The effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic structures of selected nonionic surfactants on surfactant sorption and diesel removal in the system of kaolin soil were studied to have an insight into the criteria of surfactant selection for surfactant‐enhanced remediation of diesel‐contaminated soil. The capability of surfactants for diesel removal could be correlated with the extent of surfactant sorption on kaolin soil. Surfactants with higher degree of ethoxylation in their hydrophilic moiety showed less sorption and improved diesel removal. Surfactants with shorter hydrocarbon chain and unsaturated carbons in their hydrophobic moiety showed less sorption and superior diesel removal. In all cases tested in this study, less sorbed surfactants showed higher diesel removal. Among 11 nonionic surfactants we examined, Brij 35, Brij 58, and Brij 98 were the best for diesel removal and showed low extent of sorption.