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 improve the solubility of non­ionic surfactants in alkaline or electrolyte-rich formulations, such as detergents for use in dish­washers.

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 completely removing hydro­phobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats). 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 removing dirt from the surface first and subsequently dispersing 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.

Washing a plate with a dish brush
Washing a plate with a dish brush

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 is recommended to use a high-foaming product that creates a “dry” foam to prevent the carpet from soaking. To delay re-soiling, the cleaner should dry without leaving any sticky residue.

    Eliminating turbidity

    Hydrotropic surfactants improve the solubility 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 completely removing hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats). In floor cleaners and in spray extraction cleaners for carpets, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.

    Wetting

    Wetting 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 floors means removing dirt from the surface and subsequently dispersing 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.

    father and daughter clean up the house
    father and daughter clean up the house together sweep the floor

    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. Using a foam sprayer, especially ready-to-use cleaners can be applied safely and precisly to the area that is to be cleaned. Foam prolongs the working time of the cleaner (e.g. an oven cleaner). Furthermore, foam can protect sensitive surfaces from scratches.

    Cleaning – low foam

    Sometimes, foam is not desired when cleaning household surfaces. In this case, low-foaming surfactants can be used in surface cleaners.

    Eliminating turbidity

    Hydrotropic surfactants help improve the solubility 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 effectively removing hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats). In surface cleaners, nonionic surfactants are used since they possess a high fat-dissolving power.

    Wetting

    Wetting 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 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.

    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.

    Cleaning surface of refrigerator
    The woman cleaning surface of inox refrigerator with pink rag and spray.

    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 specifically to the dirty area and prevents the formation of aerosols. Surfactants help to adjust the appropriate 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 to this problem.

      Wetting

      In glass cleaners, it is 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.

      Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window
      Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window with clear blue sky

      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 which take care of foam control, stability and cleaning power at the same time.

      Eliminating turbidity

      Hydrotropic surfactants improve the solubility 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 effectively removing hydrophobic dirt (e.g. oils and fats). 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 under challenging conditions, like short wash cycles or low temperatures.

      Emulsifying

      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.

      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.

      Hand loading the washing machine
      Close up of female hand dropping dirty laundry in the washing machine

      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 specifically to the area that is to be cleaned. Further­more, foam prolongs the working time of the sanitary cleaner.

      Cleaning – low foam

      In case too much foam is not desirable, 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 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

      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 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.

      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.

      Sink in contemporary home bathroom
      Top view of a sink with faucet on blue tiled bathroom

      Pet Care

      Cleaning applications in the pet care sector cover a very broad spectrum – from fur care and cleaning of the animal’s body to the cleaning of textiles and hard surfaces. Products for pet hygiene should reliably remove soiling, neutralize unpleasant odors and be particularly gentle on skin and fur. The same applies to the cleaning of its home – animal-safe formulations are equally important for floors and resting areas. It is essential that they enable an easy and safe application.

      Cleaning – high foam

      For the targeted removal of stains from floors or textiles, a high-foam cleaner is the ideal choice. Used in combination with a foam sprayer, the product can be applied precisely and economically. Mild, high-foaming surfactants are the preferred option – they are equally suited for use in pet shampoos.

      Cleaning – low foam

      When washing machines are used to clean blankets or cushions, effective foam control at different temperatures and water hardness levels is essential. A certain minimum foam volume protects fabrics from friction, while excessive foam reduces the cleaning performance and can cause the machine to overflow. Mild surfactants combined with suitable auxiliaries provide foam control, stability and cleaning power at the same time. These products can also be used in paw and fur cleaning applications.

      Viscosity control

      The viscosity of the cleaning product should be optimally matched to the product type, dosing system, and intended use. Both thickeners and viscosity‑reducing additives such as hydrotropic surfactants can be used for adjustment.

      Wetting

      The wetting of soiling and surfaces is the first and most critical step in the cleaning process. Surfactants with strong wetting properties accelerate the cleaning of surfaces, particularly hydrophobic (greasy and/or polymer-based) ones – and equally support the cleaning of pets. Tailor-made surfactants wet the natural, hydrophobic protective layer of fur and skin without fully removing it and thus enable a thorough yet gentle cleaning.

      Antistatic

      Synthetic textiles are widely used in pet environments due to their durability and moisture resistance. However, such textiles are prone to build up electrostatic charge, which can lead to faster resoiling by dust particles. Static electricity can also be perceived as unpleasant by animals. Surfactants with antistatic properties help to prevent the build-up of static charges on surfaces.

      Odor control

      Unpleasant odors often arise from the growth of microorganisms on skin, fur, or surfaces. Surfactants with odor‑reducing properties counteract this process by slowing the growth of odor‑forming bacteria. This is how they help keep animals and their surroundings fresh for a longer time.

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