Lesson 1Fillers, anti-redeposition agents, and soil-release polymers: roles in keeping fabrics cleanLooks at how fillers thin and steady detergents, how anti-redeposition agents keep loose dirt floating, and how soil-release polymers change fibre surfaces to better clean and stop greying.
Roles of inert fillers in powder detergentsAnti-redeposition polymers and soil suspensionSoil-release finishes on polyester fabricsImpact on graying, dinginess, and whitenessFormulation limits and interaction with surfactantsLesson 2Fragrances, preservatives, and sensitizers: common allergens and how they cause skin irritationLooks into fragrance, preservative, and sensitising ingredients in laundry products. Points out common allergens, how they get on skin, and irritation ways, plus tips for people with sensitive skin.
Fragrance types and encapsulated scent systemsCommon fragrance allergens and labeling termsPreservatives used in liquid detergentsContact dermatitis and sensitization pathwaysChoosing low-allergen or fragrance-free productsLesson 3Surfactants: types, mechanisms, and common examples (anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric)Covers main surfactant types, their build, and how they cut surface tension, mix oils, and lift dirt particles. Compares cleaning power, bubbles, and fit for fabrics or skin.
Hydrophilic–lipophilic balance and micelle formationAnionic surfactants for heavy soil removalNonionic surfactants for low-foam cleaningCationic surfactants and fabric conditioningAmphoteric surfactants and mild formulationsLesson 4Builders and water softening agents: phosphates, zeolites, citrates, sodium carbonate — how they sequester hardness ionsShows how builders and softeners grab calcium and magnesium, stop lumps, and lift surfactant work. Compares phosphates, zeolites, citrates, and carbonates in today's detergents.
Hard water ions and soap scum formationPhosphate builders and environmental limitsZeolites as ion-exchange softening agentsCitrate and carbonate as eco-friendlier optionsInteractions with surfactants and enzymesLesson 5Optical brighteners and whiteners: chemistry, benefits, and risks to fabrics and skinCovers optical brightener chemistry, how they take in and give out light, and why they boost whiteness look. Talks fabric build-up, colour changes, and skin or nature worries.
Fluorescence and blue light emissionBrightener types used in detergentsDeposition on cotton vs syntheticsLong-term buildup and graying effectsAllergy, safety, and environmental aspectsLesson 6Fabric damage mechanisms: abrasion, pilling, fiber weakening from chemicals and temperatureChecks how washing moves, chemicals, and heat harm fibres over time. Details rubbing, pilling, colour loss, and chemical weakening, linking to wash settings and product picks.
Mechanical stress from drum motion and load sizePilling on cotton, wool, and syntheticsChemical hydrolysis and oxidation of fibersThermal damage from hot water and dryingBalancing cleaning power with fabric longevityLesson 7Bleaching agents: chlorine vs oxygen bleaches, safe use on cotton and syntheticsDetails chlorine and oxygen bleach chemistry, stain lift paths, and whitening effects. Explains fabric fit, colour hold tests, and safe use on cotton, synthetics, and mixes.
Oxidation mechanisms of common bleachesChlorine bleach uses, limits, and corrosion riskOxygen bleach for colors and delicatesTemperature and pH effects on bleach actionSafe dosing, mixing, and storage practicesLesson 8pH in detergents: alkaline vs neutral formulations and effects on soils and fibersLooks at how detergent pH affects dirt lift, dye hold, and fibre strength. Compares alkaline and near-neutral setups, and explains buffering, rinse ways, and skin fit issues.
Typical pH ranges in powder and liquid detergentsAlkalinity and removal of fatty and protein soilsNeutral and mild pH for delicates and woolpH effects on dyes, finishes, and shrinkageRinse pH, skin comfort, and irritation riskLesson 9Interpreting product labels: active ingredients, concentration indicators, and safety statements (R- and H-phrases)Teaches reading detergent and additive labels, key on active parts, strength hints, danger signs, and caution words, for safer, fact-based product picks.
Identifying surfactants, builders, and enzymesConcentration indicators and dosing guidanceHazard pictograms and signal wordsH-phrases, precautionary, and warning textUsing label data to compare product strengthLesson 10Enzymes in detergents: protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase — functions and temperature/activity rangesDescribes key detergent enzymes, their stain targets, and best conditions. Covers protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, with steady hold, heat ranges, and fabric care links.
Proteases for protein stains like bloodAmylases for starch-based food residuesLipases for oily and greasy soil removalCellulases for color renewal and fuzz removalEnzyme stability, pH, and temperature windows
