Liquid Detergents

Liquid detergents are basically detergents in liquid form. Detergents are formulated as cleaning products for cloths. Apart from the traditional use of liquid detergents for cleaning cloths products such as fabric softeners and whiteners can be classified loosely in the family of liquid detergents.

Formulation

Surfactants are a major component of liquid detergent which has a property of cleaning stains and dirt from cloths. Both anionic and non-ionic surfactants are used in the production of liquid detergents. Anionic component helps in removing particulate soil while non-ionic composition is suitable for cleaning greasy soil.

A major component of liquid laundry Detergent is based on surfactants that remove soil from the fabric and clean it. A combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants is commonly used for optimum performance. In general, anionics are good for particulate soil removal and nonionics are good for greasy soil removal.

A basic liquid detergent includes a minimum of 5% active surfactant solution in water added with preservatives. This generates froth and helps in cleaning the dirt and stain on cloths. However, this kind of formulation has very low cleaning capacity and may not remove stubborn stains. This basic formula can be made more effective by increasing the quantity or surfactants and preservatives. Addition of the fundamental ingredient determines the quality of the detergent. Made in such a way, Liquid Detergents are classified into economical, premium, ultra, etc.

Liquid detergent additives:

Builders – helps in removing hardness ions to ensure full functionality of surfactants. Some additives are sodium citrate, acrylic polymers and tetrasodium EDTA.

Antiredeposition agents: This agent enables the suspension of dirt particles so that they do not deposit again on the fabric.

Dye transfer inhibitors: prevents colour removal from a fabric and depositing it on cloths.

Soil release polymer: Sorez 100 (polyethylene glycol polyester copolymer) from ISP, Texcare SRN 170 from Clariant and Repel-O-Tex SRP-6 (polyethylene glycol polyester) from Rhodia are some of the polymers that are used for providing a barrier to the fabric.

Enzymes: Enzymes are used for removal of tough stains, and care of the fabric and its colour.

Perfume & Dye: it adds scent and appearance to the detergents

Liquid detergent ingredients and how they all work together

The liquid detergents contain anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants which are in between 15% to 60%. The main ingredients in liquid detergents are alkylamine ethoxylate and polyalkylene glycols which are used for imparting properties that make liquid detergents pourable and pumpable. The composition is highly concentrated. The composition of the detergent works in synergy to counter the tough stains. By gentle rubbing, the stain loosens its grip on the cloth and get washed away with water.

Different Types of Detergent

The main types of detergents are detergent powders, detergent cakes, and liquid detergents. Powder and liquid detergents are mixed well in water by stirring with hands. Whereas detergent cakes are directly rubbed on the cloths by adding some water. The usage pattern may differ according to the specific requirements. For example, if a tough stain has to be removed a detergent cake comes handy in loosening the tough stains by creating additional foam in that particular spot. While for soaking cloths and creating uniform foam, liquid and powder detergents are preferred.