Concentrated, stable, liquid, heavy duty detergent composition containing an ethoxylate of a primary alcohol of from 14 to 22 carbon atoms and of at least 65% branched structure; an ethoxylate of a straight or branched, primary or secondary alcohol of 9 to 15 carbon atoms; a surfactant of the sulfonate type; and a liquid carrier. These compositions are especially adapted for stain and soil removal from fabrics, either by topical application to such fabrics prior to washing, or for a conventional fabric laundering.