Surfactants are a name given to chemical compounds that affect, usually lower, surface tension when dissolved in water or in an aqueous solution. Surfactants consist of two groups of molecules, which are attracted by water and pushed by water (hydrophilic and hydrophobic). Mainly these surfactants are in four groups:

• Anionic active agents are generally used in dishwashing and laundry detergents, carpet cleaning shampoos and synthetic cleaning agents such as these. It is more easily removes dirt.
• Cationic active substances are expensive but not strong soil removal properties. It is mainly suitable for post-wash processes and is used in disinfectant products such as fabric softener and bleach.
• Nonionic active agents have strong soil removal properties. They are not affected by water hardness and low temperature.
• Amphoteric active agents are complex and are not overused surfactants. It has a high cleaning power and does not damage the skin. Mainly used in cosmetic industry.

By interacting with cationic surfactants, they perform basic functions such as softening, antistatic properties, lubrication, anti-wear and adhesion. Softeners include cationic detergents. % 5-15 contains cationic active substance. Kayonic detergents are more toxic than anionic and nonionic.

Cationic active substance analysis is also performed in authorized laboratories within the scope of physical and chemical analysis of disinfectants. The standards adopted in these studies are as follows:

• TS 13274 Fabric softeners
• Surface active substances - Detergents - Determination of the content of cationic active substance - Part 2871: High molecular mass cationic active substance
• Surface active agents - Detergents - Determination of cationic active substance content - Part 2871: Low molecular mass (between 2 and 2) cationic active substance