Icky things like detergent and stains

Laundry Detergents

A water-soluble cleansing agent that combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble, laundry detergent can be effective in many types and temperatures of water. Laundry detergent comes in both liquid and powder forms. Most laundry detergents also contain enzymes that help break down complex food stains.Powdered laundry detergent is especially effective on heavily soiled clothing. These granular laundry detergents have come a long way in the last few years and dissolve well, but may have trouble dissolving fully in cold water. Liquid laundry detergent is especially good at removing greasy and starchy food stains. Most liquid laundry detergents work as effective pre-treaters as well.

Chemistry behind laundry detergent

Many kinds of molecules and ions can serve as high efficiency surfactants. They are often classified according to the charge of the molecule or ion, the three main classes being anionic, neutral, and cationic detergents. Anionic detergents are most commonly encountered for domestic laundry detergents. Detergents are ions or molecules that contain both polar and nonpolar components. The polar component allows the detergent to dissolve in the water, whereas the nonpolar portion solubilizes hydrophobic materials that are the usual target of the cleaning process.

Types of stains

There are several different types of clothing stains, which means there are different methods for eliminating the stain.

Protein stains from dairy, baby food, bodily excrement, blood and mud can be removed by soaking the item in cold water, scrubbing the items with your hands and using a heavy-duty laundry detergent. Repeat washes may be necessary, and if the stain remains, bleach may also be used if it will not damage the clothing item.

Oil-based stains such as butter, margarine, mayonnaise, car grease and hair oil can be cleaned by pre-treating the stain with a spray stain treatment or stain stick. These products have solvents that will break down the stain. After the item is washed, inspect for traces of the stain and re-treat if necessary.

Tannin stains, which are found in wine, tomato juice, berries and coffee, should be washed in hot water with detergent. Do not try to pre-treat these items with regular soap, as it will help to set the stain. Bleach must be used on old tannin-based stains.

Dye stains come from blueberries, cherries, powdered drink mixes, permanent markers and mustard. These stains are the most difficult to remove. To attempt to clean them you must use a pre-treatment product and then rinse the item thoroughly. White items can be bleached, and some stains can be lightened with rubbing alcohol if the fabric will allow it.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_4564580_clothing-stains.html