In industrial cleaning, surfactants are critical for breaking down oils, dirt, and contaminants on a variety of surfaces. However, not all surfactants are created equal. From the healthcare industry to agriculture, effective cleaning requires not just the removal of dirt but also the elimination of pathogens. This is where SANI-FOAM™ stands out. While most surfactants focus only on cleaning, SANI-FOAM™ combines powerful surfactant technology with disinfection, making it an all-in-one solution for a wide range of industries.
In this post, we compare SANI-FOAM™ to other widely used surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) to illustrate why SANI-FOAM™ is the best choice for your cleaning needs.
SANI-FOAM™ vs. Other Surfactants: A Detailed Comparison
Feature | SANI-FOAM™ | Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) | Sodium Cumene Sulfonate | Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) |
Primary Function | Cleaning & Disinfection (Powered by SANI-99™) | Surface cleaning (removes oils and dirt) | Surface cleaning (degreasing agent) | Disinfection (kills pathogens) |
Disinfection | Provides disinfection along with cleaning | None (requires additional disinfectant) | None (requires additional disinfectant) | Effective pathogen control |
Biodegradability | Fully biodegradable, eco-friendly | Moderate biodegradability | Moderate biodegradability | Low (Can accumulate in the environment) |
Environmental Impact | Low (safe for the environment and aquatic life) | Can be harmful to aquatic life | Can be harmful to aquatic life | High (Bioaccumulative and harmful) |
Foam Technology | Advanced foam for superior coverage | Liquid-based, limited coverage on uneven surfaces | Liquid-based, limited coverage on uneven surfaces | Liquid-based, limited coverage |
Corrosiveness | Non-corrosive, safe on equipment and surfaces | Non-corrosive, but may leave residue | Non-corrosive, but may leave residue | Potentially corrosive to surfaces |
Safety for Human & Animal Contact | Safe once applied and dry | Safe for general use, but may irritate skin | Safe for general use, but may irritate skin | Can be toxic to humans and animals |
Application Versatility | Suitable for healthcare, agriculture, food processing, industrial use | General cleaning in household and industrial settings | General cleaning in household and industrial settings | Effective for healthcare and industrial use |
Cost-Effectiveness | High (dual action reduces need for multiple products) | Moderate (requires additional disinfectants) | Moderate (requires additional disinfectants) | High (may require special handling costs) |
Dual-Action Cleaning and Disinfection
Most surfactants, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are effective at reducing surface tension, making them great for cleaning by breaking down oils and dirt. However, these surfactants are not disinfectants. To fully sanitise a surface, you often need to use an additional disinfectant after cleaning.
SANI-FOAM™ offers a different solution. It combines the cleaning power of advanced surfactants with the antimicrobial benefits of SANI-99™. This dual-action formula effectively disinfects while removing dirt and debris, saving time and effort by doing both tasks simultaneously.
Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable
While many disinfectants like Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) are effective at killing pathogens, they often pose environmental risks. Quats can accumulate in ecosystems, harming aquatic life, and Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, while effective as a cleaning agent, lacks biodegradable qualities.
SANI-FOAM™ is designed with sustainability in mind. It is fully biodegradable, ensuring that it breaks down safely in the environment without contributing to long-term ecological harm. Additionally, it is non-corrosive, making it safe for long-term use on equipment without causing damage.
Versatility Across Industries
Surfactants like SLES and Sodium Cumene Sulfonate are commonly found in household and industrial cleaners. However, these products are not suited for high-stakes environments like healthcare or food processing, where stringent hygiene standards are necessary.
SANI-FOAM™ is formulated for a broad range of applications, from veterinary hygiene to food processing and healthcare. Its ability to clean and disinfect at the same time makes it ideal for environments where controlling pathogens is essential.
Foam Technology for Better Coverage
Many surfactants, especially liquid-based formulas, struggle to cover surfaces evenly, especially on irregular or uneven surfaces. SANI-FOAM™, with its foam-based application, adheres more effectively to surfaces, ensuring deeper cleaning and more thorough disinfection.
The foam technology ensures that the solution stays in place longer, allowing disinfectants more time to act, and covers hard-to-reach areas more effectively than traditional liquid surfactants.
Safety for Human and Animal Contact
Many industrial surfactants, including Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, can be toxic to humans and animals with prolonged exposure. This requires additional safety precautions when handling, making these products unsuitable for environments where sensitive individuals or animals are present.
SANI-FOAM™ is safe for both human and animal contact once applied and dried. This makes it ideal for use in animal housing, veterinary environments, and food storage areas, ensuring safety without compromising on cleaning power or disinfection.
Why SANI-FOAM™ is the Best Choice
When choosing a surfactant, it’s important to consider not just its cleaning power but also its disinfection capabilities, environmental impact, and versatility. SANI-FOAM™ offers a unique combination of cleaning and disinfection, along with eco-friendly properties, safety for humans and animals, and foam technology that ensures superior surface coverage.
In comparison, surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cumene Sulfonate, and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds may excel in one area—cleaning or disinfecting—but often fall short in terms of versatility, environmental friendliness, or safety.
SANI-FOAM™ is an all-in-one solution, combining the power of SANI-99™ with the latest surfactant technology to deliver a cleaner, safer, and more efficient product.