Abstract: A heavy duty built synthetic organic detergent powder is made without the need for phosphates or carbonates in the formulation thereof by preparing a base product, such as by spray drying an aqueous mix of an anionic synthetic organic detergent and alkali metal silicate, for example, a crutcher mix of higher linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodium silicate, sodium sulfate and water, in certain proportions, spraying a nonionic detergent onto the dry base and blending with it a powdered anti-redeposition agent. The product made is a free-flowing detergent of desired density and particle size and the process is readily effected in a tumbling drum or twin shell blender without producing excessive lumping or tackiness.

Abstract: Spray dried beads, having a low bulk density and high in alkali metal carbonate content and useful for post-treatment with additional amounts of nonionic detergent to produce a heavy duty detergent compositon of a bulk density in the range of 0.2 to 0.35 gram per milliliter, are made by admixing a small percentage of alkali metal soap of higher fatty acid with a 40-75% solids content aqueous crutcher mix comprising the alkali metal carbonate and up to about 2% by weight nonionic detergent heating the crutcher mix to 170.degree.-190.degree. F. and spray drying the mixture.