The formation of inclusion complexes may influence the performance of surfactants and β-cyclodextrin. Systems containing β-cyclodextrin and nonionic surfactants (poly- ethoxylated alkylphenols) and higher fatty alcohols of a molar ratio 0.5:1.0 were studied. The following properties were investigated: surface tension, critical micelle con- centration, wetting and foaming power. In laboratory scale unit operations such as cotton boiling off and wool piece scouring, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of fatty alco- hols increase the efficiency compared to that of poly- ethoxylated alkylphenols [5].