Detergent Facts

Detergents are chemicals that are used for the purpose of cleaning. Various substances such as soap and water are best used with detergents in order to carry out this process.

History

Long before detergent, soap was used as a cleaning agent for thousands of years. During the medieval period, soap was made by guilds, and wealthier people usually had access to this cleaning substance. In modern times, soap use became more prominent, as people began to understood the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.

Synthetic Detergents

The Germans are credited with creating the first synthetic detergent that was used for cleaning. They did this during World War I in order to use fat substances for other purposes.

Replacement

Soap was found to be a good cleaning agent, but the fatty agents and sodium it contained created an insoluble substance, and this matter damaged clothing and other materials. As a result, synthetic detergent was used to replace soap as a primary cleaning agent for washing clothes and other items.

New Era

By the 1950s, detergent outsold soap in the marketplace and was used for dish washing, laundry and household cleaning--a new era for cleaning had emerged. Various substances called surfactants are now used in conjunction with detergents for cleaning purposes.

Modern Usage

Detergents in modern times are becoming more environmentally friendly. Biodegradable detergents for cleaning products are being promoted as part of the growing green movement, which emphasizes using more natural substances in products.

References

• Cleaning 101
• Chemistry--Kiwi Web