It depends on what you are doing. They are very similar and basically do the same thing - cleaning. Soap is a natural product made of fats and oils and alkali or a base. You might see the words oils, saponified oils, or glycerin on a soap label. Detergent is made by combining chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate or cocomidopropyl betaine. Detergents don't react with minerals in the water as much as soaps, so they're better for cleaning things like clothing. Soap is best for cleaning humans.
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It depends on the type of cleaning task. Soaps are usually more gentle on fabrics and the environment, while detergents are more effective at removing tough stains and dirt. It is recommended to choose a product based on the specific cleaning needs.
Ivory soap was a popular detergent in the 1960s.
Soap and detergents can form scum in hard water due to the presence of calcium and magnesium ions. This scum can reduce the effectiveness of cleaning agents and leave residue on surfaces. Detergents are specifically designed to work better in hard water compared to soap.
Detergent is better than soap for cleaning because it is more effective in removing dirt, grease, and oil due to its formulation with surfactants that can break down these compounds. Detergents also work well in hard water, unlike soap which forms scum. Additionally, detergents are more versatile and can be used in a wider range of temperatures and for various cleaning purposes.
Dawn dish soap is technically a detergent because it contains surfactants that are specifically designed for cutting through grease and grime on dishes. While both soaps and detergents can clean, detergents are synthetic compounds and generally perform better in tough cleaning situations.
Soap powder changed to detergent in the 1940s as a more efficient and versatile cleaning agent. Detergents are synthetic compounds that provide better cleaning power in hard water compared to traditional soap powders.