There are some laundry detergents that contain fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) that can cause them to glow under black light.
These FWAs work by absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as visible light, which is why they can appear to glow.
What Laundry Detergent Glows Under Black Light
Example of laundry detergents that contain FWAs is Tide Original Liquid and Tide Brights + Whites Rescue. These products are specifically formulated to brighten and whiten clothes, and they can glow under black light due to the presence of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs.)
It’s worth noting that not all laundry detergents contain FWAs, so if you’re looking for a detergent that will glow under black light, you should specifically look for a product that is marketed as having brightening or whitening properties.
Additionally, other substances such as fabric softeners, some detergents, and bleaches may also contain FWAs that could potentially cause clothes to glow under black light.
Why Laundry Detergent Glows Under Black Light
Laundry detergent can glow under black light due to the presence of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) in the formulation. FWAs are chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible blue light.
Blacklight emits ultraviolet light, which causes the FWAs in the detergent to absorb the light and re-emit it as visible light that can be seen as a glow.
The purpose of FWAs in laundry detergent is to enhance the brightness and whiteness of clothing by offsetting the yellowish tint that can develop over time.
The FWAs absorb light in the ultraviolet spectrum, which is not visible to the human eye, and then emit it in the blue spectrum, which is more visible and can make white fabrics appear whiter and brighter.
It’s important to note that not all laundry detergents contain FWAs and that the amount and type of FWA can vary between products.
Additionally, other substances such as fabric softeners, some detergents, and bleaches may also contain FWAs that could cause clothes to glow under black light. Know about, Using borax in laundry
Household Items That Can Glow Under Black Light
Black lights emit ultraviolet (UV) light which causes certain objects to glow in the dark. Here are some common household items that may glow under black light:
- White fabrics and clothes – Clothing and fabrics that are white or have fluorescent dyes can glow under black light.
- Toothpaste – Some toothpaste brands contain whitening agents that glow under black light.
- Highlighters – The fluorescent ink in highlighters glows under black light.
- Certain cleaning products – Some cleaning products, such as bleach and some laundry detergents, contain fluorescent agents that can glow under black light.
- Certain cosmetics – Some cosmetics, such as nail polish and certain types of makeup, can glow under black light.
- Scorpions – While not a household item, scorpions are known to glow under black light due to the presence of certain chemicals in their exoskeleton.
It’s important to note that not all objects will glow under black light, and some may require a higher intensity of UV light than others.
Additionally, some objects may appear to glow differently under black light, so it’s always best to use caution and follow proper safety guidelines when using black lights. Read about, Will detergent kills grass?
Conclusion
Do not do any experiments at home involving exposure of laundry detergent to ultraviolet rays. It can be dangerous physically and mentally. We have done all the tests under expert supervision.