Detergent

Uncommon card · No. 186772

A detergent is a product for cleaning that contains surfactants plus other components. Detergents include surfactants as main functional components to remove hydrophobic grease or dirt by dispersing them in water. They often further include water (to facilitate application), builders (to soften water), enzymes (for breaking down proteins, fats, or starches), and dyes or fragrances (to improve the user's sensory experience). Common surfactants used in detergents are alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are soap-like compounds that are more soluble than soap in hard water, because the polar sulfonate is less likely than the polar carboxylate of soap to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard water.

Read on Wikipedia · Image Nordelch, CC BY 3.0