Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is the most widely used antiredeposition agent; the literature also mentions methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Antiredeposition agents are adsorbed on both soil and fabrics, where they keep soil particles from resettling on fabrics being washed and act as a dispersing agent. Surfactants and complex phosphates also help prevent soil redeposition, although this is not their primary function.
Glossary
Antiredeposition agent
11.16.21
: An ingredient used in laundry detergents to help prevent soil from resettling on fabrics after it has been removed during washing.
