I get a ton of questions about the roles of detergent ingredients, their manufacturing, health and environmental impacts and performance. So, I'm writing these pieces in an attempt to shed some light on the products that clean our clothes and are found in more homes than dairy milk. This may make you a more informed buyer and give you a little more confidence that you're selecting a product that meets your goals for performance, safety and aesthetics.
I'll work my way down the label of a typical laundry product:
Surfactants
Soaps
Water Conditioners / Chelators /pH adjusters
Oxidizers
Enzymes
Antifoam
Anti-Redeposition
Optical Brighteners
Fiber Care Ingredients / Secret Sauces
I hope you enjoy!