Micellar water for cleaning various materials — truth and myths

Micellar water has long proven itself as an effective makeup remover thanks to its delicate cleansing properties. Although its main purpose is skin care, in some cases it can also be used for light cleaning of certain materials, informs Ukr.Media.

Thanks to its formula containing micelles (microscopic spheres of surfactant molecules), micellar water is able to capture light impurities without damaging delicate surfaces.

Where micellar water can help

Sheepskin. To remove light, fresh dirt on a sheepskin, you can gently wipe the surface with a sponge slightly moistened with micellar water. After that, wipe with a dry, soft cloth and comb the pile with a brush.

However, for serious soiling or to restore the appearance of a sheepskin coat, it is recommended to contact dry cleaning.

White shoe soles. Micellar water can help remove fresh, surface dirt from white shoe soles.

However, it is worth understanding that specialized shoe cleaning products will be more effective for old or deep stains.

Leather accessories: On leather bags or wallets, micellar water can help remove fresh fingerprints, light dust, or traces of makeup.

However, for regular care of leather products, it is better to use special products that not only clean but also nourish the skin.

Nubuck shoes. Nubuck is a delicate material, and micellar water can gently clean it of light dust.

However, for complete care, it is better to use special brushes and products for nubuck that preserve the structure and color of the material.

Straw products. Light dirt on straw baskets can be removed using micellar water.

However, for greasy stains and stubborn dirt, this method may not be effective enough.

Why does micellar water work?

The main component of micellar water is micelles, structures made of surfactants (surfactants). These micelles have hydrophilic “heads” (which attract water) and hydrophobic “tails” (which attract oil and dirt). Due to this structure, the micelles are able to capture light impurities, making micellar water an effective but gentle cleanser.

Some micellar water formulas also contain EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or its salts), but its function is mainly to stabilize the product by binding metal ions, rather than to directly cleanse.

It is important to remember:

• Micellar water is most effective for fresh, light dirt;
• Always test the product on an inconspicuous area of the material before use;
• For serious contamination and regular maintenance, it is better to use specialized products;
• Micellar water is not a panacea for all types of pollution.

Thus, although micellar water can be an assistant in some household cleaning situations, it should not be considered a universal remedy for all types of dirt and surfaces.

Джерело: Source