products, Zschimmer & Schwarz offers a range of specialities. Selected phosphonates are also available as solids. The products are offered either as powders (e.g. EDTMP, HDTMP) or as dust-free granules (HEDP, DTPMP). They are particularly suitable for the production of formulations with a solid dosage form (for example for dishwasher tablets). Besides, the Industrial Specialities Division manufactures numerous special products and formulations with tailor-made properties for specific applications – the range is enormous. It ranges from oxidation-stable phosphonates for peroxide-based and hypochlorite-containing formulations to chloride-free phosphonate products.

Special products

In addition to the extensive standard phosphonate range, Zschimmer & Schwarz offers a large number of products with special properties for special applications. In addition to oxidation-stable modifications of ATMP (CUBLEN ACS 402) there are also chloride-free products based on CUBLEN  series E and D, for example. Furthermore, Zschimmer & Schwarz boasts a readily biodegradable aminomethylene phosphonate (according to OECD Standard 301) with novel surface-active, corrosion-inhibiting and hydrotropic properties.

Formulations

Zschimmer & Schwarz also offers proprietary formulations consisting of phosphonates and other auxiliaries which have been optimised for use in certain fields of application. Through the application of our long-standing expertise, these synergistic mixtures impress with their enhanced performance compared to individual products, thereby creating significant added value for the customer.

Solids

In addition to aqueous solutions, the CUBLEN product range also comprises phosphonates/phosphonic acids which are available either as dust-free granulated solids or as crystalline powder. The spectrum of products we offer ranges from industrial-grade solids with a large production volume to fine chemicals of high purity.

Surfactants

Surfactants form the basis of many formulations and are indispensable with their individual properties. Whether sustainable household cleaners, highly concentrated professional cleaning agents or car shampoos for the highest demands: Zschimmer & Schwarz offers surfactants and surfactant mixtures for all applications. The products are specifically developed for special functions such as high or low foam volume, emulsifying or fat dissolving power and hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties. The focus is on multifunctionality and sustainability. For example, the amino acid-based surfactants from the ZETESECO HS range show outstanding hydrotropic performance combined with emulsifying or odour-inhibiting effects – and all this in molecules based on natural building blocks.

AMPHOTENSID

Amphoteric surfactants with versatile application properties, like high or low foam volume, enhancement of the solubility of nonionic surfactants (hydrotropic effect) and/or good skin tolerance

AUTOPOON

Blends based on cationic surfactants, suitable to impart water-repellent effects on hard surfaces

CONTRASPUM

Defoamers based on different ingredients like silicones, mineral oil, nonionic surfactants etc.

FLEROGUM

Soaps (anionic surfactants) based on different natural oils

LUMOROL

Synergistic mixtures of different types of surfactants with auxiliaries for easy formulation of cleaning products

MULSIFAN

Emulsifiers for different oils, waxes and other hydrophobic substances

OXETAL

Range of fatty alcohol ethoxylates (nonionic surfactants) with different application properties like wetting and degreasing

PHOSFETAL

Phosphoric acid esters (anionic surfactants) with versatile application properties like wetting or anti-static effect

PROPETAL

Range of fatty alcohol alkoxylates (EO-PO-adducts, nonionic surfactants) with different cloud points, very low-foaming products with properties like wetting, degreasing etc.

PROTELAN

Amino acid-based surfactants with enhanced environmental profile

PURTON

Fatty acid diethanolamides (nonionic surfactants) for thickening, foam stabilisation etc.

SETACIN

Sulfosuccinates (anionic surfactants) with either foam stabilising or outstanding wetting performance

SULFETAL

Broad range of fatty alcohol sulfates (anionic surfactants), different salts and concentrations with high or low foam volume and/or enhancement of the solubility of nonionic surfactants (hydrotropic effect)

TREOSAL

Ethoxylated triglycerides (nonionic surfactants) with moisturising and solubilising properties

TRIUMPHNETZER

Sulfosuccinate (anionic surfactant) with outstanding wetting performance

TURKEY RED OIL

Sulfated castor oil, natural solubiliser for essential oils

WAXEMULSION

Nonionic carnauba wax emulsion, easy to handle and provides surface protection

ZETESECO

Range of different types of surfactants with enhanced environmental profile

ZETESOL

Broad range of fatty alcohol ether sulfates (anionic surfactants), different salts and concentrations with high foam volume and high or low viscosity

ZUSOLAT

Range of low-odour fatty alcohol ethoxylates (nonionic surfactants) with different application properties like wetting and degreasing

Polymers

Zschimmer & Schwarz develops and manufactures special waterborne solutions and emulsion polymers that are suitable for various surface care applications. With high expertise in acrylic polymer chemistry, Zschimmer & Schwarz is able to engineer polymers with unique properties. For each application – from carpet cleaning to floor polish – we offer the right solution. The polymers are versatile and provide excellent protection, superior water resistance, matte or glossy film-forming properties, exceptional abrasion resistance, and many more properties. This makes them perfect for maintaining cleanliness, enhancing appearance and providing long-lasting protection. Polymers from Zschimmer & Schwarz are easy to apply and maintain, making them suitable for the industrial & institutional, household and car care market.

Industrial & Institutional

Zschimmer & Schwarz has developed significant expertise and know-how to modify a basic polymer backbone through secondary reactions to produce copolymers offering a wide range of functional end properties.

Household

End consumers are more and more demanding ready-to-use convenience products. They are looking for lower prices, good appearance, gloss and chemical resistance without coat build-up. We offer non-metal-bound polymers that help formulators achieve these properties.

Carpet care

Carpet shampoos and spray extraction based on SYNTRAN® are recommended for all conventional methods and machines used in the domestic sector. The residue of shampoo and the encapsulated dirt can be easily removed by vacuuming as soon as the carpet has completely dried.

Wax emulsion

We offer a range of water-based synthetic wax emulsions for coatings, floor polishes, leather and shoe polishes. Wax emulsions are important ingredients of these film-forming formulations and they complement the properties of the polymer dispersions, in particular wear properties.