We use soaps and detergents for cleaning our bodies, cars, homes, and things in our homes. Both cleaning agents serve the same overall purpose; in fact, you may refer to them interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both are surface-active agents or surfactants. They are also washing compounds that mix well with grease and water. Beyond that, though, there are some important differences.
Soaps
Soap has a different manufacturing process than that of detergent. True soaps, which are generally labeled as facial, beauty, or cleansing soaps, are manufactured with natural products. Soap requires less energy in the manufacturing process. It can be produced without leaving by-products that go to the landfill. Soap can clean things without harming the environment because it is biodegradable. Soaps with a pH of 9.5 to 10 make effective cleaning agents that eliminate the requirement for antibacterial chemicals and preservatives, both of which are harmful to the environment.
High-quality soaps are manufactured with oils, such as castor, olive, coconut, or palm, and keep the natural glycerin. Manufacturers of cheap soaps remove the glycerin and sell it for a profit.
Detergents
Detergents are usually made using petroleum products with alcohol and foaming agents as primary constituents. Detergents, by nature, have odors due to the chemical contents, which manufacturers mask with heavily scented, cheap, artificial fragrances. The production of detergents includes preservatives and antibacterial agents that will increase the products’ shelf life, which, unfortunately, can cause allergies and other reactions.
Which is best?
The main difference between soap and detergent lies in their behavior in water. Soap produces scum when used in hard water. The scum is difficult to remove and may change the hue of the laundry. Soap leaves an insoluble film similar to what you see in a shower stall when the water is hard. Detergents react less to minerals present in the water so they are less likely to leave residue behind.
Detergents are best used in cleaning and eliminating bad odors. The chemical contents of the detergents are able to mask unpleasant smells. They leave no residue when used for cleaning surfaces. Soap, on the other hand, is preferred for bathing and washing body parts because it is generally chemical-free. But when used in cleaning laundry and other surfaces, soap will leave an unsightly residue.
