Detergents are substances or mixtures containing soaps and/or surfactants intended for washing and cleaning processes. They are a type of surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with cleansing properties when in dilute solutions. Detergents are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Household cleaning: One of the largest applications of detergents is for household and shop cleaning, including dishwashing and washing laundry. These detergents are commonly available as powders or concentrated solutions, and the formulations of these detergents are often complex mixtures of a variety of chemicals aside from surfactants, reflecting the diverse demands of the cleaning process.

• Commercial cleaning: Detergents are used almost exclusively today in commercial, industrial, and facility cleaning. They can be formulated as acidic, alkaline, or pH neutral, and ingredients such as enzymes can be added to aid in specific applications, such as laundry, degreasing, carpet care, or floor cleaning.

• Other uses: Detergents become incorporated in various products outside of laundry use, for example in dishwasher detergents, shampoo, toothpaste, industrial cleaners, and in lubricants and fuels to reduce or prevent the formation of sludge or deposits.

Detergents are different from soaps, which are made from natural ingredients such as plant oils and animal fats. Soaps need warm water to work and require a clear water wash after application, or they will leave a film. Detergents, on the other hand, can be built to perform well in any water temperature and are free-rinsing, meaning they dont leave a residue.