Discover the chemistry at work inside your washing machine.
Anionic surfactants are the workhorse ingredients of most washing detergents. They are compounds such as sodium alkyl sulphate and are made up of molecules that have opposite charges at different points {polar molecules).
Water is also made of polar molecules and, when mixed with washing detergent the hydrophilic (water-loving) part of the surfactant molecule attracts to the water molecule, while the hydrophobic (water-hating) part of the molecule adheres to the dirt and grease in your clothes. This makes the dirt and grime more soluble in the water, allowing for easier removal from your clothing.
Interesting Facts about Detergents on Soap History