Sodium sulfate is a simple inorganic compound with the formula Na2SO4. Powdered detergents for washing clothes usually contain sodium sulfate simply to bulk up the product, making detergent manufacturers the biggest users of the compound. It does nothing for the wash, but as a very cheap, pH neutral substance that readily dissolves in warm water, it simply passes through the system, making the product less costly to produce per unit weight. It also acts as a Desiccant. Desiccants are able to bind multiple molecules of water, forming hydrates. This effectively locks up any moisture that enters the detergent, maintaining a dry, free-flowing powdered detergent.
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