Therefore, prior to solidification the present detergent compositions are liquid, high solids emulsions which preferably comprise about 25 to 45% water, about 0.1-2.5% of the clay thickening agent, about 5 to 15% of an alkali metal hydroxide, about 20-40% of sodium tripolyphosphate, and about 10 to 30% of a solidifying salt such as sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate or mixtures thereof, which solidi