[sean oregan]

We all hear the detergent v's micro splitter debate.
So what makes a detergent??
Is a boosted micro splitter a detergent?
How many ingredients are needed to transform a micro splitter into a detergent?

[John Kelly]

The difference is basically the way they detach dirt from the fibres. Detergents use Surfactants which have large chemical chains which are Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic. The Hydrophobic end burrows into the dirt molecules and pull it into the fluid.
Microsplitters do this but just without the surfactants. Microsplitter isn't even a recognised technical name as far as I'm aware its just made. And they aren't particularly eco friendly. They contain mainly Phosphates which are very harmful to the aquatic environment.

[sean oregan]

Cheers John
lots of big words  but quite easy to understand.
 

[Ian Harper]

dirt particles have different charges and for the Hydrophobic end to fire into the dirt and emulsification to take place, it must have opposite charge or be neutral.  This is why no one detergent cant cope with all situations.  As I have said before brighteners are a major factor in using detergents. as carpets wear they become dull and these brighteners will reflect the light making them look brighter.  so carpets cleaned with these detergents look much brighter then those with microsplitters. both products clean but one has more value to you and your customer. I bet that there is an economic reason why microspillers are being sold and used by carpet cleaners. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_brightener

some detergents have been fortified to make them more effective without making them higher in ph so they can deal with more greasy dirt. yet another situation where detergents out perform microspitters. try cleaning a old sofa without these type of detergents.

bioaccumulation is about dumping your waste water down the toilet and not run off drains as this will end up in rivers and cause issues. The environmental agency can take action against you if caught. I know a TM owner that was reported by a member of the public for lifting man hole covers to dump dirt water. but was ok because it was the right type.