Check out our useful guide to find out more about detergents and how the different kinds work.

Read the labels
The most important piece of advice the detergent manufacturers can give you is also the simplest: please always read the label before using a product.

All the important information on how to safely use a detergent is on the label. By carefully reading and following the instructions provided, users can help protect themselves and the environment, while also getting the best cleaning results from the product. Labels also carry information on what to do in the event of an accident.

You can get more information about a product can from the manufacturer’s customer care line or web site and these contact details will also be on the label.

What’s in my detergent?
Basically a laundry detergent will include some or all of the following:

• Surfactants/Cleaning Agents – These improve the wetting ability of water, loosen and remove soil with the aid of wash action, then emulsify, solubilize, or suspend soils in the wash solution until soils are washed away.
• Builders – These enhance or "build" the cleaning efficiency of the surfactant by inactivating water hardness minerals.
• Enzymes – Break down complex stains and soils, including protein-based stains (grass and blood) and starch-based stains common to many foods. Enzymes can also improve the appearance and feel of fabrics. They are only present in biological detergents.
• Enzymes are proteins that occur in all living organisms, plant and animal. They are essential for life. Different enzymes do different things, for example different enzymes in the human stomach break down or digest different food groups.
• Polymers – Help to capture and hold soils and dyes, sending them down the drain to avoid re-depositing on washed fabrics.
• Oxygen Bleach – A type of bleach that maintains colour and whiteness and may be used with all fabrics. The stain removal system is based on sodium perborate which is activated to produce “boil wash” levels of hygiene at lower temperatures. Without an activator added the bleaching would only occur at temperatures above 70˚C.
• Softeners – To reduce fabric friction or static electricity, and help to provide a soft, fluffy appearance for fabrics.
• Stabilizers – These maintain a high-sudsing function. They also help maintain stability of the product and its shelf life, especially the enzymes and oxygen bleach.
• Preservatives – Substances used to protect against natural effects of product aging, e.g., decay, discoloration, oxidation, and bacterial attack. They can also protect colour and fragrance.
• Solvents – Prevent separation or deterioration of ingredients in liquid products.
• Fragrances – Provide pleasant scents to your washing and cover the odours of the detergent and the soils in the washing solution.
• Colorants – Will create individuality for the product, or illustrate a special aroma, or floral scent.