2022 Volume 22 Issue 12 Pages 589-596
Keratin grime bound to calcium ions (keratin-Ca) is known to be one of the most difficult bathtub grimes to remove. In this presentation, we report on the effect of combining surfactants and chelating agents on the removal of keratin-Ca in order to make it easier to clean the bathtub more quickly without scrubbing. Our approach was to focus on keratin swelling, which we achieved by applying aqueous solutions containing chelating agents with excellent calcium ion capture capability and specific anionic surfactants, the combination of which synergistically improved the swelling ratio, resulting in quick, easy removal of keratin-Ca when rinsed without scrubbing. Focusing on wettability and permeability, it was clarified that improving solution permeation due to the specific anionic surfactant contributed to the keratin-Ca swelling.
