Introduction
Detergents are surfactants or mixtures of surfactants that have cleaning properties when present in a dilute solution. There are many types of detergent chemicals, a common family being alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are soap-like compounds that are more soluble in hard water because polar sulfonates are less sensitive than polar carboxylates (from soaps) and bind to calcium and other ions present in hard water.
Types of Detergents
The main difference between types of laundry detergents is in their physical form rather than their ingredients. Detergents and laundry soaps are available in these forms.
- Powder
Laundry detergent is a great suggestion because it is one of the least expensive options. It is usually packaged in a recyclable cardboard or tin box.
It is one of the less expensive options, containers that can be recycled, excellent for stain removal, whitening, and brightening clothes, and many of them contain oxygen bleach, which is not found in the liquid.
- Liquid
Many people enjoy using liquid detergents. They’re simple to use, effective, and come in a wide variety of styles.
It is excellent for pre-treating stains before the washing cycle, simple to dissolve in the cycle, effective in all temperatures, helps in cleaning up spills easily, and the carton can get wet. Additionally, color, white, and dark options are also available.
- Pods
Laundry pods are a simple and convenient form of laundry detergent. This is the best recommendation if you are new to doing laundry or traveling.
This is great for traveling because you can only bring what you need and it doesn’t cause any damage. Many of them have multiple functions, such as stain removal, odor removal, color brightener, and detergent. And because they are more concentrated, you are not paying for a primarily water product. Some of the most important features are: long storage life, the coating degrades naturally, and the pre-measured pod form is convenient.
- Tablets
Laundry tablets are a less common alternative to laundry pods. They are very similar but in a slightly different form. They often lack a protective coating and do not contain liquids or gels. Instead, they come in powder form, like a dishwashing pill.
As for the cases, the features are pre-measured and convenient, great for traveling, even to the laundromat, they’re mess-free and there are plenty of options for those with sensitive skin.
- Laundry balls
Laundry balls, also known as laundry eggs, are a new phenomenon in the laundry room. You can put this laundry ball in the washing machine, and it will clean your clothes without causing any toxins.
Furthermore, depending on the product, you can reuse these up to 210 times. It is the most environmentally friendly, zero-waste option available. They also work extremely well. We’ve had this for a few months now and couldn’t be happier with the results.
- Hypoallergenic laundry detergent
People with allergies or asthma should use hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Usually, these detergents have been dermatologically tested and certified to be safe for the skin.
They are usually free of common allergens such as enzymes and fragrances. If you had allergic reactions to your previous detergent, look for a hypoallergenic alternative
- Biological Detergents
Enzymes in biological detergents break down tough stains. However, because they are not as gentle as other types of detergents, we do not recommend using them on baby clothes or if you have sensitive skin.
- Non-Biological Detergents
Biological enzymes are not present in non-biological detergents. This detergent is gentler on your skin and clothes. However, because they lack enzymes, they may not be effective in removing stubborn stains.
- Eco-friendly detergents
Finally, eco-friendly detergents are similar to laundry soap. They don’t contain as many harsh chemicals as regular detergents. To clean your clothes, they mainly use plant-based ingredients.
Chemicals Used in the Detergent Industry
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making your laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid so effective at removing stains and grime, you’re in the right place. Detergents and soaps contain substances called surfactants, or surfactants for short. Surfactants contained in detergents play a very important role here. On one hand, they stick to water molecules and on the other hand, they stick to dirt present in unclean clothes. Surfactants help distribute the water, which then acts on the grease by clinging to it, and when this water is released, it takes all the dirt with it.
This is why water alone will not contribute to the cleaning action. Surfactants are useful in that they consist of two ends, one end is attracted to and binds to water, being hydrophilic, while the other end is attracted to fats, oils, hydrophobic substances, and dirt and adheres to It.
The detergent industry relies on a carefully selected group of chemicals to deliver those squeaky-clean results. Today, we’ll delve into the top 10 chemicals that play a crucial role in the detergent manufacturing process.
1. Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA)
Linear alkylbenzenes are sulfonated to produce linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LABSA96), a biodegradable surfactant. LABSA96 replaces branched dodecyl benzenesulfonate, which was removed because they biodegrade more slowly.
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA) has high detergent and emulsifying properties and is compatible with other surfactants in detergent formulations. It is also the cheapest surfactant in the world and is used whenever possible in cleaning product formulations.
Application: Used to produce various detergents and emulsifiers
- Washing powder
- Dishwashing detergents
- Detergents for light or hard dirt
- Detergents for the textile industry
- Dyeing aids
- Degreasers for the leather and veneer industry
- Industrial deodorizing agent paper
We have 2 types of LABSA with different grades:
- LABSA 90%
- LABSA 96%
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS or NaDS) (C12H25SO4Na) is an anionic surfactant used in industrial products including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and laundry soaps car; as well as in household products such as toothpaste, shampoo, shaving foam, some types of soluble aspirin, fiber therapy tablets, and bubble baths because of their thickening effects and foaming ability. It. This molecule has a tail of 12 carbon atoms, attached to a sulfate group, giving the molecule the amphoteric properties necessary for detergents.
Application:
- Detergent and textile aid, toothpaste foaming agent, mine fire extinguishing agent, emulsion polymerization emulsifier, wool cleaning agent, etc.
- Anionic surfactant, emulsifier, and foaming agent
- Detergent and textile agents, toothpaste foaming agents, fire extinguishing foam, polymerization emulsifiers, pharmaceutical emulsifier dispersing agents, shampoo and other cosmetics, and wool detergent.
We have 2 types of SLS 94% with different kinds of forms:
- SLS Needle 94%
- SLS Powder 94%
3. Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)
SLES With excellent detergent, emulsifying, and foaming properties, easily soluble in water. In addition to favorable hard water resistance and high biodegradability. SLES 70% (equivalent to Texapon N70) is an anionic surfactant with excellent performance. It has excellent detergent, emulsification, wetting, dispersing, thickening, and foaming properties, and is easily soluble in water. In addition to wide compatibility, it has good resistance to hard water, is highly biodegradable, and is less irritating to skin and eyes.
Application:
- It is widely used in liquid detergents, such as dishwashing liquid, shampoo, bubble baths, and hand sanitizer
- It is a lubricant, colorant, detergent, foaming agent, and degreaser.
4. Caustic Soda Flakes
Caustic soda is the chemical compound sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This compound is an alkaline substance – a base capable of neutralizing acids, often called burning. When dissolved, it has an ammonia smell. It is a strongly corrosive alkaline substance, usually in the form of flakes or granules, and is easily soluble in water (heat). emitted when dissolved in water) and forms an alkaline solution that melts easily, easily absorbing water vapor in the air (melting) and carbon dioxide (decomposing).
Applications:
Caustic soda (NaOH) is extremely versatile. Used in papermaking, soap, dyes, rayon, aluminum, oil refining, cotton finishing, coal tar product refining, woodworking and machinery industry, etc.
We have Caustic Soda with different kinds of origin available for sale.
5. Soda Ash Light
Soda ash light content is white, easily soluble in water, and is a clear, colorless solution. Sodium carbonate is one of the most basic industrial chemicals and an essential component of many products we use in our daily lives. Mild sodium carbonate is used to produce detergents, chemicals, soaps, textiles, paper, foods, and other sodium compounds, as well as for the foundry industry and oil refineries.
Application:
- In the detergent industry, it makes the surface of detergents and soaps smoother.
- In the glass manufacturing industry, used to produce glass containers, fiberglass insulation, and many others.
- In the food industry, used as an acidity regulator, stabilizer, and raising agent.
In a brick manufacturing company, used as a wetting agent. Sodium carbonate light
6. Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial acetic acid represents the concentrated, undiluted variant of acetic acid. Acetic acid is a synthetic carboxylic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties, also known as ethanoic acid, and has the molecular formula CH3COOH. It is a clear liquid with no suspended solids and has a pungent odor. It can be dissolved in water, ethanol, glycerol, and ethyl ether, but insoluble in carbon disulfide.
Application: Glacial acetic acid is used in detergent formulations to control pH, which is crucial for the stability and performance of the cleaning product.
We have Glacial Acetic Acid available for sale.
7. Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC)
CMC is an anionic cellulose ether with a molecular structure. It is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic with white or light yellow powder or granules. It can be easily dissolved in water and converted into a colloidal solution; and it cannot dissolve in ethanol, ether, acetone, and other organic solvents.
Effectively prevents laundry from being contaminated after washing with synthetic detergents. At the same time, it makes the washing liquid have higher viscosity and a more stable washing effect.
Application:
- Food grade for milk drinks and spices
- For detergent industry
- Widely used in fracturing fluids, drilling fluids, and well-cementing fluids
8. Sodium Percarbonate
Sodium percarbonate is a white powder made from sodium carbonate, also known as dishwashing liquid or sodium carbonate, and hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleach.
Also known as “oxygen bleach” or “peroxide powder,” sodium percarbonate releases a mixture of oxygen, water, and dishwashing liquid when added to water, making it an excellent detergent and laundry detergent. It has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-algae, anti-mold, and deodorizing properties and is rated 1-2 for “low toxicity” in the Environmental Working Group database.
Application:
- Natural bleaching agent
- Sanitizer, brightening, whitening, and scouring power make it an ideal non-toxic cleaner for the bathroom.
9. Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous
Sodium sulfate, also known as anhydrous mirabilite, is anhydrous. White or light yellow crystal or granular powder, bitter salty taste, absorbs heat, soluble in water, alkaline solution, insoluble in ethanol. When exposed to air, it easily absorbs moisture and turns into a sodium sulfate solution.
Application: Sodium sulfate (anhydrous sodium sulfate) is widely used in vinyl, polystyrene foam, bleaching and dyeing, synthetic detergents, glass, papermaking, leather tanning, anti-corrosion of oil pipelines and gas pipelines, metal smelting, surface treatment, fillers, and other industries.
Our Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous is available for sale.
10. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate
Fatty alcohol ethoxylate is a clear liquid based on the fatty alcohol (FA) components of the petrochemical series and ethylene oxide (EO) of the petrochemical series. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate is used as a hard surface cleaner, for sulfonation to sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), detergents, cleaners, dishwashing liquids, personal care e.g. shower gels and shampoos, cosmetics, leather processing and textiles as well as in the fields of painting and agriculture. Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate is a surfactant commonly used as a component of cleaning and dispensing detergents in the industrial, commercial, and domestic markets.
Application:
- Used as a wool Detergent and degreaser in the wool textile industry
- Fabric cleaning agents and refining agents
- Liquid detergent
- Used as an emulsifier in the production of cosmetics and ointments
- Emulsifier for glass fiber spinning oil
- Leveling agent
Conclusion
The ten industrial chemicals discussed in this article have several applications in everyday life and are essential components of many industrial processes, especially in the detergent industry. The expansion of many sectors, especially for chemical suppliers, opens up great prospects for these chemicals in the global market.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, chemical supplier, chemical distributor, or chemicals wholesaler to keep up with the competitors, commercial laundry detergents and chemicals used by your business should be of the highest quality. With the right, laundry, housekeeping, and ware wash chemicals, you can ensure safe, efficient, and affordable operations. Your search for the most reliable commercial laundry chemical suppliers ends at Tradeasia International.
All of our commercial laundry detergents and chemical supplies are developed to be safe to use, effective at cleaning, and cost-effective. Our products meet all relevant industry standards and environmental regulations, giving you confidence in the service that you offer to your customers. Wherever possible, we use environmentally friendly chemicals and commercial laundry detergents.