Question

Why are detergent better cleansing agent than soaps? Explain.

Answer 1

• Detergent is the Sodium salt of a long chain benzene Sulphonic acid that has cleansing properties in water.
• Soap is defined as the Sodium and Potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids.

Detergent is preferred over soaps due to the following reasons:

• Detergent can be used in hard water for washing whereas soaps cannot be used in hard water as soaps form scums that stick to the fabric and make the cleaning difficult.
• Detergent can be used in acidic solution whereas soap cannot be used in acidic solution as soap decomposes in acidic solution and form free fatty acids.