Whether in Households, in Industry, or as a Medium in Parts Cleaning Systems: Water is everywhere.
But what makes this particular liquid so effective when it comes to cleanliness? The answer lies in its exceptional physical properties.
Water is not only the universal solvent – it’s a “hidden champion” of cleaning technology.
Cohesion and Adhesion: two Forces, one strong Team.
Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules. This helps form and hold droplets instead of letting the water spread out. A simple example: picture a droplet of water on a surface – its round shape is caused by cohesion.
Adhesion, on the other hand, is the attraction between water and other materials like glass, textiles, or stainless steel. You see adhesion in action when you wipe up water with a cloth – the water clings to the fibers.
Adhesion causes the water to stick to the surface being cleaned, while cohesion keeps the droplets stable, allowing them to bind dirt particles and carry them away when wiped.
Capillary Action: Water works against Gravity.
In fine spaces like those in microfiber cloths or sponges, water is drawn upward. This happens due to the combined action of adhesion and cohesion – the water clings to the fibers, and its molecules pull one another along. Example: Hold a piece of dry paper towel in a puddle of water, and the water will start to rise into the towel on its own. No pressure, no force – just physics.
Temperature: more Heat, more cleaning Power.
The warmer the water, the better its flow properties. Water’s already low viscosity drops further as the temperature rises – it becomes more agile, and oils and greases dissolve more easily. That’s why dishwashers, washing machines, and industrial cleaning systems heat water: to boost efficiency through temperature.
Water as a Solvent: the invisible Cleaner.
Let’s not forget: water is also an excellent universal solvent. It can absorb a wide range of substances – from salts to surfactants – and carry dissolved contaminants away. In addition to flow properties, water’s molecular structure as a dipole and its amphoteric behavior also play key roles. Read more in our article: Water – the universal Solvent
Conclusion: Water is a high-performance Medium!
Thin, cohesive, capillary-active, and – most importantly – reliable: when paired with modern cleaning technologies, such as the patented ones from MAFAC, water’s many strengths are fully realized.
The result? Targeted and environmentally conscious technical cleanliness.
