High Quality Liquid Detergent Complete Manufacturing & Formulation Guide
High quality liquid detergent is an advanced laundry cleaning solution designed to deliver powerful stain removal, fabric care, and long-lasting freshness. Unlike traditional powder detergents, liquid laundry detergents dissolve quickly in water, penetrate deep into fabric fibers, and work efficiently in both cold and hot water washes. This makes them ideal for hand wash, top-load, and front-load washing machines.
A professionally formulated liquid detergent uses a balanced blend of anionic and amphoteric surfactants such as LABSA, SLES, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which effectively remove oil stains, grease, sweat, and food residues without damaging fabric texture or color. Builders like sodium carbonate and sodium silicate enhance cleaning performance by softening hard water and improving alkalinity, while enzymes break down protein, fat, and starch-based stains for deep cleaning results.
High quality liquid detergents are preferred in modern households due to their low residue formation, fabric-friendly action, and eco-efficient usage. The inclusion of optical brighteners enhances whiteness, while carefully selected fragrance oils provide a fresh and long-lasting scent. Preservatives ensure extended shelf life and product stability during storage.
This detailed guide explains the liquid detergent formulation, ingredient percentages, step-by-step manufacturing process, quality control parameters, and viscosity adjustment techniques. Whether you are a small-scale manufacturer, startup brand owner, or DIY formulator, this guide helps you produce a commercial-grade liquid laundry detergent that meets market standards and consumer expectations.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
High quality liquid detergent is a modern laundry cleaning solution designed to effectively remove tough stains, dirt, grease, and odors while being gentle on fabrics. Unlike traditional powder detergents, liquid detergents dissolve quickly in water, penetrate fabric fibers deeply, and perform efficiently in both cold and hot water washes. They are suitable for hand washing as well as automatic washing machines, offering superior cleaning performance with fabric care and long lasting freshness.
Uses of Liquid Detergent
- Washing cotton, linen, synthetic, and blended fabrics
- Effective for hand wash and machine wash (top load & front load)
- Removing grease, oil, food stains, and body soil
- Suitable for daily laundry and heavy duty cleaning
- Can be used for soaking heavily soiled clothes
Benefits of High Quality Liquid Detergent
- ✔ Deep stain removal with fast action
- ✔ Easily soluble no residue on clothes
- ✔ Gentle on fabrics and colors
- ✔ Effective in cold and hot water
- ✔ Pleasant fragrance with long lasting freshness
- ✔ Lower fabric wear compared to harsh powders
- ✔ Economical due to concentrated formulation
Formulation: 10 KG Batch
| Ingredient Name | Percentage (%) | Weight (KG) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deionized Water | 55.00% | 5.50 kg | Base solvent; dissolves and carries all ingredients |
| Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA 96%) | 8.00% | 0.80 kg | Primary anionic surfactant for strong grease and stain removal |
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH – 50% solution) | 1.20% | 0.12 kg | Neutralizes LABSA and activates surfactant |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES 70%) | 10.00% | 1.00 kg | Secondary surfactant; improves cleaning power and foam |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine | 4.00% | 0.40 kg | Foam booster and mildness enhancer |
| Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) | 2.50% | 0.25 kg | Water softener and alkalinity provider |
| Sodium Chloride | 1.50% | 0.15 kg | Viscosity (thickness) control agent |
| Sodium Silicate | 2.00% | 0.20 kg | Corrosion inhibitor and cleaning booster |
| Optical Brightener | 0.20% | 0.02 kg (20 g) | Enhances fabric whiteness and brightness |
| Enzyme Blend | 0.50% | 0.05 kg (50 g) | Breaks down protein, fat, and starch stains |
| Preservative | 0.20% | 0.02 kg (20 g) | Prevents microbial contamination |
| Fragrance | 0.30% | 0.03 kg (30 g) | Provides pleasant and long-lasting scent |
| Color | 0.05% | 0.005 kg (5 g) | Improves product appearance |
| Total | 100% | 10.00 KG | — |
Key Quality Parameters
- Ideal pH: 7.5 – 9.0
- Appearance: Clear to slightly pearly liquid
- Foam Level: Medium to high (adjustable)
- Shelf Life: 18–24 months (with proper preservative)
Step by Step Manufacturing Process
High-Quality Liquid Detergent
Equipment Required
- Mixing tank (plastic or stainless steel)
- Mechanical stirrer or paddle mixer
- Weighing scale
- pH meter or pH strips
- Measuring jars
- Safety gloves & goggles
Step 1: Water Charging
- Add about 70–75% of the total deionized water into the mixing tank.
- Start slow agitation to create a gentle vortex.
- Ensure water temperature is below 35–40°C.
Purpose: Creates the base medium for dissolving all ingredients.
Step 2: LABSA Neutralization
- Slowly add LABSA into the water while stirring continuously.
- In a separate container, dilute Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) with a small amount of water.
- Add diluted NaOH slowly to the LABSA mixture.
- Monitor pH; aim for pH 7.5–8.5.
Purpose: Converts LABSA into an active anionic surfactant.
⚠️ Always add NaOH slowly to avoid overheating.
Step 3: Addition of Primary Surfactants
- Add SLES (70%) slowly while stirring.
- Allow it to mix until the solution becomes uniform and clear.
- Add Cocamidopropyl Betaine and mix for 10–15 minutes.
Purpose: Improves cleaning power, foam stability, and mildness.
Step 4: Builders & Alkalinity Agents
- Dissolve Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) in water separately.
- Add the solution slowly to the main tank.
- Add Sodium Silicate and mix thoroughly.
Purpose: Enhances detergency, water softening, and fabric cleaning.
Step 5: Optical Brightener Addition
- Pre-dissolve the optical brightener in warm water.
- Add to the batch and mix until evenly dispersed.
Purpose: Improves fabric whiteness and brightness.
Step 6: Enzyme Addition
- Ensure batch temperature is below 40°C.
- Add enzyme blend gently with slow stirring.
- Avoid high-speed mixing.
Purpose: Breaks down protein, oil, and starch-based stains.
⚠️ High heat can deactivate enzymes.
Step 7: Preservative, Color & Fragrance
- Add preservative and mix well.
- Add color solution slowly until desired shade is achieved.
- Add fragrance last and mix gently for 5–10 minutes.
Purpose: Product protection, visual appeal, and pleasant scent.
Step 8: Viscosity Adjustment
- Dissolve sodium chloride (salt) in water.
- Add gradually while stirring.
- Stop once the desired thickness is achieved.
Purpose: Controls product viscosity and flow behavior.
⚠️ Overdosing salt can thin the product.
Step 9: Final Water Adjustment
- Add remaining water to reach the final batch weight.
- Mix for 10–15 minutes until homogeneous.
Step 10: Final Quality Checks
- pH: 7.5 – 9.0
- Appearance: Clear to slightly pearly
- Viscosity: Smooth, pourable
- Foam: Stable and consistent
Adjust pH if needed using diluted NaOH or citric acid.
Step 11: Filtration & Filling
- Allow the detergent to rest for 12–24 hours to release trapped air.
- Filter if required.
- Fill into clean, dry bottles and seal properly.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Shelf life: 18–24 months
- Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures