Mention the disadvantages of detergents.

Explanation

(a) • Detergents are better than soaps because they:
• can be used in both hard and soft water and can clean more effectively in hard water than soap.
• can also be used in saline and acidic water.
• do not leave any soap scum on the tub or clothes.
• dissolve freely even in cool water and rinse freely in hard water.
• can be used for washing woollen garments, where as soap cannot be used.
• have a linear hydrocarbon chain, which is biodegradable.
• are active emulsifiers of motor grease.
• do an effective and safe cleansing, keeping even synthetic fabrics brighter and whiter.
(b) • Some detergents having a branched hydrocarbon chain are not fully biodegradable by micro-organisms present in water. So, they cause water pollution.
• They are relatively more expensive than soap.