Detergent production

Heavy-duty detergents mostly contain bleaching agents in order to decolourise stains caused by things like fruit juices or red wine. Mainly perborates are used here. However, particularly in the presence of traces of heavy metals, they exhibit a tendency to uncontrolled and fast decomposition, while releasing oxygen. This inactivation of the perborates is inhibited by adding stabilisers.

Magnesium sulphate and its derivative, magnesium silicate , are used as stabilisers. They are gentle on fibres and the environment.

Magnesium sulphate is also used in liquid soaps, laundry and dish washing detergents to regulate viscosity .