What type of cleaning agent is effective in removing oils and residues?

Surfactants are cleaning agents that are particularly effective in removing oils and residues due to their unique molecular structure, which allows them to interact with both water and oil. Surfactants contain both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) components. This dual nature enables them to break down oil and grease, allowing these substances to be more easily rinsed away with water. When surfactants are applied to a surface, they surround oil particles, reducing surface tension and allowing the oil to be emulsified and removed.

While other cleaning agents like solvents can also remove oils, surfactants provide the advantage of functioning effectively in aqueous solutions, making them suitable for a wide range of cleaning applications. Alkaline cleaners can loosen greasy residues through chemical reactions, but surfactants are typically more versatile and effective in emulsifying and removing oils across various surfaces.