A detergent has two ends: hydrophilic and lipophilic. The first binds to water and water soluble stains. The other binds to oils and oil soluble stains. This is them washed off through water as the medium Solution A detergent has two ends: hydrophilic and lipophilic. The first binds to water and water soluble stains. The other binds to oils and oil soluble stains. This is them washed off through water as the medium.