Antifoam for a vacuum cleaner: types of products and rules of use + the best manufacturing companies

Vacuum cleaners with water filters are a real salvation for lovers of impeccable cleanliness. The use of advanced technology is especially indicated for people who suffer from persistent allergies, asthma attacks.

Holding even microscopic particles of allergens and dust in water, aquafilters make the air in the room clean, fresh and moist. However, the maintenance of this category of devices has its own nuances.

To ensure comfortable and safe operation, an antifoam for a vacuum cleaner is required - a chemical agent that suppresses excessive foam formation. What it happens, why it is needed and how to use it - we will consider further. We will also talk about the popular manufacturers of foam absorbers and how to replace the product.

Why is antifoam necessary?

A foam suppressor is a chemical substance on a powder or liquid basis, which includes special components that can inhibit the foaming process.

Many users are perplexed: why extinguish foam at all if it does not interfere with anything? The fact is that upon contact of the liquid and the soap composition with the dust particles penetrating the vacuum cleaner, a large amount of foam substance is formed.

Gradually increasing in size due to the intense circulation of air masses, in the end the foam gets to the motor filter that protects the engine of the device from dust and dirt. A wet filter makes it difficult to clean the air.

Constant dampness leads to the rapid multiplication of fungus, mold, pathogenic bacteria, provokes the appearance of a sharp unpleasant odor. As a result, all this with the air enters the room

If the foam fills the engine, vacuum cleaner breakdown inevitable. Such a nuisance is fraught with expensive repairs, and even the complete unsuitability of the device for further operation. Antifoam will help solve these problems.

It performs several useful functions at the same time:

• protection of the structure and electric motor from the negative effects of foam;
• support stable performance, vacuum cleaner suction power;
• ensuring filter operability.

In addition, the tool prevents contamination of the surrounding air with harmful microparticles that are dangerous to the health of households.

Varieties of foam extinguishing mixtures

There are two types of chemicals that are used in conjunction with washing liquids in order to block the foam.

They differ in composition and have a different basis:

• organic
• silicone.

Organic defoamer made on the basis of oils. It is considered absolutely harmless to the health of people and pets, but it is used much less often.

Such defoamers are difficult to find in stores. Only individual companies are engaged in their production, since in the manufacturing process it is necessary to apply complex formulas and many different components. The price of organic products from the category of expensive.

Silicone defoamers are much more popular. It is made on a silicone basis.

Typically, antifoams include silicone oil and silicon dioxide, supplemented with emollients, flavorings and other chemicals

The principle of operation of the components contained in the mixtures is as follows:

• silicone destroys the structure of the foam;
• organic elements increase the surface tension of the liquid, knock dust particles into lumps;
• fragrance gives an unobtrusive aroma.

As a result, the amount of spray in the water tank is significantly reduced and there is practically no foam.

In conditions of high competition, manufacturers are trying to make their own recipes for the mixture, look for 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.

Rules for the use of antifoam

Almost all antifoam agents are used in a similar manner. They are used for washing machines, steam vacuum cleanersdevices with aquafilters.

In order for the composition to start working, it is enough to perform a few simple steps:

1. Shake the bottle with the mixture before direct use.
2. Add one measuring cap to the container of the vacuum cleaner filled with liquid. The optimal dosage and cap volume may vary, depending on the manufacturer and the specific type of product.
3. If excess foam is observed, add another dose to the reservoir.

Antifoam agents should not be stored at low temperatures. As a rule, modern products do not contain hazardous compounds, formaldehydes, heavy metals. Nevertheless, it is still worth observing ordinary security measures.

You should be aware that the foam absorber is not used for all vacuum cleaners with a water filter. The need to use it in a particular model is best to clarify in advance with the seller-consultant or in the instructions

It is important to avoid contact of chemistry with skin, respiratory organs, eyes. If you accidentally inhale the product, you need to ventilate the room well, providing access to fresh air. If the substance gets on the skin, it is recommended to rinse it promptly with a copious amount of running water.

More detailed rules for the use of chemical composition can be found in the manufacturer's instructions, which should be attached to the product.

First time after purchasing a vacuum cleaner defoamer should be used. Six months later, the amount of foam formed generally decreases by itself.

Users argue that in this case, you can do without special chemistry by performing certain measures to prevent foaming:

As an option, you can completely abandon shampoos and detergents and use only plain water without adding products with a cleaning effect. It is also important to control the cleanliness of the container and filters. Detailed instruction on the operation of washing units is presented in this article.

The most active foam formation occurs in the first few minutes after turning on the device. Then the process gradually stabilizes. Even with the condition of using a quencher, a minimal amount of foamy liquid will most likely appear. In many respects it depends on the chosen detergent.

Top manufacturers of foam absorbers

Chemical mixtures intended for extinguishing foam in a vacuum cleaner are sold in specialized online stores, household chemistry departments, and supermarkets for household appliances.

It is not necessary to use the chemistry of the same brand for a vacuum cleaner of a particular 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. Consider the popular products in this area, represented 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

German company Karcher pays special attention to the introduction of innovative technologies in the field of solutions for cleaning and cleaning the house.

One bottle of liquid mixture with a volume of 125 ml is enough for six months of quite active use - this is about 70 cleanings. The product is designed for Karcher technology, 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 chemistry for vacuum cleaners. Its main advantage is a very economical consumption: for 2 liters of water you need only 2 ml of the product.

There is a foam extinguisher 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 antifoam ensures long-term performance of the intermediate filter.

2nd place - Huber Schaumstopp

The product of this manufacturer is available in different volumes - in a liter bottle with an average cost of about 1600 rubles and a small bottle of 125 ml at a price of up to 250 rubles.

Anti-foaming agent Huber schaumstopp Attracts users with an affordable price, environmentally friendly composition. Preventing intensive foaming, it maintains the suction power of the vacuum cleaner at a stable high level.

To a greater extent, the product is designed for washing units and vacuum cleaners with an aquafilter from Zelmer and Karcher, however it is also used in devices of other brands

3rd place - Grass Antifoam

Antifoam agent of a Russian company Grass It 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%.

Antifoam Grass Antifoam is versatile. It is used in washing vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, carpet extractors, dishwashers and other devices where foam interferes with the normal execution of the work process.

According to users, the defoamer Grass copes with its functions no worse than the original. The only nuance in its operation is the residual coating on the container after using the product.

To avoid this, you need to thoroughly rinse the tank of the vacuum cleaner at the end of cleaning.

4th place - Zelmer company

Foam neutralizer from a well-known manufacturer of household appliances Zelmer It is not used often because it is very difficult to find in stores. Basically, it is delivered only on order.

The Zelmer product blocks the foam and ensures the proper functioning of the vacuum cleaner. The product is recommended for use with detergents of the same brand. The possibility of use in other devices must be checked with a specialist

The Zelmer product blocks the foam and ensures the proper functioning of the vacuum cleaner. It is available in a limited volume.

5th place - ACG ANTIFOAM

The neutral concentrated emulsion for extinguishing foam from a Russian manufacturer ACG prevents the start of foaming processes in any washing equipment: vacuum cleaners, steam appliances, vacuum cleaners with aquafilters, treatment plants.

ACG ANTIFOAM is used as a functional antifoam additive for various detergents of acidic or alkaline composition. The liquid does not affect the cleaning effect of these products.

ACG foam suppressants are available at an affordable price. The average cost of economical liter packaging is about 270 rubles.

ACG ANTIFOAM - a means for extinguishing foam in vacuum cleaners (in the picture above and to the right). In addition to antifoam agents, the company produces products for cleaning events of various kinds, for example, for cleaning especially contaminated floors.

6th place - REIN Antifoam agent

Concentrated liquid REIN with specially selected components helps to effectively prevent foaming of solutions in the washing technique. Antifoam can be purchased at a price of 630 rubles.

The REIN product is available in plastic liter bottles. This volume is enough for about 400 cleanings, which is equivalent to 1.5-2 years of active use. The mixture improves the washing ability of acid-base substances.

In addition to antifoam agents, REIN also produces a range of products for washing various surfaces. Among them is a floor cleaner, which can be used in washing models of vacuum cleaners without risking damage to equipment

Since surfactants are present in the product, it should be used with caution, making sure in advance that it is safe for a vacuum cleaner. If possible, it is better to take a branded antifoam instead.

Manufacturing defoamer from improvised means

To save on expensive specialized chemistry, some users make a tool with similar functions on their own at home. In online reviews there are several popular folk recipes used in practice.

The easiest option to replace the antifoam is salt, which prevents foaming when added to water.

By analogy, vinegar or vinegar essence is also used: ½ tablespoon of the first or 2-3 drops of the second product must be poured into the liquid tank.

Another recipe "from the people" - sunflower oil in combination with soda in a ratio of 1: 1. These products stabilize the production of foamy substances and prevent it from penetrating through the container.

The method with sunflower oil has a significant drawback. After its use, it is rather difficult to clean the container. To completely get rid of greasy plaque on the walls is possible only with the help of detergents

For the same purpose, starch is added to the liquid.It slows down vibrations of water and neutralizes the formation of foam by binding its molecules.

The forums mention another little-known method of replacing antifoam, 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 of extinguishing foam, the most effective option is vinegar. But you need to understand that the safety impact of the considered folk remedies on the structural parts of the equipment is not 100% proven. They are used, as they say, at your own peril and risk.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

What is a defoamer, how can it be replaced at home - practical recommendations and instructions:

To protect the washing unit or vacuum cleaner with an aquafilter from the harmful effects of foam, you need to take care of the safety of the equipment in advance. When buying cleaning equipment, ask the seller if a particular model needs an antifoam during operation.

If yes, then choose the most reliable tool, focusing on your budget. Anti-foam compositions will help maintain the performance of the main parts of the device - filters and engine.

Looking for a quality antifoam for a vacuum cleaner? Or have experience using a good remedy? Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.