Faulty Toilet Cleaners Identified
In a recent test conducted by Stiftung Warentest, a renowned consumer protection organisation, only six out of nineteen WC cleaners were rated as "good". The test evaluated various aspects such as effectiveness, ease of use, safety, and environmental impact.
The test results did not provide specific reasons for the poor ratings of the WC Ente Total Aktiv Gel Citrus Splash and 00 Null Null WC Aktiv Gel 4in1 Cool Arctic, but they were deemed "defective" due to their poor cleaning performance.
Limescale, a common enemy of the toilet bowl, enters with each flush of hard water. It is a major contributor to the unsightly deposits in the toilet bowl, along with urine scale, which is created by the chemical reaction of limescale in flush water with urine. The test results did not specify the toilet cleaner with the strongest cleaning power, but it was revealed that some cleaners removed almost 20 times more limescale from vertical surfaces than the "defective" products.
Interestingly, most WC cleaners contain organic acids like formic and citric acid, which are easily biodegradable. However, some cleaners tested burdened the waters more strongly due to the presence of substances that are harder to degrade.
Despite the importance of antibacterial active ingredients in many cleaning products, they are unnecessary for hygienic purposes in WC cleaners. A normal cleaning of the toilet bowl without disinfectant is sufficient for germ reduction.
The cost of the tested WC cleaners varied between 0.10 and 0.40 euros per 100 millilitres. Among the test winners was dm Denkmit WC-Reiniger Ozean Frische, priced at a mere 10 cents per 100 millilitres.
However, not all products performed equally well. Many WC cleaners distribute widely in the toilet bowl but do not adhere well, while only a few manage to adhere well and simultaneously cover a large area. The test did not specify which cleaners were among the thirteen that were not rated "good".
In summary, Stiftung Warentest's WC cleaner test revealed that while some products performed exceptionally well, others fell short, particularly in terms of cleaning performance. Consumers are advised to consider the test results when making their purchasing decisions to ensure they are getting a product that effectively tackles limescale build-up and provides good value for money.
- The test results emphasize the importance of considering a community policy that promotes vocational training for interior-design, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and home-improvement professionals, to ensure they are well-equipped in fighting limescale build-up, particularly in WC cleaners, to enhance the quality of their work.
- For homeowners seeking to improve their home's aesthetic appeal through garden renovation, vocational training in gardening can help them understand the impact of hard water on their gardens, and provide insights into the choice of suitable WC cleaners, to maintain a clean and hygienic interior and exterior environment.
- In light of the varying costs of WC cleaners and the impact they have on limescale build-up, vocational training programs can incorporate discussions on environmental impact and cost-effectiveness, enabling individuals to make informed decisions that balance efficient cleaning with eco-friendly solutions.
