Slightly foaming detergent mixtures useful for preparing aqueous chain lubricants contain (a) amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants having the formula (I), in which R1 stands for an alkyl, alkenyl and/or acyl residue with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R2 stands for hydrogen, an alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl residue with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a residue (CH¿2?)n-COOX, n being 1 to 6 and X standing for hydrogen, an alkali metal or ammonium; (b) mixed ethers, and optionally (c) alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycosides.