What is the chelating agent in laundry detergent?

The chelating agent commonly used in laundry detergents is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or its salts, such as tetrasodium EDTA. Chelating agents like EDTA are added to detergents to help remove metal ions from the wash water, which can interfere with the cleaning process and cause discoloration or dullness in fabrics.

In the context of laundry, chelating agents work by binding to the metal ions present in the water, such as calcium and magnesium ions, forming a stable complex that can be removed along with the wash water. This helps prevent these metal ions from interfering with the performance of the detergent and allows for more effective cleaning.

Chelating agents play an important role in maintaining the effectiveness of the detergent and improving the overall quality of the wash.