Re: Where did laundry stain removers come from?

Dear James: Rather than recount the history, I will give you some websites from which you can garner the background you are looking for. So here they are (via a Google search):

http://www.chemistry.co.nz/deterghistory.htm

http://www.cleaning101.com/cleaning/history/soaphistory3.html

http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/consumer/faq/stain-removers.shtml

http://www.auntroma.com/history.htm

http://www.greeningschools.org/docs/HouseholdChemicalsandAlternatives.pdf

I think this will help you get started on your project.

Sincerely,
P.M.Fiche
Professor of Chemistry
Coker College
Hartsville, SC 29550