Formulated for removing stubborn, greasy dirt, they may include an abrasive. Laundry Detergents and Laundry Aids are available as liquids, powders, gels, sticks, sprays, pumps, sheets and bars. They are formulated to meet a variety of soil and stain removal, bleaching, fabric softening and conditioning, and disinfectant needs under varying water, temperature and use condiditons. Laundry detergents are either general purpose or light duty. General purpose detergents are suitable for all washable fabrics.
Liquids work best on oily soils and for pretreating soils and stains.
Powders are especialy effective in lifting out clay and ground-in dirt. Light duty detergents are used for hand or machine washing lightly soiled items and delicate fabrics. Laundry aids contribute to the effectiveness of laundry detergents and provide special functions. They convert soils into colorless, soluble particles that can be removed by detergents and carried away in the wash water. Bluings contain a blue dye or pigment taken up by fabrics in the wash or rinse.