Detergent is a product that most of us use daily, but how much do we actually know about it? In this blog post, we go through who invented detergent, what it consists of, where it is used, and how it works.
Who invented detergent?
Detergent has existed in some form for thousands of years, referring to natural surfactants such as soap.
However, modern detergent, commonly found in stores today, was invented in the 1930s. It was the German chemist Fritz Gunther who developed synthetic cleaning agents that could replace soap during times of water shortages. Before that, people used traditional methods such as soap or cleaning agents like ash and clay.
Soap and traditionally crafted soap were used for almost everything until World War II. The war necessitated the use of all fats for food, leaving none for soap making. As a result, the chemical industry grew significantly with synthetic surfactants almost completely replacing natural surfactants. In 2018, over 300 million tons of chemicals were consumed in the EU, and more than two-thirds of these were classified as hazardous to health according to Eurostat. Over 20,000 individual chemicals have been registered in the EU under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.
What is detergent made of?
A "typical" detergent consists of a combination of different substances that help dissolve dirt and grease from clothes. It contains surfactants (which reduce the surface tension of water), enzymes (which break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates), bleaching agents, and fragrances. Modern detergents are also often enhanced with ingredients that protect fabric fibers and preserve colors.
Where is detergent used?
Detergent is naturally used in washing machines, but there are also detergents for handwashing and specific detergents for delicate materials such as wool and silk. In addition to cleaning clothes, some types of detergent can also be used for other household tasks, such as cleaning carpets or washing cars.
How does detergent work?
Detergent works by binding to dirt particles and grease, lifting them away from fabric fibers during the washing process. The surfactants in the detergent lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate the fabric more easily. Enzymes help break down stains from food and sweat but also break down natural materials like wool and silk. Meanwhile, bleaching agents and optical brighteners make clothes appear whiter by reflecting light off detergent particles, creating a fresher and brighter look.
Who invented modern detergent?
Answer: It was the German chemist Fritz Gunther in the 1930s.
What are the main ingredients in detergent?
Answer: Surfactants, enzymes, bleaching agents, and fragrances.
Where is detergent most commonly used?
Answer: Detergent is primarily used in washing machines but also for handwashing and other cleaning purposes.
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