Lesson 1Fillers, anti-redeposition agents, and soil-release polymers: roles in keeping fabrics cleanLooks at how fillers thin out and steady detergents, anti-redeposition agents hold dirt in water so it doesn't stick back, and soil-release polymers change fibre surfaces to clean better and stop clothes turning grey.
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 irritationChecks out scents, preservatives, and sensitising bits in laundry items. Points out usual allergens, how they get on skin, and what causes itchiness, plus tips for folks with touchy 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)Goes over main surfactant types, their build, and how they cut surface tension, mix oils, and lift dirt particles. Compares how well they clean, foam up, and work with 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 limescale, and make surfactants stronger. Looks at 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 brighteners' chemistry, how they take in and give out light to make whites brighter. Talks about build-up on cloth, colour changes, and worries for skin or nature.
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, chemicals, and heat harm fibres bit by bit. Details rubbing, bobbling, colour fade, and weakening, tying them 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 syntheticsExplains chlorine and oxygen bleach workings, stain lift paths, and whitening. Covers cloth matching, colour tests, and safe ways for 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 fibersSees how detergent pH affects dirt lift, dye hold, and fibre strength. Compares high pH and near-neutral, plus buffering, rinse ways, and skin fit.
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 labels, eyeing key bits, strength hints, danger signs, and warnings, for safer picks based on facts.
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 top enzymes, their stain targets, and best conditions. Covers protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, with steady hold, heat ranges, and cloth care.
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
