A detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The detergent composition includes a branched alcohol alkoxylate having the formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkyl, R.sup.2 is H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-40, and a compatibililizing surfactant. The compatibilizing surfactant can be selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5 wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous composition. A clear aqueous composition refers to an aqueous composition that is free of haze visible to the naked eye. In general, a clear aqueous composition resembles a composition containing only water. A method for using the detergent composition is provided.