|
О сайте:
|
Simple Science: The Difference Between Soap and Detergent
</h1>
<p>
American consumers often use the words <a
href="http://www.etransfarlifech.com/laundry-soap/" target="_self">“soap”</a> and
“detergent” interchangeably, but in reality there are significant differences between
these two types of cleaners.
</p>
<p>
A Brief History
</p>
<p>
The earliest evidence of soap can be traced back to 2800 B.C., where historians
believe it was used by the ancient Babylonians. Soap making is mentioned in ancient
Roman documents written as early as 70 A.D.
</p>
<p>
Fast forward to Medieval Europe where soap making is an established craft with
centers in France, Spain and Italy. During that time the use of soap was a luxury
enjoyed mainly by those who could afford it. Manufactured bar soaps weren’t available
until the late 18th century in Europe and the U.S. Widespread use of soap during this
period can be attributed to advertising campaigns touting the relationship between good
personal hygiene and health.
</p>
<p>
Detergents entered the picture about 1916 when World War 1 soap ingredient
shortages encouraged manufacturers to develop synthetic cleaners to meet demand. By the
1950s detergents had overtaken traditional soap products in homes across America.
Today, detergents are used for laundering, dishwashing and many other types of
cleaning.
</p>
<p>
The Chemistry
</p>
<p>
Soaps are made from natural ingredients, such as plant oils (coconut, vegetable,
palm, pine) or acids derived from animal fat. Detergents, on the other hand, are
synthetic, man-made derivatives. While soap is limited in its applications, detergents
can be formulated to include other ingredients for all sorts of cleaning purposes.
Perhaps the most common and versatile of these ingredients are surfactants …
surface active agents.
</p>
<p>
About Surfactants
</p>
<p>
Surfactants aid in cleaning because they reduce surface tension and improve
water's ability to spread evenly over it. This creates a more uniform wetness that
makes dirt and soil easier to wipe away and remove. Surfactant molecules can also have
either a positive or negative charge, with one end attracted to water and the other end
attracted to dirt and grease. This helps detergents attach to dirt, break it up and let
water wash it away.
</p>
<p>
Most cleaning products today are detergents. One of the biggest reasons for this is
the way soap reacts with water. While detergents are free-rinsing (meaning they don’t
leave a residue), soap needs a clear water wash after application or it will leave a
film.
</p>
<p>
Hard water is the enemy of soap. In hard water conditions soaps form scum. Soap
scum affects more than just cleanliness; it can deteriorate fabrics and eventually ruin
clothing or other surfaces. Conversely, detergents can work in any level of water
hardness since they react less to the many minerals in hard water.
</p>
<p>
Finally, soaps need warm water to work at all. Detergents, on the other hand, can
be built to perform well in any water temperature. This versatility enables detergents
to be used in everything from shampoo to laundry liquid to hand cleansers and stain
removers.
</p>
<h2>
Powder Detergent
</h2>
<p>
Pros:
</p>
<ul class=" list-paddingleft-2">
<li>
<p>
Less messy than liquid detergent
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>
Tends to be cheaper per load than liquid or pods
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>
Generally more shelf-stable than liquid or pods, so it will last longer
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>
Has more eco-friendly packaging
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>
Amount of powder used per load is customizable
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>
Lightweight compared to liquid detergents
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>
Works well on heavily soiled clothes, such as sports uniforms
</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Cons:
</p>
<ul class=" list-paddingleft-2">
<li>
<p>
Some powder detergents have trouble dissolving in colder water, which can
leave residue on clothes
</p>
|