We use detergents as cleaning agents. They fall into two categories: soaps or synthetic detergents. Both have similar chemical characteristics that allow them to lift away grease and dirt and dissolve in water.

A detergent molecule has two ends. The hydrophobic end will bond to oil, but not to water. The hydrophilic end will bond with water, but not to oil.

Polyglucosides, or detergents that work in hard water, consist of paired glucose molecules with hydrophobic side chains.

A soap molecule consists of a long-chain fatty acid, which undergoes a reaction with an alkaline substance, a process that gives the acid a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. Soap does not clean well in hard water, which has chemicals that react with the soap to form scum.

Builders give synthetic detergents the ability to dissolve in hard water, which contains charged molecules or ions that react with soap to lower its cleaning ability. Builders like polyphosphates bind tightly with water ions. Builders like sodium carbonate form a precipitate with ions.

Soaps typically contain fragrances, coloring agents, and even herbal ingredients. Synthetic detergents have other ingredients, such as oxygen bleach, and fabric ofteners and antiredeposition agents to prevent soil from redepositing.