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- Classes of detergents: Anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric. Anionic alkaline detergents are the most common. http://www.chemistry.co.nz/detergent_cla...
- Biodegradation of detergents: Detergents vary significantly in their ability to biodegrade; as a general rule it is best to use only the minimum amount required to clean. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v20...
- Alternate name for detergents: Surfactants, and some of these do not foam
- Never mix different cleaning products.
- Laundry tip: Test a small hidden area on clothes to determine colorfastness
- Use detergents as directed and handle with care.
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A detergent is a powder or liquid soap used to wash clothing or dishes. Detergents work by lowering the surface tension of water and allowing grease to dissolve out of the surface and into the water. This web page contains information on common additives to detergents and their function, links to reviews on different commercial products, and links on cleaning tips. A section on How to Make Laundry Detergent is included as well.
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Ingredients in Detergents
Aside from fragrances and colors, there are many ingredients in detergents that help clean a surface or material:
1. Abrasives. Some contain abrasives the will scrub the surfaces. This is common in heavy duty hand washing detergents. Abrasives in commercial products include ground pumice, silica (sand) and soluble slica. You can also use baking soda as a mild abrasive or salt as a moderately strong abrasive. Diatomaceous earth, which is silica, is commonly used in toothpaste fomulations. http://bandrjan.com/newws/helpfulhints/iframe/Chemicals.asp
2. Oxidants are used to bleach and break down organic material so that it can be suspended in the wash water and removed from the clothing. There are color-safe oxidants such as sodium percarbonate (commonly called oxygen bleach) and there is sodium hypochlorite which is the type of liquid bleach that is most common and is only used with white clothes. Dilute sodium hypochlorite (from 5-10% in water on a volume basis of a 5.25% concentrate) also can disinfect are commonly used as an economical disinfectant in hospitals. http://www.sdahq.org/sdalatest/html/soapproducts1.htm
3. Enzymes are added to help break down organic substances such as food stains. There are a variety of enzymes that are used to help clean stains, including alpha-amylases to break down starches, proteases to break down proteins and lipases to break down fats. These help in presoaks, in wash cycles and in many other industrial and institutional applications. http://www.specialtyenzymes.com/detergents.shtml
4. Ingredients like water softeners, pH adjusters and foam reducers help the detergent work more efficiently. Mild acids such as citric acid can help detergents work more efficiently in hard water.
5. Acids are used to help remove hard water deposits in areas like bathrooms. Cleaners containing both citric (mild) and hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid, strong) are commonly found for this use. Phosphoric acid detergents are recommended for the cleaning of hard water deposits from tile. http://www.castlecleaning.net/cleantips.html
6. Fabric softeners and color brighteners help the material look and feel better but are not associated with cleaning the material. Color brighteners are sometimes called bluings. These agents have a dye that attaches to the fabrics in the wash or rinse cycle. These dyes absorb yellow light to help the yellowing of fabric that happens naturally over time. http://www.sdahq.org/sdalatest/html/soapproducts1.htm
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How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent is an economical and fairly simple thing to do. There are advantages as well, such as having a detergent that is unscented cleaner without have unnecessary additives or too much soap that will irritate sensitive skin. Laundry detergent formulas given in How to Make Laundry Detergent are also heavy duty enough to clean greasy work clothes and cloth diapers. Recipes for liquid detergent and powdered detergent are given that are as good as or better than what you will buy in the store. -
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Safety
Detergents may contain many substances that may be harmful if handled. Acids, solvents, surfactants, and other ingredients can be irritable to the skin. Always carefully read the label of every detergent and take precautionary measures if required, like wearing rubber gloves. Always use as directed and never mix detergents with other cleaning products. Gas may be produced that could be deadly. -
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Detergent Questions
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Aren't most laundry detergents considered biodegradable these days? 1 Answeryea most are, not all but most. Mike ! read more -
Have you ever made your own laundry detergent? 2 AnswersThis recipe came from a cookbook entitled "The Farmer's Table" and was a tribute to the American Farmer -- mostly mid-west America: Grandma's Homemade Laundry S... read more
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I think the rash I've been getting might be from the detergent on this uniform. How to avoid this problem? 1 AnswerIf it's a tiny rash, you could try putting some benadryl or hydrocortisone over the rash. If it's big, or spreading, or uncomfortable, you probably should consi... read more -
Has anyone tried using Soapnuts for washing their clothes? Any other laundry detergent mixtures? 1 AnswerA very good friend of mine decided to try them and she LOVES them. She has two small kids and a lot of laundry goes on in that house. Soapnuts have almost no ... read more
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Featured Mahalo Topics
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method's ultra-concentrated laundry detergent, 95% natural and renewable ingredients, C2C certified. http://methodlaundry.com
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PROCTER & GAMBLE Manual Pot and Pan Detergent, Grease Cutting, High Surfactant, 5 Gal Pail, 1/CT: <!-- ch_client =... http://bit.ly/9QDMtU
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Kotex. Toilet tissue. Trash bags. Laundry detergent. Date for Sunday #thingsiplantopickuptomorrowinkroger
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I love the laundry detergent aisle...mmmmmmhhmm:)
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#ShootUrself if you take baths with liquad detergent Lmao
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