Mixtures comprising: (a) a gemini surfactant of the formula (I) R1—CHOH—CH2—[OCH2CH2]x—O—CH2—CHOH—R  (I) wherein each of R and R1 is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl group having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms and x is a number from about 5 to about 400; (b) polyethylene glycol are useful as components in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and cleaners and for improving the wetting behavior on various surfaces.