The main difference is easier to understand when the two types of encaps are dried down in shallow dishes and placed side by side. Here is a short video demonstration.
In the video, we simply added 20% additional polymer to our film-forming product, “Dirt-Axe.” The additional polymer converted the regular formula of “Dirt-Axe” from being a “Film Former” to becoming a “Crystallizer.”
NOTE: We only sell Dirt-Axe as a film former to keep its cost low. The video was produced only to show the difference between the two types of encaps.
Crystallizers are better at removing sticky residue left from previously applied cleaning products. They also effectively render sugary/sticky substances that have accumulated in the carpet (i.e., soda spills) non-sticky. Once they are rendered non-sticky, they can be easily vacuumed away.
Why is a crystallizer better than a film former at removing sticky residue?
Because a good crystallizing formula will contain “MORE EXCESS POLYMER” than that of a film former.
By “MORE EXCESS POLYMER,” we mean the amount of polymer in the formula beyond the amount needed to render its other ingredients non-sticky.
Many ingredients used to create a good cleaning formula are inherently sticky themselves. If not completely removed or somehow rendered non-sticky, they can be the cause of rapid re-soiling of carpeting and upholstery.
The EXCESS polymer is left to mix with sticky substances in the carpet and render them non-sticky. They will then no longer be able to attract dirt and will be vacuumed away during routine vacuuming.
Remember that most Film Formers also contain a certain amount of excess polymer to fight stickiness, but not nearly as much as Crystallizers.
NOTE: Crystallizers, in general, are usually more expensive than Film Formers due to their higher cost to produce.
Some encap distributors only sell Film Formers to keep their costs low and therefore be able to have more competitive pricing. As the old adage says, “You Usually Get What You Pay For.” We make both types available. Some formulas can only be produced as Film Formers due to the other types of ingredients used in the formula.
