Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing liquid, also known as dishwashing soap, dish detergent, or dish soap, is a detergent used to assist in dishwashing. It is usually a highly-foaming mixture of surfactants with low skin irritation, and is primarily used for hand washing of glasses, plates, cutlery, and cooking utensils in a sink or bowl.

Composition

The main components of dishwashing liquid include surfactants, color, and scent. Surfactants remove food, dirt, and grease from dishes. The color and scent are added for aesthetic reasons.

Surfactants

Surfactants, or surface active agents, are chemicals that reduce the surface tension of water, making it 'wetter' so that it is less likely to stick to itself and more likely to interact with oil and grease. Surfactants are classified into four groups; anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and zwitterionic (amphoteric). Most dishwashing liquids are anionic surfactants, which are good at removing food, dirt, and grease.

Color and Scent

The color and scent of dishwashing liquid do not affect the cleaning power of the product. They are added for aesthetic reasons. The color is usually achieved with food coloring, and the scent is added through the use of synthetic or natural oils.

Uses

In addition to its primary use, dishwashing liquid also has various informal applications, such as for creating bubbles, washing cars, and cleaning oil-affected birds.

Environmental Impact

Dishwashing liquid can have an impact on the environment. Some ingredients, such as phosphates, can cause water pollution. However, many manufacturers have phased out the use of phosphates due to environmental concerns.

See Also

• Soap
• Detergent
• Surfactant
• Water pollution

References

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  Dishwashing liquid bottle

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  Dishwashing liquid on a store shelf

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  Dishwashing liquid brand

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  Hand washing dishes with dishwashing liquid

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  Cleaning an oiled gannet with dishwashing liquid