Laundrypedia: Related terms

Biodegredation

This is the process by which bacteria get energy and nutrients. It involves the breaking down of chemicals and the result is more bacteria. Sometimes they produce just CO2, water and nutrients, a safe outcome.

Catalyst

Enzymes are catalysts: substances that accelerate chemical reactions. In the wash, this helps the efficiency of the wash process with a washing detergent like Ariel.

Colorants

Generally dyes or pigments, water soluble colorants are present in the detergent to help brighten whites.

Detergents

A detergent can basically mean any chemical compound similar to soap but more effective in hard water. The EU Detergent Regulation defines it as: any substance or preparation containing soaps and/or other surfactants intended for washing and cleaning purposes.

Fabric Softener

Otherwise known as fabric conditioner, these are used to prevent static cling and make your garments softer. It works by coating the fabric surface with a thin layer of lubricating chemicals.

Silicates

A silicate is any compound containing silicon bearing anions. Typically buffering agents are silicates.

Sludge

Sludge is the semi-solid material left over in industrial wastewater or sewage treatment. Sludge can be recycled and used for agricultural fertilizer. Washing machine detergent surfactants have been shown to biodegrade well in sludge.

Soap

A cleaning agent made by the reaction of an alkali to fats or oils.

Solubility

Basically refers to how well a solid, gas or liquid can dissolve in another solid, gas or liquid, making a solution.

Solvents

This is a solid liquid or gas that dissolves another solid, liquid or gas.

Stabilizers

A stabilizer is a chemical that inhibits the reaction between two or more chemicals. Does the opposite of a catalyst.