Biological

Primarily used to break down oil-based dirt on surfaces, such as makeup, grease, and body oil. 

The negative charge helps the surfactant molecules lift and suspend soils in micelles. These molecules form aggregates called micelles, which reduce the surface tension of the clothing and allow for the penetration of porous materials. 

They have strong antimicrobial properties and are normally used in disinfection. 

They disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to their inactivation or destruction. 

It contains both positive and negative charges, making it gentler on the skin, and is commonly used in personal care products. 

It functions similarly to anionic surfactants in reducing water cohesive forces but behaves differently at different pH levels due to its stabilizing properties, facilitating penetration of porous materials. 

It removes non-polar substances such as oils, greases, and lipids. 

Non-ionic surfactants have a neutral head group and are less sensitive to changes in pH, yet they function similarly to other types of surfactants. 

Primarily used for removing heavy grease and oil found in industrial equipment or automobile. 

Alkalis hydrolyze the ester bonds found in oils and fats, breaking them down into glycerol and fatty acid salts (soaps). These soap molecules have both polar and nonpolar ends, making them effective emulsifiers. The micelles encapsulate the oil and reduce surface tension by increasing surface area. 

Primarily used to breaks down insoluble mineral compound stains, such as limescale, rust, and hard water deposits. 

Acid-dissolution enhances the acid's ability to interact with mineral compounds in stains, increasing their solubility. Chelation involves acid molecules binding to metal ions, forming water-soluble complexes that aid in removing metal-based stains like rust.