Properties of Detergents - Oils and Fats

Detergents are superior cleansing agents due to following properties.

(i) These can be employed both in soft and hard waters as the calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water form soluble salts along with detergents. Ordinary soap cannot be employed in hard water.

(ii) The detergents' aqueous solution are neutral. Therefore these can be employed for washing all types of fabrics without any damage. The solution or common soap is alkaline and thus cannot be employed to wash delicate fabrics.