Let's make liquid detergents

The essential steps in the liquid detergent manufacturing process

In addition to liquid laundry and dish-washing liquid detergents, household cleaners such as floor cleaning liquids or glass cleaners are also classified as liquid detergents. All these detergents can be produced in the same plant. Substantially, liquid detergents are powders mixed with water and chemical solutions called solubilizers, making detergents dissolvable in water. The first stage of the liquid detergent manufacturing process consists of neutralizing fatty acids with either caustic soda or potassium hydroxide.

After the chemical reaction and the premix step, ingredients such as thickeners and pH adjusters are added to a homogeneous mixer. These balancing ingredients are essential to achieve desirable viscosity, stability, and pH value. In the enzyme addition stage, powdered enzymes are added to the cooled mixture due to their delicate nature.

Their role is to break down tough stains and soils. Enzymes like lipase are good for removing grease and oil while amylase, for instance, can remove starch-based or carbohydrate soils. Lastly, liquidized detergents are pumped into bottles by a filling system, weighted on weighing devices and sealed by a capping machine.

What’s the difference between liquid dishwashing detergent and liquid laundry detergent?

The environmental impact of liquid detergents

In recent years, the detergent industry has faced various environmental challenges, since detergents contain several harmful chemicals. Surfactants damage the protective layers of fish, leaving them vulnerable to parasites, bacteria and other pollutants. Another problem caused by a standard surfactant was foam creation in the nation’s waterways. It was discovered that the problem was caused by ABS (alkyl-benzene sulfonate). Nowadays, manufacturers replaced ABS with LAS (linear alkylate sulfonate), which biodegrades faster than ABS.