
Common Laundry Chemicals & Their Purpose
Category | Chemical Name / Product Type | Purpose |
1. Detergents | Liquid/Enzyme-based Detergents | Remove dirt, grease, and body soils |
2. Alkali Builders | Sodium Metasilicate, Soda Ash | Boost pH to improve cleaning |
3. Emulsifiers | Solvent-based or Nonionic surfactants | Break down oils, fats, and greases |
4. Bleaching Agents | Sodium Hypochlorite (Chlorine bleach), Hydrogen Peroxide | Whitening, stain removal |
5. Neutralizers | Acetic Acid, Citric Acid | Neutralize residual alkali and chlorine |
6. Fabric Softeners | Cationic surfactants | Soften and condition fabrics |
7. Sour & Soft | Combination of souring and softening agents | Neutralize and soften in one step |
8. Starch | Natural or synthetic starch solutions | Provide crispness to uniforms, linens |
9. Disinfectants | Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs), Peracetic acid | Bacterial and viral disinfection |
10. Anti-redeposition Agents | Polyacrylates | Prevent redeposition of soil on clothes |