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Detergents typically have a polar head and non-polar. Polar things dissolve polar things, and non-polar dissolves non-polar. Water-based stains are polar, or hydrophilic, so the head group helps break them apart. The oil-based stains are broken down by the non-polar, or hydrophobic, tail groups.

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βˆ™ 12y ago
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βˆ™ 5mo ago

Detergents contain molecules called surfactants that have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (oil-attracting) regions. This enables them to surround and lift oil-based stains into the water. The hydrophilic part helps to dissolve water-based stains, allowing them to be rinsed away.

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Q: Why detergents are able to remove both water-base and oil-base stains?
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What is the function of detergent?

Detergents help to remove dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces by breaking down the molecules that hold them together. They contain surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and lift away grime more effectively.


What chemical is found in detergents and fertilizers?

One common chemical found in detergents and fertilizers is phosphorus. Phosphorus is used in detergents to help remove stains and in fertilizers to promote plant growth. However, excessive levels of phosphorus in water bodies can lead to nutrient pollution and environmental degradation.


What is in all laundry detergent?

Most laundry detergents contain surfactants, enzymes, bleaches or bleach alternatives, fragrance, and builders to help remove dirt and stains. Some detergents may also contain preservatives and dyes.


What are bio-detergents?

Bio-detergents are cleaning products that contain enzymes derived from natural sources like plants or microbes, which help to break down stains and dirt. These enzymes are effective in removing tough stains and are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional detergents which use harsh chemicals. Bio-detergents are biodegradable and lessen the impact on the environment.


What is the use of enzymes in biological washing products?

Enzymes in biological washing products help to break down and remove tough stains such as protein-based stains (like blood and sweat) and starch-based stains (like food). They work by speeding up the chemical reactions involved in breaking down these stains, making the detergent more effective at cleaning clothes.

Related questions

Are detergents laundry supplies?

"Yes, detergents are laundry supplies. Detergents are needed when washing laundry to remove stains from clothing. Also, chemicals from detergents clean clothes while they are washing."


In commercials which stains do laundry detergents remove?

grass, wine/juice, grease, ketchup


Does temperature of water have an effect on how well detergents remove stains?

Yes - usually hotter is better.


Does the temperature of water have an effect on detergents remove stains?

Yes, the temperature of water can affect how well detergents remove stains. In general, warmer water helps to activate and dissolve detergents more efficiently, making them more effective at breaking down and removing stains from fabrics. However, it's important to refer to the specific instructions on the detergent packaging for the optimal temperature range to ensure effectiveness.


Is borax found in detergents?

Yes, borax is found in some detergents as a cleaning and brightening agent. It helps to boost the cleaning power of the detergent and remove stains and odors from laundry.


How do household cleaners work to remove spills and stains?

Some household cleaners contain solvents that dissolve stains. Other cleaners may contain detergents and solvents that bleach away stains and spills.


How do biological detergents work?

Biological detergents contain enzymes that can break down complex stains like blood, sweat, and food. The enzymes specifically target and break down the bonds that hold these stains together, making them easier to remove during the washing process. This makes biological detergents more effective at removing tough stains compared to conventional detergents.


How does detergent remove stains?

Detergents contain surfactants that help break down and lift stains from fabrics. The surfactants in detergent molecules attach to the oil and grease molecules in stains, allowing them to be rinsed away with water. Additionally, the physical agitation of washing helps dislodge and remove the loosened stains from the fabric.


Can sodium sulfate be used to remove stains in fabric?

Sodium sulfate is not typically used directly as a stain remover for fabric. It is primarily used as a filler in detergents and does not have strong stain-removing properties on its own. For stain removal, it is better to use specific stain removers or laundry detergents that are formulated to lift and remove different types of stains.


What is the function of detergent?

Detergents help to remove dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces by breaking down the molecules that hold them together. They contain surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and lift away grime more effectively.


Why are proteins and fat stains difficult to remove using non biological detergents?

Proteins and fats are hydrophobic (repelled by water), making them difficult to dissolve in water-based detergents. Biological detergents contain enzymes like proteases and lipases which break down proteins and fats into smaller, more soluble molecules, allowing them to be removed more easily. Non-biological detergents lack these enzymes, making it harder to effectively remove protein and fat stains.


Which of two detergents will remove chocolate stains?

Either detergent should effectively remove chocolate stains. It is recommended to check the detergent labels for specific stain-fighting ingredients, like enzymes, that target organic stains like chocolate. Follow the directions on the detergent packaging for best results.