This work evaluates the development of sequestering agents and chelating surfactants. These agents are the substances capable of removing a metal ion from a solution system via formation of a complex ion that does not possess the reaction activity of the ion removed. These agents are being used to eliminate the water hardness and some metals, such as iron; both having found a wide applicability in the textile industry. Surface activity of chelating surfactants was measured of stalagmometric method. The sequestration capacity was measured at 20 °C and 90 °C using media with different pH and in combination with precipitating opacity titration — the so-called Hampshire test.