Lesson 1Fillers, anti-redeposition agents, and soil-release polymers: roles in keeping fabrics cleanLooks at how fillers make detergents stable and easy to use, anti-redeposition agents stop dirt from sticking back on clothes, and soil-release polymers change fabric 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 ingredients that irritate skin in washing products. Points out usual allergens, how they get on skin, what causes itching, and 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)Goes over main types of surfactants, their makeup, and how they cut surface tension, mix with oils, and lift dirt. Compares how well they clean, make foam, 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 from water, stop limescale, and make surfactants work better. Looks at phosphates, zeolites, citrates, and carbonates used 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 skinExplains optical brighteners, how they take in and give out light to make whites brighter. Talks about buildup on fabrics, colour changes, and worries for skin or the environment.
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 temperatureLooks at how washing, chemicals, and heat wear out fibres over time. Covers rubbing damage, pilling, colour fade, weakening from chemicals, and how wash settings and products link to these problems.
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 syntheticsCovers chlorine and oxygen bleach chemistry, how they remove stains and whiten. Explains safe use on cotton, man-made fabrics, blends, with colour tests and tips.
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 fibersShows how detergent pH affects dirt removal, dye hold, and fibre strength. Compares high pH and mild systems, buffering, rinsing, and skin safety.
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 washing product labels for key ingredients, strength hints, danger signs, and safety notes, to pick safer products 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 main enzymes in detergents, stains they tackle, best conditions. Covers protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, their stability, heat ranges, and fabric 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
