It is said Proctor and Gamble discovered laundry detergent. Americans, at one time, used soap flakes to wash clothes. These flakes didn't work well in washing machines; clothes were left looking dingy even though they had been washed. So, in 1933 Proctor & Gamble marketed their product, which was called Dreft. You can find more information here: http://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/Who_Invented_Laundry_Detergent
