Rhamnolipids or lipopeptides can serve as effective surface-active agents in detergent formulations. The performance of rhamnolipid- or lipopeptide-containing detergents is comparable to that of detergents made with synthetic surfactants, especially for removal of hydrophilic stains, and especially near neutral conditions. Rhamnolipid and lipopeptides support stable emulsion and formation, and are highly soluble. They are excellent cleaning, emulsifying, and foaming agents, therefore active ingredients of choice for both green household and bath products and green industrial detergents.