Q.   What is an alcohol?

A.   A class of organic compounds containing one or more Hydroxyl Groups (OH). The alcohols used in light duty and liquid laundry detergents are Isopropanol and Ethanol. High molecular weight alcohols are used as raw materials for alcohol ethoxylates, one type of nonionic surfactant.


Q.   What is a Nonionic Surfactant?

A.   A surface active agent that contains neither positively nor negatively charged (ionic) functional groups: such surfactants have been found to be particularly effective in removing oily soil. Some nonionics are low sudsing and are found in low sudsing laundry detergents, pre-wash stain removers, hard surface cleaners, and machine dishwashing detergents.


Q.   What is a Detergent?

A.   Technically speaking, any cleansing agent with a composition other than soap that cleans by much the same mechanisms as does soap. In other words, a soap substitute. Detergent materials are derived from Petroleum, Fatty Acids and other sources.


Q.   What is a Soap?

A.   A soap is formed by the saponification or neutralization of fats, oils, waxes, rosins, or their acids with organic or inorganic bases. (American Society for Testing and Material Definition) In the area of consumer products, soap usually means the sodium or potassium salt of animal fat or combination of vegetable oils and animal fat.


Q.   What is an Alkali?

A.   A chemical substance that neutralizes an acid.


Q.   What is an 'All Purpose Cleaning Product'?

A.   A formulation designed for general household cleaning; in contrast, specialty cleaning products are designed to clean in specific situations.


Q.   What is an 'All Purpose Detergent'?

A.   A powder or liquid detergent suitable for general household cleaning -- and also for laundering.


Q.   What is an 'All Purpose Soap'?

A.   A granular soap, consisting of a mixture of Tallow and Coconut Oil Soap, Builders, Fluorescent Whitening Agents, fragrance and sometimes colorant.


Q.   What is a Fluorescent Whitening Agent'?

A.   A chemical compound, used by the detergent industry, to create a visual whitening or brightening effect in fabric when exposed to near ultra violet light. These agents are absorbed by fabric during household laundering. The whiteness or brightness of laundry is enhanced.


Q.   What does 'Hydrophilic' mean?

A.   Water loving.





* Information is from the - Third Edition: June 1987 of "The Soap and Detergent Association Handbook of Industry Terms".