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.
How to make a defoamer with your own hands
As was written above, making a defoamer with your own hands at home is not difficult. And here are some working methods:
- Salt. The easiest way to prevent strong foam from forming in the vacuum cleaner filter is to use salt. A tablespoon of table salt should be added to the detergent solution.
- Vinegar essence. This method repeats the previous one, only the salt is replaced with vinegar essence. It is necessary to drop several drops into the solution, and literally immediately the foaming will decrease. You should add half a tablespoon .
- Soda, sunflower oil. If you add a spoonful of soda and a little vegetable oil to the aqueous solution, the foam will become much less. The most important thing is not to forget to rinse the filter thoroughly after this, because the oil will leave greasy marks in it.
- Salt, starch and vegetable oil. For those who want to get rid of foam altogether, a special method has been developed. You need to add salt, oil and starch to the detergent, and then the solution will not foam.
Therefore, the defoamer is an important component of the vacuum cleaner. Of course, you can do without this mixture, but then you will have to either not use soap solutions or buy vacuum cleaners with special dust collectors.
You will find more interesting information on this topic in the “ Vacuum Cleaner ” section of our portal.
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
What defoamers are there?
There are two types: silicone-based and organic oil-based. The first is used much more often, since it is easier to purchase and costs much less than organic. The composition of all such products is approximately the same: they contain silicon dioxide and silicone oil. Sometimes flavoring agents and other substances are added to them. Any brand that produces antifoam for vacuum cleaners has its own technologies and recipes. Oil-based products are completely safe for adults, children and animals living at home; they can even be used in the food industry. However, their cost is higher, and it is not so easy to find them in our stores. How to make an aqua filter for a vacuum cleaner with your own hands.
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.
Why does a washing vacuum cleaner need a defoamer?
Washing vacuum cleaners are in particular demand because they are able to filter the air in the room more thoroughly, compared to other analogues of cleaning equipment. In addition, during cleaning, the air is not only purified, but also humidified. However, in such models, the engine is likely to come into contact with liquid and foam formed as a result of the use of chemical detergents, so a special filter is provided in the design of the device, but it alone is not enough .
When operating a washing machine, such a development of events often occurs. The sucked dust begins to foam when it gets into the detergent. In addition, air flow helps increase the amount of foam. As a result, the tank overflows with foam, which ends up on the filter protecting the engine. With intense foaming, the filter element becomes excessively moistened and allows the electric motor to come into contact with the liquid, which can lead to its failure. Therefore, when operating washing vacuum cleaners, it is recommended to use a defoamer.
Important! A filter that gets wet from exposure to foam can not only allow moisture to enter the engine, but also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Modern industry produces specialized powder and liquid mixtures for water filters of cleaning machines, which contain components that prevent the formation of foam.
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.
What is a defoamer and why is it needed?
Expert opinion
Alena Tsarevskaya
Subpage for an expert
A defoamer is a special substance, which is a liquid or powder, which is designed to destroy excess foam formed in the vacuum cleaner filter during cleaning.
Often in everyday life situations occur in which cleaning devices stop working. Unfortunately, many such cases are due to the ignorance of the owners of such vacuum cleaners. Many people mistakenly believe that if a lot of foam forms in the filter container during wet cleaning, then specially built-in components will help get rid of it from getting into vital places of the vacuum cleaner. In order to preserve your cleaning device for longer years, you need to use foam absorbers. The fact is that foam that gets into the filter contributes to its dampening, which leads to the formation of mold and other bacteria that have a detrimental effect on human health.
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.
How to replace a washing vacuum cleaner
We have a dry cleaning machine, can it replace a washing vacuum cleaner? What is the difference? There is no tank with cleaning solution or supply of solution under the sucker. The solution can be sprayed by hand and the moisture can be collected using a vacuum cleaner attachment for dry cleaning. For collected water, make an insert in the air duct with a special tank.
Another way to wash pile surfaces from stains and dirt can be manual cleaning using the same detergent compositions that are added to the vacuum cleaner. Sometimes they use sprays to clean tight niches and corners.
For manual cleaning, the most popular products contain active foam. It is distributed over the entire surface, left to dry for 2 hours, and then the dirt is carefully collected with a vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning. Even using a washing vacuum cleaner, after the carpet has dried, you must brush it dry, experts advise.
Ways to extinguish foam in mash
If an unpleasant situation occurs, then you can knock down the foam in several ways that work in any case. The only thing that a lover of homemade alcohol should know is that it is impossible to remove foam by stirring the mash. With this action, fermentation will simply be activated. This will only make the situation worse.
Add cookies
Adding cookies is the fastest and easiest method to remove active foam. You need to take cheap cookies without adding flavors or dyes and crumble them evenly over the mash. Just ½ of half a cookie is enough for 10 liters. After some time, the foam will subside and then disappear. This method is good because the cookies will not affect the taste of the resulting alcoholic drink.
Reduce volume
You can reduce the amount of mash in the container by pouring it into another container. This method is simply irreplaceable when the mash, for example, pea mash, foams a lot, or the distiller has poured a lot of wort into the container. In such a situation, it is worth remembering that it will be difficult not to spill the liquid. And the mash that “breaks through” releases a not-so-pleasant aroma; you’ll have to put in extra effort to clean it up.
Lower the temperature
If the container is kept in a room where the temperature is maintained above 29 degrees, then this factor can also cause increased foaming. To stop the process, you need to move the container to where it is colder.
Add defoamer
Add defoamer to mash
To reduce the activity of foam, some moonshiners use a defoamer for mash. He effectively copes with the task. The purchased product is added to the wort in accordance with the instructions for use. Then, over time, foam will not form abundantly. Some experienced moonshiners advise adding a defoamer to the wort, which is prepared from peaches, rye, and beer mash.
One jar of commercial foam extinguishing agent is enough for a long time. This allows you to save money in the process of preparing a homemade alcoholic drink. You can add purified water to the defoamer; this simplifies the process of distributing it in the mash.
Purchased substances for extinguishing foam
Experienced distillers use other available means to reduce foaming. This tip comes in handy when you don’t have cookies or antifoam on hand. It will also be needed if it is not possible to move the container to a cold place or pour part of the mash.
- Use of vegetable oil. To prevent foam from actively appearing, pour one teaspoon of unrefined vegetable oil into the wort for every five liters of liquid and mix well.
- Adding kefir or sour cream. Take two tablespoons of fermented milk product per 10 liters of mash. But we must not forget that this method does not lead to rapid removal of the foam “cap”. It lasts a long time.
The use of these products does not affect the taste of alcoholic beverages that will be obtained upon release.
There is another commercial product that can be used to remove foam - baby shampoo. Take one tablespoon of cosmetics and dilute it thoroughly in 200 ml of cold purified water. Then the resulting solution is poured onto the foam cap. After a few minutes, a reaction will occur that reduces the release of bubbles and the foam will subside. The disadvantage of this method is that non-food chemicals get into the mash. And this can lead to a deterioration in the taste of the alcohol-containing drink at the end.
The winemaker, through trial and error, decides which product is best suited for him. But the main thing they recommend not to forget about is not to miss the moment when everything just begins. After all, it is then that these measures are taken. If the process continues, then there will be no options left other than moving the liquid to another container.
