Silicate-like or silicate-containing builders are disclosed for use in modern washing and cleaning products, these builders having bulk densities of at least 600 g/l and, despite their compaction, very good secondary washing properties, particularly in terms of preventing incrustation. These builders are obtained by compaction, in particular roller-compaction, of X-ray-amorphous sodium silicates of flake structure, with bulk densities of below 500 g/l and a water content of no more than 15 wt %.