Anionic surfactants work best to remove dirt, clay, and some oily stains. ... When added to water, the anionic surfactants ionize and have a negative charge. The negatively charged surfactants bind to positively charged particles like clay. Anionic surfactants are effective in removing particulate soils [11].

How does a surfactant work?

Surfactant, also called surface-active agent, substance such as a detergent that, when added to a liquid, reduces its surface tension, thereby increasing its spreading and wetting properties. In the dyeing of textiles, surfactants help the dye penetrate the fabric evenly.

How does a nonionic surfactant work?

Structurally, nonionic surfactants combine uncharged hydrophilic and hydrophobic group that make them effective in wetting and spreading and as emulsifiers and foaming agents. Concurrently, they have minimal skin and eye irritation effects and exhibit a wide range of critical secondary performance properties.