What are the differences between the various household surfactants? In a typical household, the following surfactants are found, among others:


Soap / handwash
Shower gel
Shampoo
Dishwashing agent
Washing powder / liquid


From my understanding, the role of all these is to lower the surface tension between water and fatty acids, enabling one to "wash" things.

Are they all the same then, and is the only difference between them marketing? Can I wash my hair with dishwashing agent, or pour shower gel into my washing machine?
Can I wash my hair with dishwashing agent [...]!


If it's an agent for dishwashing machines: Please DON'T!

Cleaning in dishwashing machines is performed in alkaline medium.

The tabs usually contain (among others):


alkaline compounds, such as sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide
bleaching agents, such as sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate
pentasodium triphosphate (to keep calcium and magnesium in solution)


The solution of these tabs is not meant to get in contact with skin and eyes.