Washing vacuum cleaners with water filters appeared relatively recently and quickly became popular. The reason for this is that this type of equipment is an indispensable assistant for those who love impeccable cleanliness. In addition, a washing vacuum cleaner can make life much easier for people suffering from allergies.
The device’s aquafilters trap the smallest particles of dust and allergens in water, thereby cleaning not only the floor surface, but also the air. However, equipment maintenance has its own peculiarities.
Role in operating a washing vacuum cleaner
In order for the equipment to work correctly and last a long time, you need to use a defoamer - a means that prevents foaming in the water reservoir of the device.
A defoamer is a product that contains chemical components that suppress the formation of foam. Initially, it may seem that there is no point in it, because why prevent the water from foaming if it does not bother anyone.
However, everything is not so simple. During operation of the washing vacuum cleaner, under the influence of continuous circulation of air masses, the foam increases in volume and can get into the motor filter. Its main function is to protect the equipment engine from dust. Getting the filter wet leads to a decrease in the quality of air purification.
Getting your engine filter wet is not the worst thing that can happen. Foam getting into the motor of a washing vacuum cleaner will lead to its failure. Moreover, in this situation, repairs are often powerless: as a result, the equipment ceases to function forever.
A defoamer can prevent these problems from occurring.
It performs a number of functions:
- Engine foam protection.
- Maintaining efficient filter operation.
- Improving the performance and suction capacity of equipment.
Purpose and scope of application
A foam damper is a special synthetic substance that can have a liquid or powdery consistency. It is designed to extinguish excess foam formed in the filter container. Its significance is determined by the specific design of the household device itself.
When a soapy substance and water are combined, a large amount of foamy substance is formed, which with a constant supply of air increases in size even more. When it expands, it can enter the intermediate filter, which protects the internal engine from dust and other contaminants.
If constant humidity is maintained, the filter becomes damp, bacteria and other microorganisms form in it, and if fungus or mold appears, spores will spread throughout the apartment, which can cause many diseases. It is to prevent this consequence, increase the service life of equipment and ensure its impeccable operation that defoamers are needed.
There are several types of dampeners on the market, which differ in composition:
- Silicone based. Affordable and simple, therefore they are widely popular;
- In oils. They are more difficult to manufacture and therefore have a higher cost compared to silicone ones. They have an absolutely safe composition, so they will not harm small children and pets.
Large manufacturers of washing vacuum cleaners and defoamers are the companies Karcher, Zelmer, Thomas, Biomol and Penta-480. You can buy a product for a device from a different brand, or use simple improvised products.
Types of foam neutralizers
There are 2 types of agents that prevent the foaming process. During equipment operation, they are used simultaneously with cleaning liquids.
- Organic based
Oils are used to make organic-based defoamers. They are completely harmless to humans and animals, but they are not easy to find in stores. A small number of manufacturers produce organic defoamers and their cost can hardly be called cheap. They work due to the fact that the oils in their composition increase the surface tension of the liquid.
- Silicone based
A large number of companies are engaged in the production of silicone-based chemicals.
It works by destroying the structure of the foam. The technology of its production is relatively simple, and the raw materials have low cost. Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
Anti-foaming compounds should not be frozen. This reduces their functional qualities. Inhalation, contact with skin or eyes is also unacceptable.
Despite the fact that they do not contain heavy metals, formaldehydes or other hazardous components, it is important to remember that defoamers are household chemicals. Accordingly, safety precautions must be observed when working with them.
What defoamer do you use?
OrganicSilicon
Assortment of defoamers by type
Two types of foam-suppressing substances for aquafilters are produced, differing in the basic base:
- organic defoamers;
- silicone-based mixtures.
Organic products are based on natural oils that are harmless to the human body and pets. Due to the complex production formula, these substances are produced by a small number of companies, and therefore are rarely found on sale.
On the contrary, the type of silicone antifoams has become more widespread. Many manufacturers have launched the production of such specialized substances. The principle of their influence is as follows:
- the silicone base destroys the foam structure;
- organic additives increase the surface tension of the liquid, due to which dust particles collect in lumps, therefore foaming in the tank is significantly reduced;
- a special fragrance saturates the air with a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma.
Using a defoamer, the following problems are effectively solved: the engine is protected from dust, dirt and waterlogging, the aquafilter is protected from excessive clogging, and the suction power of the device is maintained at the same level . Therefore, following the trends of the time, each vacuum cleaner manufacturer offers the market defoamers made using its own unique technologies with a variety of components and their proportions.
Rating of the best defoamers
Products designed to suppress foam formation can be purchased both in online stores and in household chemical supermarkets. There is no need to buy chemicals from the same brand as the washing vacuum cleaner. As a rule, foam suppressants are universal and suitable for all types of equipment with aqua filters.
The list of the best anti-foaming compounds includes both local and foreign manufacturers. The rating is based on data on the demand for a certain type of product.
FoamStop Fructasia from Karcher
The German brand Karcher follows innovations in the field of cleaning technology.
Pros:
- Economical - one 125 ml bottle is enough for about 70 cleanings. For 2 liters of water you need only 2 ml of FoamStop Fructasia.
- Hypoallergenic - suitable for people prone to allergic reactions.
- Pleasant aroma - has an unobtrusive citrus scent.
- Versatility - suitable for all types of equipment with an aqua filter.
Minuses:
- High price - one bottle of FoamStop Fructasia will cost 500-700 rubles.
Huber Schaumstopp
Huber Schaumstopp helps the equipment maintain its dust suction power at a high level.
Pros:
- Released in two volumes - 1 l. and 125 ml.
- Safety - environmental friendliness of Huber Schaumstopp is confirmed by certificates of conformity.
- Low price - volume 1 liter. costs about 1600 rubles, and a volume of 125 m. - approximately 250 rubles.
Minuses:
- Lack of versatility - Huber Schaumstopp is focused primarily on equipment from Zelmer and Karcher. However, it can also be used for equipment of other brands. It is advisable to consult a specialist on this matter.
Grass Antifoam
The Russian brand Grass produces its own defoamer, which is positioned as a direct analogue of FoamStop Fructasia from Karcher.
Pros:
- Versatility - Grass Antifoam can be used for all types of equipment that require foam suppression.
- Low price - in comparison with the original, Grass Antifoam is several times cheaper. So, a bottle with a volume of 250 ml. will cost 150-300 rubles.
Minuses:
- After use, stains remain on the walls of the water tank. However, this can be easily solved with a damp sponge.
ACG Antifoam
Russian ACG Antifoam is produced by professionals in the field of home care. The brand specializes in the production of chemicals for cleaning companies.
Pros:
- Versatility - ACG Antifoam can be used for all models of washing vacuum cleaners, as well as for other types of equipment with an aqua filter.
- Can be used in conjunction with acid- and alkaline-based washing liquids and does not affect their cleaning ability.
- Low price - 1 liter bottle. costs 200-300 rubles.
Minus:
- Lack of efficiency - 1 liter bottle. will end within 3-4 months of use.
Antifoam Agent from Rein
The Rein company specializes in the production of chemicals for professional home cleaning.
Pros:
- Economical consumption - one 1 liter bottle of Rein Antifoam Agent. enough for one and a half to two years of constant use.
- Increases the cleaning power of acid-base based cleaning liquids.
Minuses:
- High price - 1 liter bottle. costs 600-800 rubles.
- The surfactants in Antifoam Agent may cause allergic reactions in people prone to them.
Types of mixtures for extinguishing foam
There are two types of chemicals that are used with cleaning fluids to block suds.
They differ in composition and have different bases:
- organic;
- silicone.
Organic defoamer is made from oils. It is considered absolutely harmless to the health of people and pets, but is used much less frequently.
It is difficult to find such defoamers in stores. Only individual companies are engaged in their production, since the manufacturing process requires the use of complex formulas and many different components. The price of organic products is not cheap.
Silicone defoamers are much more popular. It is made on a silicone basis.
Typically, antifoaming agents include silicone oil and silica, supplemented with softening elements, flavoring additives and other chemicals.
The principle of operation of the components contained in the mixtures is as follows:
- silicone destroys the foam structure;
- organic elements increase the surface tension of the liquid, knocking dust particles into clumps;
- the fragrance imparts an unobtrusive aroma.
As a result, the amount of splashes in the water container is significantly reduced and there is virtually no foam.
In conditions of high competition, manufacturers are trying to make their own mixture recipes, find special effective formulas and unique technologies, and select the most optimal proportions.
In general, the compositions of various brands are similar to each other, although each company positions its product as the best on the market.
Is it possible to replace a store-bought one with a homemade one?
There are options for foam suppression compounds that you can make yourself:
- Salt. 2-3 tablespoons of the substance are added to a reservoir of water.
- Vinegar or vinegar essence. In the first case, pour in half a tablespoon, in the second, 2-3 drops are enough.
- Starch added to the equipment tank in the amount of 2-3 tablespoons.
- Sunflower oil in a 1:1 ratio with baking soda. The most controversial option of all home recipes. The fact is that the oil settles on the walls of the tank. It is possible that a small amount of it remains on the floor.
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
If you decide to save money and give preference to homemade foam suppressants, you should remember that their safety for equipment has not been proven. It is possible that in the future they can have a more negative impact on equipment than the foam itself.
The best foam dampener manufacturers
Chemical mixtures intended for extinguishing foam in a vacuum cleaner are sold in specialized online stores, household chemicals departments, and household appliance supermarkets.
It is not necessary to use chemicals from the same brand for a vacuum cleaner from a certain manufacturer. Often, defoamers are universal and can be used in all devices that require it.
In the range of accessories for vacuum cleaners you can see many offers from different companies. They differ in composition, volume, consumption and price category. Let's consider popular products in this area, presented by domestic and foreign brands.
Places in the ranking are distributed according to the demand for a particular product and the ratings it received from real buyers.
1st place – Karcher company
The German company Karcher pays special attention to the introduction of innovative technologies in the field of solutions for cleaning and cleaning the home.
One bottle of liquid mixture with a volume of 125 ml is enough for six months of quite active use - that’s about 70 cleanings. The product is designed for Karcher equipment, but is suitable for all washing vacuum cleaners and devices equipped with a water filter
The brand produces the most expensive, but also the highest quality chemicals for vacuum cleaners. Its main advantage is its very economical consumption: for 2 liters of water you need only 2 ml of product.
A foam damper costs from 500 to 700 rubles. The citrus or fruit flavors included in its composition leave a light, pleasant smell in the room. The product is made from hypoallergenic substances.
The use of FoamStop defoamer guarantees long-term performance of the intermediate filter.
2nd place – Huber Schaumstopp
The product from this manufacturer is produced in different volumes - in a liter bottle with an average cost of about 1,600 rubles and a small 125 ml bottle at a price of up to 250 rubles.
Huber Schaumstopp antifoam attracts users with its affordable price and environmentally friendly composition. By preventing intense foaming, it maintains the suction power of the vacuum cleaner at a consistently high level.
To a greater extent, the product is designed for washing units and vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter from Zelmer and Karcher, but is also used in devices of other brands
3rd place – Grass Antifoam
The anti-foam product of the Russian company Grass is positioned as an analogue of Karcher. The product is sold in 250 ml plastic bottles and costs much less - about 150-300 rubles. The concentration of the active substance in the liquid is 60%.
Grass Antifoam is a universal defoamer. It is used in washing vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, carpet extractors, dishwashers and other devices where foam interferes with the normal operation of the work process.
According to users, the Grass defoamer copes with its functions no worse than the original. The only caveat in its operation is the residual residue on the container after using the product.
To avoid this, you need to thoroughly rinse the vacuum cleaner tank after cleaning.
4th place – Zelmer company
The foam neutralizer from the well-known manufacturer of household appliances Zelmer is not used so often, since it is very difficult to find in stores. Basically, it is delivered only upon order.
Zelmer's product blocks foam and ensures proper functioning of the vacuum cleaner. The product is recommended for use in conjunction with washing units of the same brand. You should check with a specialist about the possibility of using it in other devices.
Zelmer's product blocks foam and ensures proper functioning of the vacuum cleaner. It is produced in limited quantities.
5th place – ACG ANTIFOAM
A neutral concentrated emulsion for extinguishing foam from the Russian manufacturer ACG prevents the onset of foam-forming processes in any washing equipment: vacuum cleaners, steam machines, vacuum cleaners with aqua filters, treatment plants.
ACG ANTIFOAM is used as a functional defoaming additive to various acidic or alkaline detergents. The liquid does not affect the cleansing effect of these products.
ACG foam control compound is sold at an affordable price. The average cost of an economical liter package is about 270 rubles.
ACG ANTIFOAM is a product for extinguishing foam in vacuum cleaners (in the picture above and on the right). In addition to defoamers, the company produces products for various types of cleaning activities, for example, for cleaning particularly dirty floors
6th place – REIN Antifoam agent
REIN concentrated liquid with specially selected components helps to effectively prevent foaming of solutions in washing equipment. The defoamer can be purchased at a price of 630 rubles.
The product from REIN is produced in plastic liter bottles. This volume is enough for about 400 cleanings, which equates to 1.5-2 years of active use. The mixture improves the cleaning ability of acid-base substances.
The REIN company, in addition to defoamers, produces a range of products for washing various surfaces. Among them is a floor cleaner that can be used in washing models of vacuum cleaners without the risk of damaging the equipment.
Since the product contains a surfactant, it should be used with caution, making sure in advance that it is safe for the vacuum cleaner. If possible, it is better to take a branded defoamer instead.
conclusions
In order for the washing vacuum cleaner to work efficiently and for a long time, it is important to use foam suppressing compounds when working with it. When choosing, first of all, you should pay attention to the nominal volume and efficiency of the composition.
If the bottle is modest in size, this does not mean that it will run out quickly - it all depends on the concentration of the active ingredients in the product, and vice versa.
The use of foam suppression compounds prepared by yourself calls into question the safety of the equipment - you must use them at your own peril and risk.
Making defoamer from improvised materials
To save on expensive specialized chemicals, some users make a product with similar functions on their own at home. In online reviews there are several popular folk recipes used in practice.
The simplest option for replacing the defoamer is salt, which prevents foaming when added to water.
By analogy, vinegar or vinegar essence is used: pour ½ tablespoon of the first or 2-3 drops of the second product into the reservoir with liquid.
Another recipe “from the people” is sunflower oil combined with soda in a 1:1 ratio. These products stabilize the foam production processes and prevent it from penetrating the container.
The method with sunflower oil has a significant drawback. After using it, it is quite difficult to clean the container. You can completely get rid of greasy deposits on the walls only with the help of detergents.
For the same purpose, starch is added to the liquid. It slows down water vibrations and neutralizes the formation of foam by binding its molecules.
Another little-known method of replacing defoamer is mentioned on the forums, which involves the use of acacia gum (gum arabic). The substance is combined with a small amount of alcohol and water.
Of all the listed methods for extinguishing foam, the most effective is considered to be the one with vinegar. But you need to understand that the safety of the effects of the considered folk remedies on the structural parts of the equipment has not been 100% proven. They are used, as they say, at your own peril and risk.
What should be the chemistry for washing vacuum cleaners?
The wet cleaning function involves the use of special products. They are usually produced in different variations: dry mixtures, liquid, tablets and gels. For high quality and efficient cleaning, choose trusted manufacturers. You can now purchase this product not only in specialized stores, but also in supermarkets.
Special cleaning solutions are divided into:
- professional
- household
The main difference is the volume of product produced. Professional products are available in larger volume bottles.
When choosing and using a detergent, the main criteria remain:
- harmlessness
- efficiency
- efficiency
For example, a solution of Karcher RM 760 is diluted in a proportion of 10 g per 1 liter of water. Designed for cleaning floor surfaces, cleaning walls and upholstered furniture. The slightly alkaline solution does not spoil the materials it acts on and cleans.
Powdered cleaning products for washing vacuum cleaners are very popular. They are economical to use and take up little space. Whilpoor is best suited for removing lint. From the very first use of a chemical solution, you can achieve deep cleaning and refresh colors.
German products called Thomas ProTex allow you to perform various purposes: combating allergens, disinfecting effect, killing dust mites and others. Thomas ProTex V is intended for cleaning furniture, Thomas ProTex M for polymer surfaces, Thomas ProTex ProFloor for ceramic tiles.
Universal or special, what to choose?
Universal products are suitable for cleaning rooms and furniture, as well as for cars. Solutions effectively remove various stains. The quality of the composition can always be checked; it should have reduced foam formation. Thanks to this property, cleaning efficiency and a longer life of the home unit are ensured.
When choosing universal and special products, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- Concentration. The efficiency of use depends on it.
- Antistatic composition.
- Availability of disinfectants. Solution for effective control of germs, mold, fungi, etc.
- Hypoallergenic composition.
If there are chemicals in the cleaning solution, then pay additional attention to the presence of softening components. The softer the solution, the easier it is to care for the device.
To clean some floor surfaces, such as laminate and parquet, you should choose specialized liquids.
Powder or liquid?
Based on consistency, they are divided into powder and liquid products.
The most popular are powdered vacuum cleaners. They are simple and easy to use. The main disadvantage is that powders may contain undissolved particles that clog equipment. After each use, the vacuum cleaner should be cleaned of any residue.
Liquid for a washing vacuum cleaner is sold in the form of a consistency that requires further dilution in the required proportions. Eliminates the possibility of clogging with undissolved residues.
Liquid cleaning solutions are available in volumes of 500 ml. 750 ml, 1 liter. The form of powder is different, you can find small samples, or you can take boxes that will last for more than one month.
Popular countries are Italy and Germany, which produce good chemical solutions.
