It is common for color laundry detergents and white laundry detergents to share many of the same ingredients. The primary reason for this is that the fundamental purpose of both types of detergents is to clean fabrics effectively by removing stains, dirt, and oils. The main components required to achieve this cleaning action are similar regardless of the type of fabric being washed.
The key ingredients found in most laundry detergents, regardless of color or white, include:
Surfactants: These are responsible for lifting and removing dirt and stains from the fabric.
Enzymes: Enzymes break down and digest specific stains, such as protein-based stains (blood, grass, food).
Builders: Builders help soften water, allowing the surfactants to work more effectively.
Optical brighteners: These compounds make fabrics appear brighter and whiter by absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as visible blue light.
Bleaching agents (in white detergents only): These are included in white laundry detergents to help remove tough stains and maintain the whiteness of the fabric.
While white laundry detergents may have additional ingredients like bleaching agents, the basic components that provide the cleaning power are the same in both types of detergents. Using color-safe detergents for colored fabrics helps to prevent color fading, bleeding, or dulling, but the cleaning performance is still achieved through the same core ingredients.
So, it is entirely normal for color laundry detergents and white laundry detergents to have the same foundational ingredients while being designed to cater to the specific needs of different types of fabrics. Always follow the usage instructions on the detergent packaging to ensure proper care for your clothes.