an additive for cleaning preparations comprising a foam - inhibitive effective amount of a compound of the formula r . sup . 1 -- choh -- chr . sup . 2 -- o --. sub . n -- r . sup . 3 wherein : r 1 is a straight - chain c 6 - 16 - alkyl ; r 2 is h or a c 1 - 8 - alkyl ; r 3 is a straight - chain or branched c 4 - 8 - alkyl ; and n is a number average of about 7 to 12 ; with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in r 1 and r 2 is between 6 and 16 ; and a method of inhibiting foam .