What is the Sinner’s Circle?
The Sinner’s Circle is named after Dr. Sinner (also known as the cleaning circle) and describes the effect of mechanism when cleaning. It is the interaction between four factors, namely temperature, chemistry, mechanical power, and time and their collective contribution to the cleaning process as well as the best economic return. Together they determine the efficiency of the entire cleaning procedure.
Effects of the Four Points
1. Temperature
Temperature speeds up the activation process of the ingredients of detergents and rinses aids. At the same time, it speeds up the removal of soil from the load (in particular grease and fat). It is important to note, however, that not only do different solutions activate at different temperatures. Moreover, the material used and the degree of soiling should be taken into account. For example, heat may create stress cracks in glassware. Exposure to high temperatures may also modify the structure of soils, making them more difficult to get rid of. This is the case with proteins.
2. Time
To get a better cleaning performance, a longer cycle time is favourable – interim soak phases and prolonged washing have proven to be effective. However, to achieve the same results in the shortest cycle time, other factors must be compensated accordingly.
3. Chemistry
Detergents have the purpose of removing grease and grim and suspending other similar soil particulates. The quality of the products used and the dosage play an essential role in ensuring perfect cleaning. Specific ingredients are also suitable for targeting particular types of soil (stains, proteins, fats). Finally, the chemical composition of the detergent may be mild or aggressive. Formulations with higher concentrations of ingredients are usually more aggressive and are better at cleaning. But beware, excessively high concentrations and overly aggressive ingredients can damage both the machine and the load.
4. Mechanical Power
Mechanical action removes the soil from the surfaces of crockery. Brushing and scrubbing are actions that aptly represent mechanical action when washing at the sink. On the other hand, water circulation via the pump and the spray arms in a dishwasher serves the same purpose and represents mechanical power.
How do the Factors Interrelate?
The importance of each of these factors can be freely determined. But it would help if you kept in mind that when altering two or more factors, it is important to take a closer look at the interdependencies in order to ensure the same high standard of performance. For example, a decrease in temperature cannot be compensated for by increasing the time. The circle always remains closed: if one factor is increased, the other must be decreased and vice-versa.
The Vital Role of Water
Water is the binding factor that not only combines the effects of all other factors but also transports their effects to the load. It is needed to expose the load to high temperatures, dissolve chemicals and soil, and it also plays a significant role in applying mechanical force. You can achieve high cleaning performance if you learn how to use water to manipulate the four factors. For example, pressure water creates a strong mechanical effect and, in many cases, achieves excellent results, even without other factors.
More Examples of The Sinner’s Circle
Above is the legend of Sinner’s Circle as followed: Temperature, Chemistry, Mechanical Power and Time. And below is an example of Sinner’s Circle when doing manual dishwashing versus automatic dishwashing.
Manual Dishwashing
When manual washing at the sink, the mechanical power of scrubbing the plates plays a particularly important part to achieve the level of cleanliness.
Automatic Dishwashing
While in an automatic dishwasher, low mechanical action is compensated by extending the washing cycle (time) and using more effective detergents (chemistry).
All in all, to achieve excellent cleaning results, the four factors must be adjusted according to the cleaning task at hand. When applied correctly, the perfect interplay of the four factors can guarantee a trouble-free process in your own household.
