Window cleaning agents
Window cleaning agents or glass cleaners should leave hardly any visible residues after use. Therefore, the content of surfactants (alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates) is very low.
Window cleaners are aqueous solutions mixed with a little ethanol (or isopropanol or glycol ether). The organic alcohol is supposed to dissolve the greasy, oily impurities on the surface of the pane. Occasionally small amounts of fragrances or dyes are added to the window cleaning agent.
Car window cleaner
Detergent additives for the windshield washer fluid differ from conventional window cleaning agents because residues that are difficult to remove (insect chitin , diesel oil, traces of asphalt) often have to be removed from the windshield. The content of organic solvents (ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol ) and surfactants is significantly higher. Ethylene glycol or higher-boiling alcohols leave a thin film on the pane that prevents the pane from fogging up or icing over in winter.
For winter use, a windscreen washer with a higher alcohol content should be used.
Home remedies
To counteract the streaking that a conventional soap solution causes on the windshield, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can be added to the mixture.
Environmental aspect
Due to the lower proportion of surfactants, in favor of a higher alcohol content, common window cleaning agents are preferable to conventional soap solutions from an ecological point of view. In contrast to surfactants, alcohols are very easily biodegradable.
literature
- Günter Vollmer , Manfred Franz: Chemistry in the house and garden . Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 1994, p. 86, ISBN 3-13-767501-4 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Groups of substances and ingredients of cleaning and care products ( Memento of the original from January 16, 2017 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
