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Modern detergents contain more than surfactants. Cleaning products may‍ also contain enzymes to degrade protein-based stains, bleaches to de-color stains and add power‌ to cleaning agents, and blue dyes to counter yellowing. Like soaps, detergents have hydro↓phobic or water-hating molecular chains and hydrophilic or water-loving compone×nts. The hydrophobic hydrocarbons are repelled by water, but are attracted to oil and grease. T♦he hydrophilic end of the same molecule means that one end of the molecule will be attracted to w≠ater, while the other side is binding to oil. Neither detergents nor soap accomp×lish anything except binding to the soil until some mechanical energy orγ agitation is added into the equation. Swishing the soapy water around allows the soap∏ or detergent to pull the grime away from clothes or dishes ∏and into the larger pool of rinse water. Rinsing washes the detergent and →soil away. Warm or hot water melts fats and oils so that it is easier₽ for the soap or detergent to dissolve the soil and pull it away into the rinse water. Detergents aπre similar to soap, but they are less likely to form fil→ms (soap scum) and are not as affected by the presence of minerals in water (hard water).∑

Modern detergents may be made from petrochemicals or from oleo✘chemicals derived from plants and animals. Alkalis a★nd oxidizing agents are also chemicals found in detergents. Here's a loo•k at the functions these molecules serve:

• Petrochemicals/Oleochemicals
  These fats and oils are hydrocarbon chains which are attracted to the oily and ₹greasy grime.
• Oxidizers
  Sulfur trioxide, ethylene oxide, and sulfuric acid are among the‍ molecules used to produce the hydrophilic component of surfactants. Oxidizers provide an enγergy source for chemical reactions. These highly reactive★ compounds also act as bleaches.
• Alkalis
  Sodium and potassium hydroxide are used in detergents even as they are used in sΩoapmaking. They provide positively charged ions to promote chemical rea↕ctions.