We are convinced that foam contributes to the quality and effectiveness of dishwashing liquid, but is that really the case?
Is the foaming effect of household products in general so important for the quality of the product, or is it purely a psychological matter? We investigated and came to some striking conclusions.
A psychological trick
For years we have associated foam with a thorough cleaning, but the reality is that foam is actually a psychological trick that contributes little to nothing to the actual effectiveness of a product.
Foam is also visually appealing and gives us a sense of activity, giving us the impression that the product is doing its job. Let that be the reason why we see so much foam in detergent commercials; a clever marketing trick that convinces us of the effectiveness of a product, even if it actually makes little difference.
But what does work?
The actual cleaning power of a product depends on the active ingredients it contains and how well they work, not on the amount of foam it produces.
Most cleaning products contain surface active agents, also known as surfactants. These substances are responsible for the ability of a product to remove dirt and grease.
Surfactants have the property of lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and spread better. This is crucial for the effectiveness of a cleaning agent. Foam, on the other hand, is created when air is trapped in a mixture of water and surfactants. It does not directly affect the cleaning properties of the product.
Foam is not always good
Excessive foam can actually be counterproductive. It can lead to unnecessary waste of the product, as we tend to use more than necessary. In addition, foaming can also be detrimental in certain applications. For example, in the case of dishwashing liquid, excessive foam can make rinsing difficult, leaving soap residue on the dishes and in the sink.
So what is important to know, in a nutshell…
- Foaming active ingredients are often added by manufacturers to meet the psychological expectations of customers because we associate foam with a thorough cleaning
- The amount of foam is not an indication of the effectiveness of a product; it is merely a visual effect that is created
- As a consumer, pay attention to the active ingredients; they do give an indication of the ultimate effect of the product
In short, foam in household products is mainly a psychological trick that convinces us of the effectiveness of a product. It is important to break this perception and understand that foam does not directly contribute to the actual cleaning power.
This way we can make our choices based on facts and not on the illusion of foam.
Discover the refillable dishwashing liquid from BRAUZZ.
Because a cleaner planet,
starts with a clean house
