detergent

Everyday

Detergent is a liquid or powder used for cleaning, especially for washing clothes or dishes. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety: washing-up liquid and laundry powder are detergents; keep them away from small children and never swallow them; laundry pods are very dangerous. In science lessons, detergent breaks up grease and is used in bubble and milk-colour experiments. Phrases: «washing detergent», «laundry detergent», «a drop of detergent».

Examples

• Put some detergent in the washing machine. tree →
• Detergent helps take grease off the plates. tree →
• We added a drop of detergent to the milk and the colours swirled. tree →
• Keep detergent on a high shelf away from little children. tree →
• This detergent is gentle on the skin. tree →
• Mix water and detergent to make bubbles. tree →
• Never drink anything from a detergent bottle. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: «some detergent», «too much detergent». Safety: if a child swallows detergent or gets it in the eyes, tell an adult straight away and call for help. In maths, it appears in volume problems (ml per wash).