Difference between soap and detergent
What are soap and detergent?
Both soap and detergent are products used to clean objects such as clothes, dishes, hands, etc. However, although both perform the same function, there are significant differences between them.
Soap
Soap is a chemical compound derived from the saponification of fats or oils. Basically, it is a mixture of fatty acids with an alkaline base. Soaps are usually biodegradable products, that is, they do not harm the the environment.
Detergent
On the other hand, detergent is a synthetic chemical that consists of a mixture of petrochemicals. Unlike soap, some detergents have properties that can damage the ozone layer and affect human health.
What is the difference between soap and detergent?
The main difference between soap and detergent is their chemical composition. While soap comes from a natural source, detergent comes from petrochemicals. Besides:
- Biodegradability: Soaps are biodegradable, that is, they decompose of natural form and do not harm environment. On the other hand, some detergents are highly polluting and can be harmful to the environment.
- PH: Soaps usually have an alkaline PH, while detergents usually have a neutral PH.
- Effectiveness: Detergents are usually more effective than soaps in removing stubborn stains or dirt.
- Cost: In general, detergents are cheaper than soaps.
Conclusion
In short, there are significant differences between soap and detergent. Although both have the ability to clean, their chemical compositions are different. It is always recommended to use biodegradable and environmentally friendly products.