<p>The present invention relates to detergent compositions having a pH of at least 8.0 in a 0.5 % by weight aqueous solution or components thereof containing cationic surfactants of the formula: R<1>R<2>R<3>R<4>N<+> X<-> in which R<1> is a hydroxyalkyl group having no greater than 6 carbon atoms; each of R<2> and R<3> is independently selected from C1-4 alkyl or alkenyl; R<4> is one or mixtures of more than one of C5-11 alkyl or alkenyl; and X<-> is a counterion which does not substantially exchange with a hydroxide ion at 20 DEG C in a 0.5 % by weight solution of the detergent composition.</p>
