Surfactants

• Many compounds, including most soaps, have molecules that have at least a slight surfactant nature, but true surfactants are made of hydrocarbon chains. These chains are created with a specific polar head. The two ends are designed to be attracted to water molecules on one end and grease or dirt on the other end.
  
  

Surfactant Action

• When surfactants such as laundry detergents are spread through water and clothing, the head of their molecules latches onto dirt and stains, while the tail bonds more easily to water molecules. With one absorbed into one substance and the other end absorbed into water, a tug-of-war begins. When enough surfactant molecules attach to stain particles, the force of this tug of war separates the grime from the fabric.
  
  

Oxidizers

• Oxidizers are chemicals that contain trapped oxygen that is released, often when combined with water. Oxidation is the same process that occurs when iron rusts. Oxygen atoms interact with the atoms of substances that they come in contact with, creating chemical reactions and disrupting the compound. The same chemical reactions is used to purify water and remove stains from certain materials, including rugs and fabrics.
  
  

Solvents

• Solvents are specialized chemicals that create a dissolution effect when they meet a certain substance that they are "paired" with or similar to. This is why petroleum-based solvents are so effective at removing varnish stains and similar spots. Like tends to dissolve like when it comes to solvents. They are often effective when other stain removers do not work.
  
  

Enzymes

• Enzyme treatments are eco-friendly stain removers that use enzymes suspended in a liquid solution. These enzymes are the same as those produced by organisms to break down food. The enzymes break down stain particles into smaller pieces so they can be easily removed. These compounds are used most often against organic stains such as those cause by pets.