Detergent Chemicals: Unraveling The Secrets Properties And Applications Of Common Detergent Detergent are surfactants that help remove dirt, grease, stain and other unwanted substances when combined with water. They are key ingredients in many household and industrial cleaning products like laundry detergents, dishwasher detergents, soap etc. Detergent work by reducing the surface tension of water which helps it to better penetrate oils and other unwanted residues.Types of Detergent...