What is the function of detergents in laundry?

Detergents serve the primary function of increasing water's ability to remove soil from fabrics during the laundry process. They are formulated with surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate fabrics more effectively and suspend dirt and stains. When water and detergent are combined, the detergent molecules attach to dirt particles, breaking them free from the fabric. This process allows the soil to be rinsed away more efficiently during the wash cycle.

While other functions, such as adding fragrance to clothing or softening fabrics, can be secondary benefits of certain types of detergents or laundry products, they are not the main purpose of detergents themselves. Similarly, while some laundry products may include anti-static properties, the core function of detergents lies in their ability to enhance the cleaning efficacy by aiding water in the soil removal process.