Daag Achhe Hain. In Indian homes since 1959

Surf Excel: India's Trusted Detergent Brand for Every Wash

Built on the science behind the stain, Surf Excel's enzymatic formulation lifts
the toughest marks, from haldi to red wine, with less effort. Because dirt is good: every stain
is the mark of a day well spent, and it washes out

Tough on stains
Gentle on fabrics
For every machine & hand wash
SCROLL TO EXPLORE
BY THE NUMBERS

The scale of
brilliant clean.

Since 1959
In Indian homes for over six decades.
50+
Trusted brands in the Hindustan Unilever family.
25 Cr+ households
India's largest fabric wash brand.
Est. 1933 · Part of India's largest FMCG company
Surf Excel is part of the Hindustan Unilever family: dozens of trusted brands, one shared purpose: making everyday life a little better, and sustainable living commonplace, for every Indian home.
Dove Lifebuoy Rin Domex Vim

Why Choose Surf Excel?

Trusted by millions, backed by science, and designed for every Indian household.

Superior Stain Removal

Superior Stain Removal

From haldi and cooking oil to grass, ink, and red wine, Surf Excel products’ superior enzymatic formulation gets deep into the fabric. Their enzymes can break down each type of stain at its source, so even the toughest marks wash away, often the very first time

Safe on Fabric, Tough on Stains

Safe on Fabric, Tough on Stains

A careful clean that's tough on stains yet gentle on fabric, looking after colour and fibre wash after wash, so your everyday cottons and favourite kurtas keep looking their best.

Trusted by Millions of Indian Households

Trusted by Millions of Indian Households

In Indian homes since 1959, Surf Excel is now HUL’s largest brand, trusted by 25 crore+ households as one of their favourite detergents for clothes, wash after wash

Cleans Smart and Saves Time

Cleans Smart and Saves Time

Keeps making laundry easier: Quick Wash supports tough stain removal through soaking with less effort; Matic liquids lift stains with less scrubbing; and the 15-minute Matic Express fits a busy day. A better clean that asks less of you

The Surf Excel Philosophy

"Daag Achhe Hain."

Dirt is good. A stain is what's left behind when a child stands up for a friend, helps out in the kitchen, or takes a tumble while learning something new. The moment was worth it, and the stain? We'll take care of that

01

Let them play. We'll handle the stains

02

Every stain has a story behind it.

03

A brilliant clean for every fabric, every family

Video Cover
Chapter 03

The science of
brilliant clean.

Understanding the science behind the stain is what makes the difference. Our enzymatic formulation works in three simple steps, so you don't have to.

01

Lift

Surfactant Action
The surfactants in Surf Excel products surround each speck of dirt and oil and break its grip on the fabric, so it can float away in the water.
02

Break

Enzyme Power
Enzymes go after the different parts of a food stain (The oil, protein, and starch) and break them down, so even a dried curry or haldi mark can be easily removed.
03

Brighten

Fabric care
Fabric-care agents keep colours looking fresh and whites looking bright, wash after wash, so clothes stay looking newer for longer
Chapter 04

Real families.Real clean.

"My son comes home from football covered in grass and mud, and I don't stress any more. A quick soak with Surf Excel and his whites are back to white."
Deepika A.Bangalore
"I switched to Surf Excel Matic for my front-load machine, and the dried food stains finally come out in a single wash."
Sanjay S.Mumbai
"I dab a little liquid on the stain before I wash, and even my cotton sarees come out looking fresh"
Priya M.Mumbai
Chapter 05

Over 60 years ofDaag Achhe Hain

From India's first branded washing powder in 1959 to today's liquids and capsules, this is our story.

1959 · The beginning:

Surf launched in India, introducing branded washing powder and a whole new habit: soaking clothes before the wash. Our teams went door to door, showing families how to use it.

1959 · The beginning:
2005 · Dirt is Good:

2005 · Dirt is Good:

'Daag Achhe Hain' changed how India thinks about stains, celebrating the good, brave, and kind moments that cause them.

2016 · Surf Launched in Liquid Format:

Surf Excel introduced its first liquid detergent, opening a new chapter in machine washing.

2016 · Surf Launched in Liquid Format:
Today · Always improving:

Today · Always improving:

From Quick Wash to 3-in-1 Smart Shots capsules and the 15-minute Matic Express wash, Surf Excel keeps making a brilliant clean easier and kinder to the planet.

Our sustainability initiatives

HUL continuously looks at new ways to reduce, re-use, recycle and recover packaging and waste.

We have been thinking of innovative solutions to redesign our packaging by cutting down the use of virgin plastic and replacing it with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

For several years we have been at the forefront fostering recyclers, nurturing startups, and championing sustainable practices. We achieved a significant milestone by incorporating PCR into our bottles for the first time in India and since then have been expanding post-consumer recycled content (PCR) inclusion across our Brands

We have pioneered using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials in our flexible packaging, such as pouches, overwraps, and shrink-wraps

🌱

HUL is committed to accelerate a transition to a circular economy, moving from the linear take-make-dispose model to a regenerative approach, which keeps materials at their highest value for as long as possible

Surf Excel Laundry Guide

Laundry Tips& Guides

From stain-busting how-tos to fabric-care advice: practical help for real Indian homes, written by our experts

View All Articles
Article Image
Sustainability
July 6, 2026 5 min

7 Simple Laundry Habits That Reduce Your Environmental Footprint

Small changes to your laundry routine can make a huge difference. Learn how to clean brilliantly while being kinder to our planet.

Article Image
Fabric Care
July 1, 2026 7 min

The Complete Guide to Washing Delicate Fabrics Without Damage

Silk, cashmere, linen, wool — every delicate fabric needs a different touch. Our expert guide ensures your precious garments last a lifetime.

Article Image
Tips & Tricks
June 25, 2026 4 min

Front Load vs Top Load: Which Detergent Formula Should You Use?

Not all detergents are created equal for different machine types. Understand why using the right formula matters for brilliant results every time.

Article Image
Product Spotlight
June 18, 2026 3 min

Why Surf Excel Matic Liquid Outperforms Powder Detergents

Discover how 100% soluble liquid formula dissolves instantly, leaves zero residue, and protects machine parts while removing tough stains.

Article Image
Stain Guide
June 10, 2026 5 min

How to Remove Oil and Masala Stains from School Uniforms

Tackle tough lunch box spills before they set. Step-by-step pre-treatment guide for busy parents.

Article Image
Sustainability
May 29, 2026 4 min

Cold Water Washing: Saving Energy Without Sacrificing Clean

Learn how Surf Excel's active enzyme technology breaks down tough stains even in cold 20°C water cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Surf Excel detergent is best for a front-load washing machine?

Use Surf Excel Matic Front Load. Front-load washing machines use less water with gentle tumbling, so they need a low-foam liquid or powder. A regular detergent creates too much foam, which cushions the drum and cleans clothes less well

Which Surf Excel product is best for a top-load machine?

Surf Excel Matic Top Load is made for the fuller drum and shorter cycles of a top-load machine: it dissolves quickly to lift stains in a diluted wash. Using a front-load formula in a top-loader wastes cleaning power, so match the formula to your machine.

How do I remove oil stains from clothes?

Blot away the excess first, then work a little Surf Excel Matic Liquid (or a paste of Surf Excel powder and water) into the stain and leave it for 10–15 minutes before washing. The surfactants loosen the oily layer so the mark lifts, even if the stain has already dried.

How do I remove haldi (turmeric) stains?

Rinse the back of the stain under cool water, pre-treat it with Surf Excel, then wash as usual. The mark may flash orange in the detergent: that's normal, and it rinses out. Dry the garment in sunlight to fade anything left behind.

Can I use Surf Excel on silk and woollen clothes?

Surf Excel detergents are not recommended for silk and woollen clothes. For these delicate fabrics, always follow the care instructions on the garment’s wash care label. For valuable or delicate silk and woollen garments, consider having them professionally dry-cleaned as recommended by the garment’s care instructions.

Does Surf Excel work in hard water?

Yes. Choose a Surf Excel Matic liquid or powder and use the dose on the pack; in hard- water areas, a slightly higher dose helps the detergent work against the minerals in the water.

Questions about Surf Excel?

Our consumer care team is happy to help.