Detergents: Composition, Manufacturing and Applications in 2025
Detergent in cleaning and maintenance product
Cleaning in collective, business and industrial environments has grown significantly in recent decades, involving the use of increasingly sophisticated and specialized detergents . Whether for cleaning surfaces with detergents that are increasingly adapted to different types of floors and dirt, or laundry detergent or dishwasher detergent, for example.
When we talk about a cleaning product, the notion of detergent is omnipresent, particularly through the compositions that manufacturers indicate, such as the types of surfactants that will define the cleaning "map" of your detergent.
Chemical composition of modern detergents
A detergent is mainly characterized by the notion of surfactant.
Before going into more technical considerations, it is necessary to simply and quickly understand the interest of a detergent in the context of a cleaning or maintenance action.
To put it simply:
When cleaning, you can test it and use only water . You will quickly see that unless your cleaning action is limited to rinsing , the action of water may be sufficient . Even in the case of stains rinsed immediately with water, you will be able to dilute (or not) the product that caused the stain.
But in absolute terms, water has no cleaning or stain-removing power because it is only the detergent through the "surfactants" which will give the water its "wetting" power and therefore its stain-removing, degreasing, stripping, etc.
It is therefore the active ingredient which remains essential in the composition of the detergent to have a cleaning action.
Surfactants are the basis of detergents
At the heart of every detergent are surfactants that provide the DNA and effectiveness of the cleaning and maintenance product . These amphiphilic molecules have a unique structure that allows them to interact with both water and fats. Their hydrophilic part is attracted to water, while their hydrophobic (or lipophilic) part is attracted to fats and oils.
It is this action, as we mentioned above , that gives surfactants their water-wetting power and therefore the cleaning power of your cleaning product. They reduce the surface tension of water, giving it this famous wetting power, allowing better penetration into fibers and surfaces. Simultaneously, they encapsulate dirt particles and keep them suspended in the water, preventing their redeposition.
There are several types of surfactants, each with its own specific properties:
Anionic surfactants: These carry a negative charge and are particularly effective at removing grease. They are commonly found in laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids.
Cationic surfactants: Positively charged , they are less used for cleaning but are excellent as disinfecting and softening agents.
Non-ionic surfactants: Without an electrical charge , they are gentle and compatible with other types of surfactants. They are often used in laundry detergents and more particularly in cleaning delicate textiles.
Amphoteric surfactants: Capable of carrying a positive or negative charge depending on the pH , they are appreciated for their softness and their compatibility with the skin.
<h3="Anchor4" id>What is an adjuvant integrated into a detergent?
Although surfactants are the basis of many detergents , they are not the only ingredients in the composition and additives are present to adapt the detergent formula to each type of cleaning function. Modern formulations incorporate a variety of adjuvants that improve cleaning performance and provide additional properties:
• Sequestering agents: They soften water by capturing calcium and magnesium ions , allowing surfactants to work more effectively. Zeolites and citrates are common examples. We find them in particular in dishwasher products or washing machine products to reduce and "sequester" limescale .
• Enzymes: Enzymes catalyze the breakdown of specific stains. Proteases attack protein stains, lipases attack fats, and amylases attack starch stains. It is typically an additive used in textile and laundry treatment products because it provides an important function in stain removal.
• Bleaching agents: Again, this is an additive that is used primarily in laundry, particularly white laundry. These agents are also added specifically for improvement. They remove colored stains and disinfect. Sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide in solution, is widely used.
• Optical brighteners: These fluorescent compounds attach to fabrics and reflect UV light, giving the impression of a brighter white. Widely used in laundry but also in certain paper industries for the manufacture of paper napkins, paper hand towels, etc., although this is not necessarily a positive manufacturing criterion from an ecological point of view.
• Fragrances: They mask the odors of other ingredients and leave a feeling of freshness.
Comparison between professional detergent and general consumer detergent
Professional cleaning products are formulated quite differently than the consumer cleaning products you'll find in hardware or grocery stores. In fact, the formulation of a professional detergent product must be much more effective and efficient than that of a consumer product.
High concentration: These products are often more concentrated, requiring dilution before use. This helps reduce transportation and storage costs.
Targeted effectiveness: They are often specialized for specific applications (e.g., industrial floor cleaning or engine degreasing).
Resistance to extreme conditions: Some professional detergents are designed to work in difficult conditions, such as high temperatures or highly alkaline or acidic environments.
Industrial Equipment Compatibility: They are formulated for use with industrial cleaning machines without the risk of damage or excessive foaming.
Stricter regulations: Professional detergents often have to meet higher safety and hygiene standards, particularly in the food and healthcare sectors.
The History of Detergent
The history of detergents dates back thousands of years, but their modern evolution has revolutionized our hygiene and cleaning practices. These products, ubiquitous in our daily lives, play a central role in removing dirt and preserving our environment. This article takes an in-depth look at the complex composition of detergents, their innovative manufacturing methods, and their impact on our society and planet.
Detergents, much more than just a cleaning product, are the result of a sophisticated science combining chemistry, biology, and engineering. From the laundry detergent we use on our clothes to specialized products for industry, these cleaning agents have evolved considerably to meet our changing needs and growing environmental concerns.
In the following sections, we'll delve into the fascinating world of detergents, examining their molecular composition, large-scale manufacturing processes, and the subtle differences between consumer and professional formulations. We'll also explore the latest innovations in this field, as well as the challenges the industry faces in creating ever more effective and environmentally friendly products.
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