The Science of Bubbles

Brenton

Brenton

aka PEI Detail
I'm wondering if anyone knows a product that will cut foam and bubbles from the shampoo we are using? I have a small extractor, but the bubbles sometimes get too high.
I'm really wondering about what will neutralize the soap bubbles, something I can use, like vinegar or salt or acid or cream pies.
 
Send me the cream pies and I will try them...although I can't promise they make it to my extractor...:D
 
I thought all extractor chemicals where low foaming. What are you using?

I just use a LGM but switched from Megs APC to APC+ since it's made not to foam as much.
 
Beemerboy said:
I've never heard of this, any concerns with the smell of vinegar? how much?
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The vinegar is put in the recovery tank, so all you might get for smell is from the exhaust. It's not applied to the carpet or anything. It neutralizes the foam in the tank, so you still get the foaming up to the tank, but it doesn't have any reaction to the shampoo while you are cleaning the carpet/upholstery.
The amount of vinegar used would depend on how badly the shampoo foams. More foam=more vinegar. Unless it really foams, you shouldn't need more than a cup in an "industrial" sized shampooer. a few ounces for a LGM, I would guess.
 
Big Leegr said:
The vinegar is put in the recovery tank, so all you might get for smell is from the exhaust. It's not applied to the carpet or anything. It neutralizes the foam in the tank, so you still get the foaming up to the tank, but it doesn't have any reaction to the shampoo while you are cleaning the carpet/upholstery.
The amount of vinegar used would depend on how badly the shampoo foams. More foam=more vinegar. Unless it really foams, you shouldn't need more than a cup in an "industrial" sized shampooer. a few ounces for a LGM, I would guess.
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Thanks don't have this problem but its good knowledge to have just in case
 
I would consider a different product that doesn't foam in the extractor ...

ps..i thought you were retiring from detailing :lol2:
 
Wow, thanx for all the comments! I will be more intentional about trying vinegar. What is it in vinegar that would reduce the bubbles?
Steve, I am trying to retire, but I want to run a good business till I can run away.
brenton
 
PEI Detail said:
Wow, thanx for all the comments! I will be more intentional about trying vinegar. What is it in vinegar that would reduce the bubbles?
brenton
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I think it's because vinegar is acidic and the foam is somewhat alkaline. Not positive, though.
 
I was wondering about an acid-base thing. I could spray acid in, I suppose. But I thought vinegar was basic?

I should mention what my issue is: the recovery tank in my HP60 is 6 gallons, but the vacuum filter goes down to about halfway up the recovery tank. Normally, we just drain the recovery tank a couple times per car and we are fine. But occasionally we get big fluffy bubbles--may be one of our stain removers or something in the car, like soap or laundry detergent. Then we can only get about 1 gallon of water in the tank (or even less) before the vacuum exhaust wants to spit out fluid from the recovery tank.

It is a good reason to spend $200 extra on the HP100, but in the meantime, I'm trying to think through the issue.
b
 
Vinegar is an acid, with a pH of about 4. (7 is neutral)
It's a dilute solution of acetic acid produced by fermentation and oxidation of natural carbohydrates. Pure acetic acid, often called glacial acetic acid, is a corrosive, colourless liquid. (From the Enc. Britannica. ;) )
 
Look into any commercial carpet cleaning place that sells chemicals and rents equipment, they should have a "de-foamer". I use Rug Doctor brand, comes in quart sizes, and can be found about anywhere. About 1/2 ounce per gal of tank capacity is what I use. If you have some cheap silicone dressings you aren't using, that will do it also in a pinch. I was told by 2 different extractor manufacturers that foam and bubbles in the tank is a very bad thing. The motor can be damaged. I ain't willing to find out. My experience with aerosol spray stain removers appeared to create alot of foam for the extractor tank. Maybe something to think about? :hmmm:

Good luck,
Dave
 
PEI Detail said:
I was wondering about an acid-base thing. I could spray acid in, I suppose. b
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I didn't read this the first time. You don't need to spray it while in use to knock the foam down. You can just pour it in the recovery tank before you start extracting.

And yes, you may get better results from a dedicated defoamer, but for under $4.00 a gallon, the vinegar would be pretty cheap, lasts almost indefinitely, and you can use it in your laundry instead of fabric softener. Wow!! What a deal! ;)
 
Big Leegr said:
And yes, you may get better results from a dedicated defoamer, but for under $4.00 a gallon, the vinegar would be pretty cheap, lasts almost indefinitely, and you can use it in your laundry instead of fabric softener. Wow!! What a deal! ;)
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Now I am curious... I'll have to try vinegar. The last qt. of defoamer I purchased was $4. Thanks for the tip! :bigups
Dave
 
It isn't a bad idea to run a little vinegar through the system from time to time to break down calcium build up, but it can stink up a car.
 
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