What are detergents
Detergents are an essential part of everyday life, designed to clean and maintain hygiene in homes, workplaces, and industrial settings. These versatile cleaners help remove dirt, grease, and stains from clothes, dishes, surfaces, and even our bodies. Unlike traditional soaps, detergents perform well in hard water and are tailored for specific cleaning tasks. Their formulas consist of surfactants, builders, enzymes, and other additives to enhance their cleaning abilities.
What are the types of detergent chemicals?
Surfactants
Surfactants are the backbone of most detergents and are responsible for reducing the surface tension of water to enhance its ability to penetrate and clean surfaces. They can be divided into three major categories:
Anionic surfactants (such as sodium ether lauryl sulfate SLES and Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid LABSA). They are very effective at removing dirt and grease. They are commonly found in laundry and dishwashing detergents.
Nonionic surfactants (alkyl polyglycosides and fatty alcohol ethoxylates). Known for their mild cleaning action, they are used in delicate cleaning applications, such as baby products.
Cationic surfactants. Commonly used in fabric softeners and disinfectants, they have antimicrobial properties.
Builders
Builders are added to detergents to enhance the effectiveness of surfactants by softening the water and maintaining an optimal pH. They prevent calcium and magnesium ions from interfering with cleaning.
Phosphates. A commonly used and effective builder, but their use has decreased due to environmental concerns.
Zeolites. A more environmentally friendly alternative, often used in modern formulations.
Sodium carbonate. It can help increase alkalinity and improve cleaning power.
Enzymes
Enzymes are biological molecules designed to break down specific types of stains. They make detergents more effective by targeting organic matter.
Proteases. Target proteinaceous stains such as blood, sweat, and food spills.
Lipases. Break down fats and greases.
Amylases. Remove starchy stains.
Cellulases. Help prevent fabric fuzzing and restore brightness.
Bleach
Bleach is used to remove stubborn stains and disinfect surfaces. They are particularly effective in laundry detergents and household cleaners.
Chlorine bleach. A strong disinfectant, but can be harsh on fabrics.
Oxygen bleach. A safer, fabric-friendly option that also protects color.
Anti-redeposition agents
This type of additive prevents loose soil from redepositing on fabrics during the wash cycle, ensuring a cleaner result.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a commonly used anti-redeposition agent.
Optical brighteners
Optical brighteners are added to detergents to make fabrics appear brighter by reflecting UV light. They do not aid in actual cleaning, but enhance visual appeal.
Preservatives
Preservatives are used in liquid detergents to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life.
Methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are common preservatives used in detergents.
Fragrances
Fragrances are added to detergents to leave a pleasant scent on cleaned fabrics and surfaces. Modern formulations often use natural essential oils as a safer alternative to synthetic fragrances.
PH adjusters
pH adjusters adjust the acidity or alkalinity of a detergent, ensuring it is compatible with different cleaning tasks and materials.
Citric acid. It can adjust pH to a mild level.
Sodium hydroxide. Can make detergents more alkaline.
Foam regulators
Foam regulators control the amount of foam produced during cleaning, as too much foam can hinder rinsing and reduce efficiency.
Silicon-based compounds are commonly used detergent foam regulators.
Solvents
Solvents help dissolve other ingredients and improve the stability of liquid detergents. They are especially important in concentrated and gel formulas.
Ethanol is commonly found in liquid detergents.
Propylene glycol is often used in high-performance formulas.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are added to ensure the persistence of active ingredients and maintain the long-term effectiveness of detergents.
What detergent additives do we sell
One of the most widely used anionic surfactants, SLES is a powerful detergent that produces rich foam, allowing it to effectively break down grease. Its main function is to remove grease and dirt and provide foam.
LABSA is a key anionic surfactant found in many household detergents, known for its high cleaning efficiency and ability to work well in hard water. It is effective in removing grease and stains even in hard water.
Sodium carbonate is a common builder in detergents that softens water and enhances the performance of surfactants.
A mild organic acid used as a pH adjuster and water softener. Citric acid is particularly effective in environmentally friendly formulations.