Synperonic N, a widely-used nonionic surfactant, was phased out in Europe by 2000 because, as a nonylphenol ethoxylate, some of its breakdown products were toxic to fish. In searching for a replacement, two nonionics, Synperonic A7 and Triton XL-80N, were evaluated for their ability to remove soil from cotton, nylon and polyester fabrics. They were also tested in blends with the anionic surfactant Orvus WA Paste. Five replicate specimens of each fabric were washed in solutions with a detergent concentration equal to its critical micelle concentration (cmc). Pre-soiled fabrics were washed individually in canisters of a Launder-O-meter for 10 minutes at 35[degrees] C, with agitation provided by the movement of water in the cans as they rotated. Soil removal was determined from the total color change ([delta]E) in the sample. Orvus WA Paste was most effective in removing soil from each type of fabric, although blends of Orvus WA and a nonionic surfactant were also effective. Synperonic A7 and Triton XL-80N were not considered effective unless used at a concentration equal to four times the cmc. Further research on these and other nonionics is recommended before a replacement for Synperonic N is selected.