Eli5 Why does soap help clean so well? What about its characteristics makes it a great cleaning solution?
In: Chemistry
Soap molecules have a water-loving (hydrophilic) and a water repellent (hydrophobic) end. The hydrophobic end sticks to oils and greases that hold the dirt in place, creating a droplet with the hydrophilic ends sticking out. It’s now created something that can disperse in water and so be washed away where the unchanged grease couldn’t.
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