These four main ingredients work together

The four primary ingredients found in most detergents, whether in liquid or powder form, are:

Surfactants: Surfactants are the key cleaning agents in detergents. They are molecules with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts. This dual nature allows surfactants to lower the surface tension of water, making it more effective at lifting and removing dirt, oils, and stains from surfaces. Common surfactants used in detergents include linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alcohol ethoxylates (AE), and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Builders: Builders are ingredients that enhance the cleaning efficiency of detergents by softening water and preventing the redeposition of dirt onto surfaces liquid detergent production line during the cleaning process. They help maintain the effectiveness of surfactants and improve overall cleaning performance. Common builders in detergents include sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium citrate, and zeolites.

Fillers: Fillers are inert materials added to detergents to increase bulk and control costs. They do not contribute to the cleaning action but help with product appearance and volume. Sodium sulfate and sodium chloride (salt) are commonly used as fillers in detergents.

Additives: Additives are additional ingredients that provide specific functionalities or improve the overall performance of the detergent. Some common additives include enzymes (for targeting specific stains like proteins, starches, or fats), optical brighteners (to make fabrics appear whiter and brighter), fragrance (to add a pleasant scent), and preservatives (to extend shelf life and prevent microbial growth).

These four main ingredients work together to create an effective detergent that can remove dirt, stains, and oils from various surfaces. Manufacturers may adjust the proportions of these ingredients and add other components based on the specific type and formulation of the detergent to target different cleaning needs and achieve desired product characteristics.