What component is often used in upholstery cleaning to enhance soil removal?

Surfactants are vital components in upholstery cleaning as they play a crucial role in enhancing soil removal. They work by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread and penetrate fabrics more effectively. This increased ability to soak into the upholstery helps to lift and suspend dirt and grime, making it easier to remove during the cleaning process.

Surfactants can also help to emulsify oils and grease, which are common contaminants in upholstery. By breaking these substances down, surfactants facilitate their removal when combined with soil-laden water during extraction processes or rinsing.

While detergents typically contain surfactants as a part of their formulation, the specific focus on surfactants in this context highlights their unique contribution to soil removal dynamics. Other components, such as solvents and enzymes, also play roles in cleaning but do so through different mechanisms and may not be as directly focused on the immediate soil removal capability as surfactants are.