Laundry detergent, or washing powder, is a type of detergent that is added for cleaning laundry. Water, the most common cleaning agent, which is a very powerful polar solvent. Others are - Soap or detergent, Ammonia, Calcium hypochlorite (powdered bleach), Citric acid, Sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach), Sodium hydroxide (lye), Acetic acid (vinegar).