All detergent formulations are engineered with one common purpose: To remove dirt from a surface -- whether it be clothing, tiles, dishes, glass, upholstery, floors, carpet or stainless steel. Because there is such a huge variety of different soils and different surfaces, there is also a huge variety of detergent formulations which can be manufactured. Detergent formulation requires the use of two components: Surfactants and builders. For more info: http://ecologicalsurfactants.com/