Advertisements for laundry detergents often tout their ability to make clothes brighter. This effect is achieved through the use of fluorescent whitening compounds, also known as optical brighteners. These compounds work by absorbing ultraviolet light and then emitting visible blue light through a process called fluorescence. The end result is that your whites appear whiter and your colors more vibrant, almost as if your clothes are radiating a subtle glow. This optical illusion creates the impression of cleaner and fresher laundry, enhancing the overall appearance of your garments. So, the next time you see your clothes looking exceptionally bright after a wash, you can thank these clever chemical compounds for their role in making your laundry shine.
From Drain to Drink: Tracing the Journey of Household Waste.
