Chen Jin-shu gives the example of the mineral magnesium, which can change the surface tension of water and make it easier for the surfactants to work their way into the fabric of the clothing and carry away the dirt.
「從環境中來，回到環境中去，」陳錦書舉例指出，礦物質中的鎂元素，可以改變水的表面張力，使得界面活性劑可以輕易穿透、滲入衣物纖維中，將髒東西帶出來。