Why does hot water take dirt off dishes so much easier than cold water?

Question

Why does hot water take dirt off dishes so much easier than cold water?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Hot water has a lower surface tension then cold water, therefore it gets through pores of substances (usually oil) more easily. It’s like adding surfactants (e.g. washing up liquid) to a dish to clean. Surfactants lower the surface tension and makes it easier to wash off dirt.