Liquid Detergents 

Liquiddetergents are basically detergents in liquid form. Detergents are formulatedas cleaning products for cloths. Apart from the traditional use of liquiddetergents for cleaning cloths products such as fabric softeners and whitenerscan be classified loosely in the family of liquid detergents.

Formulation

Surfactantsare a major component of liquid detergent which has a property of cleaningstains and dirt from cloths. Both anionic and non-ionic surfactants are used inthe production of liquid detergents. Anionic component helps in removingparticulate soil while non-ionic composition is suitable for cleaning greasysoil.

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

A basicliquid detergent includes a minimum of 5% active surfactant solution in wateradded with preservatives. This generates froth and helps in cleaning the dirtand stain on cloths. However, this kind of formulation has very low cleaningcapacity and may not remove stubborn stains. This basic formula can be mademore 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 a helps in removinghardness ions to ensure full functionality of surfactants. Some additives aresodium citrate, acrylic polymers and tetrasodium EDTA.

Antiredeposition agents: Thisagent enables the suspension of dirt particles so that they do not depositagain on the fabric.

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

Soil release polymer: Sorez100 (polyethylene glycol polyester copolymer) from ISP, Texcare SRN 170 fromClariant and Repel-O-Tex SRP-6 (polyethylene glycol polyester) from Rhodia aresome of the polymers that are used for providing a barrier to the fabric.

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

Perfume & Dye: itadds scent and appearance to the detergents

Liquid detergent ingredients and how they all work together

Theliquid detergents contain anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants which arein between 15% to 60%. The main ingredients in liquid detergents are alkylamineethoxylate and polyalkylene glycols which are used for imparting propertiesthat make liquid detergents pourable and pumpable. The composition is highlyconcentrated. The composition of the detergent works in synergy to counter thetough stains. By gentle rubbing, the stain loosens its grip on the cloth andget washed away with water.

Different Types of Detergent

The maintypes of detergents are detergent powders, detergent cakes, and liquiddetergents. Powder and liquid detergents are mixed well in water by stirringwith hands. Whereas detergent cakes are directly rubbed on the cloths by addingsome water. The usage pattern may differ according to the specificrequirements. For example, if a tough stain has to be removed a detergent cakecomes handy in loosening the tough stains by creating additional foam in thatparticular spot. While for soaking cloths and creating uniform foam, liquid andpowder detergents are preferred.