The common property of all surfactants is that they are chemical compounds and reduce the surface tension in water or in solutions containing water. These substances contain two different molecules, both attracted and pushed by water. These are the most commonly used cleaning agents today and each has different functions. These surfactants are divided into four different groups:

• The cationic active substances have antiseptic properties and after cleaning, later pollination occurs in the cleaned areas. It is also used to remove impurities but is an expensive compound.
• Anionic active agents are mainly used in dishwashing detergents, washing machine detergents, carpet washing detergents. They are effective in removing mild risks. At high temperatures the effects are also increasing.
• Nonionic active agents are very expensive compositions but have very strong soil removal ability. They are particularly effective in cleaning very oily areas.
• Amphoteric substances are surfactants that do not harm human skin. It is mostly used in cosmetics sector very actively. Today, many cosmetic companies use these substances that are not dangerous for human health. Cleaning power is very high.

TS 2010 / T518 Synthetic Detergents standard issued by the Turkish Standards Institute in the year 2 is the standard used by authorized laboratories for total active substance measurements. This standard covers all synthetic detergents. However, it does not include cleaning agents used in the cleaning of living things and industrial detergents produced for general purpose cleaning works such as hotels, hospitals, dormitories, touristic facilities and laundries and for use in dishwashing and washing machines.

Total active substance analyzes are also performed within the scope of basic physical and chemical analyzes performed by authorized laboratories. It is important that laboratories are accredited in accordance with the TS EN ISO / IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Test and Calibration Laboratories.