Surfactants are a complex system, though they could be all called surfactants, their specific use and application might be completely different. For instance, during the tanning process, surfactants could be used as penetrating agent, leveling agent, wetting back, degreasing, fatliquoring, retanning, emulsifying or bleaching products.
However, when two surfactants have the same or similar effects, there might be some confusion.
Soaking agent and degreasing agent are the two kinds of surfactant products that are often used during soaking process. Due to the certain degree of washing and wetting ability of surfactants, some factories would use it as washing and soaking products. However, the use of specialized ionic soaking agent is in fact essential and irreplaceable.