How are soaps and detergents made? Podcast By cover art

How are soaps and detergents made?

How are soaps and detergents made?

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Something fundamental that we must know is that both soaps and detergents have the same alkaline base, the difference is that soaps are made from animal or vegetable fats, while detergents are made from synthetic substances, that is, That is why "soap" is not the same as "detergent" regardless of whether it is solid, powder or liquid.

Soap is the result of the chemical reaction between an alkali (sodium or potassium hydroxide) and a fatty acid such as olive oil, coconut oil, etc. This reaction is called saponification. This combination is soluble in water and due to its detersive properties, it is used to wash and disinfect. Depending on the use for which it is intended, other additives of natural origin such as dyes, aromas, essential oils, herbs, etc. can be added.

On the other hand, the detergent is a mixture of various synthetic substances, many of them derived from petroleum, which have the chemical property of dissolving dirt.

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