Bentonite, a natural clay mineral, plays a vital role in enhancing the performance of detergent products like laundry powder and liquid detergent. Through its unique properties, such as excellent adsorption, fabric softening, and detergency-boosting abilities, bentonite improves cleaning effectiveness while offering eco-friendly benefits.
What is Bentonite for Detergent?
Bentonite for Detergent Use is a specially treated bentonite mineral widely used in detergent products such as laundry powder and liquid detergent. Its main functions include softening, detergency boosting, aiding cleaning, and serving as a filler. It is a natural clay mineral primarily composed of Montmorillonite, known for its excellent adsorption and dispersing properties.
1. Functions of Bentonite in Detergent
Fabric Softener
Bentonite can adsorb onto the surface of fabrics during the washing process, forming a soft film that makes clothes feel smoother and softer after washing. It is often used as a substitute in phosphate-free formulations.
Detergency Booster
Thanks to its excellent adsorption capacity, bentonite helps remove oil stains, particles, and heavy metal ions from clothes.
Filler
In laundry powders, bentonite is often used as a filler to reduce production costs without compromising washing performance.
Eco-friendly
Bentonite is a natural mineral that is non-toxic, harmless, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable, making it ideal for use in green detergent products.
2. Recommended Usage in Detergent Products
The typical dosage in laundry powder is 3%–8%, depending on the formulation and product positioning. High-quality detergent-grade bentonite usually has the following characteristics:
High whiteness (typically above 80%)
Fine particle size (above 200 mesh)
Good suspension and dispersion
High cation exchange capacity (CEC)
3. Common Types
The most commonly used type in the detergent industry is Sodium Bentonite, due to its superior swelling and dispersing properties, which enhance performance in detergent formulations.
Technical Data Sheet for Detergent Grade Bentonite
| Item | Specification | Description |
| Appearance | Light grey to off-white powder | Odorless, free from visible impurities |
| Whiteness | ≥ 80 | High whiteness, suitable for mid-to-high-end detergent formulations |
| Particle Size | ≥ 95% pass through 200 mesh | Fine powder with good dispersibility |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 10% | Ensures product stability and flowability |
| pH Value | 8.5-10.5 | Mildly alkaline, enhances cleaning performance |
| Oil Absorption | ≥ 60 g/100g | Strong adsorption capacity |
| Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | ≥ 70 meq/100g | Helps remove hardness ions and improve detergency |
| Dispersibility | Good | Easily dispersible in water, non-caking |
| Swelling Capacity | ≥ 20 ml/2g | Indicates softening and adsorptive properties |
| Heavy Metals | Complies with national/industry standards | Environmentally friendly and safe |
Key Product Benefits
– Provides fabric softening effect, acts as a substitute for traditional chemical softeners
– Assists in stain removal and enhances overall cleaning power
– Natural and eco-friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic
– Reduces overall formulation costs and improves product competitiveness
Colored Bentonite Granules vs Colored Sodium Sulfate
| Item | Colored Bentonite Granules | Colored Sodium Sulfate Granules |
| Main Composition | Modified bentonite + pigment | Anhydrous sodium sulfate + pigment |
| Visual Decoration | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Softening Effect | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Detergency Boost | ✅ Helps absorb stains and metal ions | ❌ No real washing function |
| Functional Value | ✅ Aesthetic + Practical (softening, cleaning aid) | Mainly decorative |
| Stability (Anti-fading / Moisture Resistance) | ✅ Excellent (high mineral stability) | ⚠ May fade or absorb moisture depending on formula |
| Eco-friendliness | ✅ Natural mineral, biodegradable and safe | ⚠ Depends on pigment, may be less eco-friendly |
| Cost | Slightly higher, but cost-effective | Lower, suitable for budget formulations |
Summary: Advantages of Colored Bentonite Granules
1. Multi-functional: Not just for looks — also provides fabric softening and cleaning support.
2. Product Differentiation: Enhances both visual appeal and product performance — ideal for mid-to-high-end detergents.
3. Eco-friendly & Stable: Natural, biodegradable material with excellent resistance to fading and moisture.
Key Aspects of Bentonite Stability
In the detergent industry, the stability of bentonite is a major advantage, especially in terms of storage, transportation, formula compatibility, and end-use performance. Here’s how its stability is reflected:
1. Chemical Stability
– Bentonite is a natural mineral with highly stable chemical properties.
– It does not react easily with other components in detergent formulas such as surfactants, enzymes, or fragrances.
– Remains effective in both alkaline and mildly acidic environments.
2. Thermal Stability
– Can withstand high temperatures during production processes such as spray drying or baking without decomposition or degradation.
– Maintains structure and function even under high-temperature storage or shipping conditions.
3. Storage Stability
– Moisture-resistant: Properly dried bentonite granules do not easily absorb moisture or form lumps, making them ideal for long-term storage and international shipping.
– More stable than other fillers like sodium sulfate, which are prone to caking.
4. Color Stability
– Colored bentonite granules are fade-resistant. The pigment is well-integrated and remains vibrant over time.
– The granules do not lose color or powder off during storage or handling, ensuring a consistent product appearance.
5. Dispersibility Stability
– Maintains excellent dispersibility in water, even after long-term storage.
– Ensures consistent performance in delivering fabric-softening and adsorptive effects during use.
6. Microbial Stability
– As a natural mineral, bentonite does not support microbial growth and does not spoil or mold under normal storage conditions.
The outstanding stability of bentonite makes it a highly reliable functional ingredient in detergent formulas, especially suitable for:
– Products intended for ocean shipping or long-term storage
– Phosphate-free, eco-friendly detergent lines
– Premium detergent products that require both decorative and functional benefits
Conclusion
Bentonite not only improves the quality of detergent products through its softening and cleaning properties, but it also offers cost-effective and sustainable advantages. With its natural composition and excellent stability, bentonite is a key ingredient for environmentally conscious and high-performance detergent formulations.
