Detergent Hard Jelly is a thick, semi-solid laundry cleaning product designed for consumers who prefer a concentrated and easy-to-use detergent format. Its jelly-like consistency can be developed using a combination of surfactants, builders and viscosity-building ingredients.
In this guide, we explain a 1 KG Detergent Hard Jelly formulation, the function of each ingredient, manufacturing procedure, quality parameters and important precautions.
What Is Detergent Hard Jelly?
Detergent Hard Jelly is a highly viscous laundry detergent in jelly form. Compared with conventional liquid detergent, its thick consistency provides a different user experience and allows the product to be packaged in tubs or jars.
A properly balanced formulation should provide:
- Good cleaning performance
- Thick jelly consistency
- Pleasant fragrance
- Stable appearance
- Suitable pH
- Good fabric compatibility when correctly formulated
1 KG Detergent Hard Jelly Formula
| Raw Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| SLES 28% / Texapon | 150 g |
| SLS Powder | 80 g |
| CMC | 30 g |
| Soda Ash | 50 g |
| STPP | 30 g |
| Sodium Sulphate | 30 g |
| Preservative | 2 g |
| Fragrance | 5 g |
| Colour | 0.1–0.3 g |
| Water | q.s. to 1000 g |
Final batch size: 1 KG
The exact water quantity should be adjusted during manufacturing to obtain the required consistency and compensate for raw-material moisture/content variations.
Function of Each Raw Material
1. SLES 28% / Texapon
SLES is the primary liquid surfactant in this formulation. It contributes to detergency, wetting and foam generation.
2. SLS Powder
SLS is a powdered anionic surfactant that contributes to cleaning and foam performance.
3. CMC
CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) acts primarily as a thickening and stabilising polymer. It helps develop the characteristic jelly-like body of the product.
4. Soda Ash
Soda ash, or sodium carbonate, acts as an alkaline builder and contributes to cleaning performance by helping with the detergent system’s alkalinity and water-softening action.
5. STPP
STPP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate) functions as a builder and water-conditioning ingredient. It supports detergent performance, particularly in hard-water conditions.
6. Sodium Sulphate
Sodium sulphate can contribute to the physical consistency and solids balance of the formulation. It should be added gradually because excessive addition can negatively affect the final texture.
7. Preservative
The preservative helps protect the water-containing product against microbial spoilage. Always follow the supplier’s recommended dosage and regulatory requirements for the specific preservative.
8. Fragrance
Fragrance gives the finished detergent its characteristic scent. It should generally be added during the finishing stage.
9. Colour
A suitable water-compatible detergent colour can be used to obtain the desired appearance.
10. Water
Water acts as the processing medium and determines the final concentration and consistency of the product.
Manufacturing Process
Step 1 — Prepare the CMC Gel
Take a portion of the required water in a clean mixing vessel.
Slowly sprinkle 30 g CMC into the water while continuously stirring.
Continue mixing until the CMC is properly dispersed and allow it to hydrate.
For better hydration, the CMC gel can be allowed to stand for several hours or overnight.
Step 2 — Prepare the Builder Solution
In a separate container, dissolve:
- 50 g Soda Ash
- 30 g STPP
Use separate portions of water if required.
Mix until the materials are reasonably well dissolved/dispersed before adding them to the main batch.
Step 3 — Prepare the SLS Solution
Take another portion of water and gradually add 80 g SLS powder.
Mix gently until the SLS is properly dispersed.
Avoid aggressive agitation because it can generate excessive foam.
Step 4 — Add the CMC Gel
Transfer the hydrated CMC gel into the main mixing vessel.
Start slow-to-moderate agitation.
Step 5 — Add SLS
Add the prepared SLS solution gradually to the CMC gel.
Continue mixing until the mixture becomes uniform.
Step 6 — Add SLES
Add 150 g SLES 28% slowly.
Mix gently until the SLES is completely incorporated.
Avoid excessive aeration.
Step 7 — Add Builders
Slowly add the prepared Soda Ash and STPP solution.
Continue mixing until the batch becomes homogeneous.
Step 8 — Adjust the Consistency
Add the remaining water gradually, rather than adding all of it at once.
Stop when the desired thick jelly consistency is achieved.
The final water requirement may vary depending on the grade and moisture content of the raw materials.
Step 9 — Add Sodium Sulphate
Add 30 g Sodium Sulphate gradually.
Allow it to incorporate completely before making any further consistency adjustment.
Step 10 — Add Preservative, Colour & Fragrance
Once the batch is uniform:
- Add the preservative according to its supplier-recommended dosage.
- Add the required colour.
- Add 5 g fragrance.
- Mix gently until completely uniform.
Resting Period
Transfer the finished detergent jelly into a clean covered container and allow it to rest for approximately 12–24 hours.
The viscosity and appearance can change during this period as the CMC fully hydrates and the formulation reaches equilibrium.
Quality Control
Before packaging, check:
Appearance
The product should have a smooth, homogeneous jelly appearance without visible lumps or undispersed powder.
pH
A practical target for this type of alkaline laundry detergent can be around:
pH 8.5–9.5
The actual specification should be established through product-performance and fabric-compatibility testing.
Consistency
The product should maintain its jelly structure without becoming excessively watery or excessively rigid.
Odour
The fragrance should be pleasant and free from unusual raw-material odours.
Stability
Keep a sample at room temperature and, where possible, conduct accelerated stability testing before commercial production.
Can Caustic Soda Be Added?
Do not add caustic soda simply to make the detergent thicker.
Caustic soda is a strong alkali and excessive use can increase the pH significantly. This may make the product harsher and can affect fabrics and skin.
If caustic soda is genuinely required for a specific formulation, it should be used only after determining the required amount and controlling the final pH.
Packaging
Detergent Hard Jelly can be packed in:
- Plastic tubs
- Wide-mouth HDPE containers
- PP jars
- Suitable detergent-grade containers
The packaging should be compatible with the formulation and provide a good seal to prevent contamination and moisture loss.
Common Manufacturing Problems
Jelly Is Too Thin
Possible causes include:
- Insufficient CMC hydration
- Excessive water
- Inadequate polymer dispersion
- Raw-material variation
Jelly Is Too Hard
Possible causes include:
- Excessive thickening solids
- Too little water
- Poor balance between CMC and surfactants
Excessive Foam During Manufacturing
Use slower agitation and avoid vigorous mixing, particularly while incorporating SLS and SLES.
CMC Lumps
CMC should be sprinkled gradually into water under continuous agitation. Dumping the entire quantity at once can create difficult-to-hydrate lumps.
Fragrance Separation
The fragrance should be compatible with the detergent system and added at the finishing stage. A small compatibility test should be performed before large-scale production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detergent Hard Jelly the same as liquid detergent?
No. Both are laundry-cleaning products, but Hard Jelly is formulated with a substantially thicker physical structure.
Why is CMC used in detergent jelly?
CMC helps provide viscosity and contributes to the structured, jelly-like consistency.
Can SLES be used instead of Texapon?
SLES is commonly sold under different commercial names, including Texapon depending on the specific grade and supplier. Always verify the active matter and specification of the material being purchased.
How long should the detergent jelly rest?
A 12–24 hour resting period is useful for observing the final texture and stability before packaging.
What is the ideal pH?
For this type of laundry detergent, a working target around pH 8.5–9.5 can be used as a starting specification, but the final specification should be validated through product and fabric testing.
Conclusion
A successful Detergent Hard Jelly depends not only on the ingredient quantities but also on proper CMC hydration, controlled mixing, gradual addition of solids and careful adjustment of water.
For commercial production, every batch should be checked for pH, viscosity, appearance, fragrance stability and storage stability before being released for sale.