I've used a bit of sugar soap for cleaning up old floorboards, and scrubbing down beams. It looks just like some washing powders, so I thought I'd give one of those a try. I couldn't tell the two products apart in performance or results, other than a slimier feel to the washing powder. Is there a difference?
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Flyfisher
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_soap
Respectfully, that doesn't come close to answering the question. Many people would take your response as sarcasm.
Even with the wiki pages for sugar soap and washing powder side by side I am none the wiser, so if anyone knows if there is a difference, and what that difference is, it would be great to know.
Even with the wiki pages for sugar soap and washing powder side by side I am none the wiser, so if anyone knows if there is a difference, and what that difference is, it would be great to know.
88v8
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I have always believed that sugar soap has a slight abrasive quality. It contains sodium silicate, but then so do many detergents so that doesn't answer the question.
I would use it on old, sound, paintwork, both to clean and to provide a key.
Sodium silicate is also added to some coffee powders to prevent caking. As a cake lover, I find this deplorable.
Ivor
I would use it on old, sound, paintwork, both to clean and to provide a key.
Sodium silicate is also added to some coffee powders to prevent caking. As a cake lover, I find this deplorable.
Ivor
plasticpigeon
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I can't answer the question, but both contain sodium carbonate (washing soda). I believe it is the alkali component that removes greasy stains. Alkali tile cleaners also remove greasy stains. perhaps here isn't much difference, but I have no definitive answer.
Flyfisher
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MikeG said:
Only you I suspect.
You asked 'what's the chemistry' and I posted a link with some answers plus an embedded link to material data sheets for further information.
I apologise for not being telepathic and not realising you would interpret that as sarcasm (he said sarcastically :roll: )
stuart45
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Most of the time served painters I've worked alongside have used sugar soap, but it could be that they were taught it's use as apprentices and never really questioned it being better than ordinary soap.
One firm I worked for did a lot of work for Phoenix breweries and in those days the ceilings were always nicotine yellow, but sugar soap really cleaned them up before painting.
However Fairy liquid was used in the mortar rather than the cleaning fluid, so it was never really tested.
One firm I worked for did a lot of work for Phoenix breweries and in those days the ceilings were always nicotine yellow, but sugar soap really cleaned them up before painting.
However Fairy liquid was used in the mortar rather than the cleaning fluid, so it was never really tested.
Penners
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MikeG - you might like to keep in mind that people who respond to questions on this board do so in a spirit of generosity and a willingness to help. If you don't find their efforts to be exactly what you sought, you might at least acknowledge their kindness in trying, rather than getting snotty. It's particularly unfortunate that you chose to snipe at one of the most knowledgeable and widely helpful members of the forum.MikeG said:
I'm not having a snipe, and I did say thanks. FF had a dig at me last week over something and nothing, and I just wonder if he has an issue with me (the wiki link post did nothing to assuage that thought). I have no issues at all with him. I'm obviously upsetting people just by being here, so I'll give it a week or two to let the dust settle.
Flyfisher
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I'm sorry I couldn't provide a detailed and comprehensive answer but I thought some information would be more helpful than none, with the possibility that other members might be able to add more and so build up a more complete answer. This is generally how the forum tends to work and it would be a great pity if it became less helpful because of pointless criticism each time a less than perfect answer is posted.
Anyway, storm in a teacup (I hope) and let's move on.
Anyway, storm in a teacup (I hope) and let's move on.
Pennyviz
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As far as I can see with my limited chemistry knowledge both old fashioned washing powder and sugar soap are similar - both containing sodium carbonate, sodium phosphonate and sodium silicate to degrease and abrade. However, these days modern washing powders also contain enzymes (the biological ingredient), perfumes and less environmentally harmful active ingredients than those mentioned.
Penny
Penny
plasticpigeon
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Penners said:
I'm sure Flyfisher is big enough and bad enough to stand up for himself. I've never known him not to. The original response was a bit of an insult to Mike's intelligence in my opinion.
skier-hughes
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I suppose one needs to know if sugar soap is actually a soap, as soaps and detergents work in different ways.
Pennyviz
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Not a soap.
Pennyviz
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Not sugar either. :wink:
Penners
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... but other than that the product description is 100% accurate.
skier-hughes
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Is it a detergent then?Pennyviz said: