Abstract: The viscosity of an aqueous alpha-olefin sulfonate detergent composition is reduced by treating such composition, usually at a concentration of 30 to 60%, with a viscosity reducing proportion, usually from 2 to 20%, of a water soluble inorganic halide salt, preferably sodium chloride. By reducing the viscosity, detergent compositions containing the alpha-olefin sulfonate detergent are made more readily pourable, pumpable and sprayable, facilitating their use in liquid detergents and in spray dried particulate form. Because the addition of halide salt may cause separation into different phases it is possible to increase the concentration of the alpha-olefin sulfonate by utilizing the phase richer in content of such detergent material.