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Kitchen cleaning and hygiene play an important role, so a suitable formulation for this product can easily remove grease, stains, and stubborn food residues. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of dishwashing liquid formulation—from the primary role of water as a universal solvent, to the key role of surfactants (such as SLS and SLES) in cleaning, to the importance of chelating agents for combating hard water, as well as well-known brands and eco-friendly solutions designed specifically for modern kitchens.

The history of dishwashing liquid can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the first artificial detergents were produced. Since then, the formulations of these products have been continuously innovated to improve their efficacy, enhance safety, and make them more environmentally friendly. Today, a wide variety of dishwashing liquids are sold on the market, each with its own unique advantages.

Key Ingredients in an Effective and Practical Dishwashing Liquid Formulation

Many active ingredients are used in dishwashing liquid formulations, each with its own unique function and effect. Next, we will highlight the key active ingredients in dishwashing liquid formulations.

1. Water is the main ingredient in dishwashing liquid formulations:

Water is the main ingredient in dishwashing liquid. It is called the "universal solvent" because, more than any other liquid, it has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances. Water itself is a good cleaner, but when combined with detergents and surfactants, it becomes a very powerful and effective dishwashing liquid.

2. Ingredients for removing grease:

Solvents help dissolve grease and soften stubborn stains. Ethanol and isopropanol are common solvents that can enhance cleaning performance.

3. Surfactants enable effective cleaning:

Common surfactants in dishwashing liquid formulations include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), cocamidopropyl betaine, fatty acid diethanolamide, alkylbenzene sulfonates, amine oxides, and alkyl polyglucosides. In addition to these substances, sodium octyl sulfonate can also be used as an efficient hydrophilic sulfonate. Because hydrophilic sulfonates can improve the solubility of poorly soluble organic substances in water, sodium octyl sulfonate helps to fully disperse and maintain the effectiveness of cleaning active ingredients in complex formulations, so cleaning products containing sodium octyl sulfonate are more transparent, more stable, and better performing.

4. Thickeners and rheology modifiers in dishwashing liquid formulations

Sodium chloride: commonly known as table salt, used to thicken concentrated dishwashing liquid.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose-based thickener that helps control the viscosity and uniformity of dishwashing liquid.

Guar gum: a natural thickener produced by sugar fermentation that gives the product a soft and stable texture.

5. Chelating agents

Chelating agents such as sodium citrate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, and DTPMP–7Na work by binding to metal ions present in hard water. This process reduces soap scum formation and improves cleaning efficiency. As a result, it prevents the formation of dirt and residues on containers and glass, ultimately making them shiny and completely clean.

6. Extending product shelf life

To maintain efficacy during the product's use period, preservatives are added to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. These preservatives can inhibit microbial growth, thereby maintaining the quality and efficacy of the product. One of the common preservatives in dishwashing liquid formulations is methylisothiazolinone (MIT).

7. Skin care

Ingredients such as glycerin or polyquaternium-7 can be used in dishwashing liquid formulations to create products that are mild and suitable for the skin. These additives help moisturize and soothe the skin of the hands and reduce the risk of dryness or irritation caused by frequent use.

8. Enzymes in dishwashing liquid formulations

Enzymes such as proteases, amylases, and lipases are biological catalysts that help break down food particles, proteins, starch, and fats, respectively. Adding them to dishwashing liquid formulations can improve the cleaning ability of the product and remove stubborn stains and food residues more effectively.

9. Fragrance

Fragrances or essential oils can be added to dishwashing liquid to create a pleasant scent and enhance the user's sensory experience. A variety of fragrances can be used to meet different taste preferences; for example, citrus, floral, or herbal fragrances.

10. Colorants

Adding color to dishwashing liquid can make it more visually appealing on the shelf, thereby attracting customers' attention and helping the product stand out from competitors. Color can also indicate a specific fragrance type or formulation; for example, green for plant-based scents and blue for ocean-themed scents.

11. Considerations regarding pH, temperature, and stability of dishwashing liquid formulations

To achieve ideal performance and stability, formulators must keep the pH of the dishwashing liquid between 7 and 9 and store the product at room temperature.

12. Hygiene and environmental considerations

When using any cleaning product, it is crucial to pay attention to its impact on human health and the environment. Fortunately, most reputable dishwashing liquid manufacturers understand these issues and strive to produce products that are safe for consumers and friendly to the planet.

As a necessity for kitchen hygiene, dishwashing liquid has evolved into a complex combination of specialized chemicals to achieve better efficacy and safety. The effective formulation of this product is based on water (as the main solvent) and includes the following key ingredients: surfactants (such as SLS and SLES) for cleaning grease, solvents (such as ethanol) for dissolving stains, and water-soluble salts (such as sodium sorbate) for improving the stability and performance of the detergent. In addition, thickeners (such as salt and xanthan gum), chelating agents (such as EDTA) for combating hard water, preservatives for extending shelf life, and enzymes for breaking down food residues together ensure the final performance of the product.

In addition to ensuring proper pH and product stability, modern manufacturers also focus on skin softeners (such as glycerin) and environmental factors to provide a safe, eco-friendly product with pleasant visual and scent appeal to the end consumer.