Final answer:
Improving a detergent's smell involves optimizing its aesthetic properties by adding a blend of fragrance compounds that are compatible with its other ingredients and do not affect the color of the cleaned items.
Step-by-step explanation:
Improving the way a detergent smells is an example of optimizing its aesthetic properties. Detergents often include a variety of fragrances to make them more appealing to consumers. These fragrances are composed of compounds such as terpene alcohols (e.g., citronellol, geraniol, linalool, nerol) and their esters, aromatic aldehydes (e.g., helional, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, lilial), and synthetic musks (e.g., galaxolide). These components need to be compatible with other ingredients in the detergent and should not affect the colour of the cleaned item. Perfumes are integral to detergents alongside surfactants, which are the primary cleaning agents responsible for the emulsification and removal of dirt.