Abstract: An agglomerate containing sodium sulfate and as layer silicate, a synthetic layer silicate which has a smectite-like crystal phase, increased contents of bound alkali metal and silicate and a distinctly reduced swelling power compared with pure smectites. The agglomerate can take up significant quantities of an additional liquid component in its pores, resulting in a free-flowing agglomerate which outwardly feels dry. This high adsorption capacity may be used, for example, to take up a liquid detergent component which may then be mixed in combination with powder-form or granular detergent components to form a free-flowing detergent composition.