A -When mixed with herbicides, insecticides or fertilizers, a surfactant helps the chemicals stick to and penetrate the grass much better. However, it is important to use detergent and not liquid soap. Detergent is a better surfactant as it breaks down easily, does not build up and supplies phosphates, which plants need. Soaps and detergents are toxic to plants. A strong solution of soapy water sprayed onto foliage can disintegrate the leaves' waxy coating, resulting in water loss and the eventual dehydration death of the plant. Soap will remain in the soil, making it toxic and eventually deadly. Hard-shelled and larger insects, such as beetle larvae and caterpillars, often are immune to its effects. Soap kills by disrupting insects' cell membranes and it also may remove their protective waxy coating, which causes their bodies to dehydrate. Insects are actually good for the soil to continue to break it up, fertilize it, and eventually their decayed bodies fuel the soil. Our Liquid Aerator has molasses in it which helps it to adhere and serve as a surfactant, thus soap is in our opinion just a bad idea!