1930s- Because of this strong need of a soluble cleaning agent, the soap producing technology soared. The first commercial detergents were used only for laundry and dishes.
1946- The infamous All-Purpose Cleaner was created in 1946. This "wonder cleaner" was created containing a surfactant/builder combination. (You'll hear about this later)
1953- All of a sudden detergents were the next best thing. The fifties had just rolled in along with the white picketed fences, drive-in movie theaters, and tv dinners. The American Dream had no use for soap with one purpose.
1960s- Soil and stain removers emerged.
1970s- Liquid hand soaps, fabric softeners (the ones we still use today) plauged the stores.
1980s- Laundry Detergents for washing machines were improved. Dishwashing was created for the newly made dishwashers.
1990s- Powder and liquid detergents continue to branch, and cleaning companies become one of the biggest corporations in the country.