Laundry detergents are a part of our daily lives at home, in advertising, and in supermarkets. We use them with great ease, but do we really know how modern detergents are composed and how their ingredients work? What is special about color detergents, for example? How can I wash sustainably and in an environmentally friendly way? Since when have modern detergents existed? This book answers these and many other questions. It provides a scientifically grounded introduction to the extensive field of detergent chemistry, presents the important developments of recent years, describes the impact of washing on the environment, and also addresses important aspects of consumer behavior and consumer protection. The correct application of detergents is the crucial factor in determining the extent of environmental impacts.