The developments of detergent builders are reviewed.The structure,capacity and velocity of Ca~(2+) and Mg~(2+)ion exchange,the adsorptive capacity for liquid components of 4A and P zeolite are mainly introduced,and compared with that of zeolite X and AX.It is indicated that the zeolitie detergent builders,especially MAP and AX zeo lites,have a higher adsorptive capacity for liquid components and a distinct performance and environmental advantage over current detergent builders.