Anionic surfactants bleach cleaners

Cleaners containing oxygen bleach or peroxides are gaining in popularity. Contrary to the usual trend in developed nations, these products are often in powder form rather than liquid to facilitate delivery of the peroxide (usually in the form of percarbonate), which is very difficult to stabilize in liquid formulation [44]. They are usually aimed at laundry problems, but directions on the label give dilution instructions for use as a cleaner on a variety of hard surfaces as well. Surfactants used in these cleaners are usually anionic or nonionic at low concentrations (<5%). Oxygen bleach formulas are touted for their greater surface safety, but with the greater safety comes a decreased spectrum of stains that can be bleached. 

As in the all-purpose cleaners, specialty cleaners generally have a combination of surfactants for most effective cleaning. These are usually combinations of anionic and nonionic surfactants. However, as was noted in the discussions above, there are times when solely nonionic surfactants are needed. Over the past 20 years, the household cleaners have gradually made more and more use of amine oxide, betaines, and more specialized nonionics. Amine oxides were always well used in hypochlorite-containing products, but are now used in other cleaners as well. However, the use of linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates are still very prevalent. As stated before, the main choice of surfactant is dictated by the other chemistry in the cleaner—acid, alkaline, bleach, and quats. 

Chem. Descrip. Mixt, of anionic and nonionic surfactants Uses Surfactant for hypochloride- or hydrogen peroxide-containing cleaners, laundry bleaches... 

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