There are many different legends about how soap appeared. People used it about six thousand years ago. Then it was made from the fats of plants and animals. Over the centuries, its composition, of course, has been constantly changing. And the frequently asked question about why soap washes has not disappeared.
The main function of the product is to clean various surfaces from dirt. And he copes with it perfectly. So still, why does soap wash? Let's try to figure it out.
Why is soap washing? What is his secret
Let's figure it out. So why is soap washing? Its secret, as well as other detergents that are related to surfactants, is to reduce the surface tension of water. This enhances its washing properties. Soap foam consists of a huge number of soap bubbles with a water shell. Particles of soot, dust and dirt adhere to these same bubbles. And foam under a stream of water is very easily washed off.
Surfactants (more precisely, their molecules) are located on the boundary surface so that hydrophilic groups are sent directly to the water, and hydrophobic ones, on the contrary, are pushed out of it. Thus, the surface of the water is covered with a kind of fence consisting of the above molecules.
Such a water surface has a lower surface tension. This, in turn, helps complete and quicker wetting of contaminated surfaces. The particle coated with surfactants easily separates from the tissue and goes into solution.
In general, soap particles have enveloping properties that lead to the formation of emulsions of various contaminants and prevent their re-deposition on the surface. They keep insoluble particles in suspension. Because they are so easily removed with water.
Great effect at low cost
However, for most people it is not so important why the soap washes. The main thing is that a person is accustomed to cleanliness and accuracy. In principle, in order to get rid of dirt, the most ordinary soap is enough for him. Achieving a wonderful effect at a low cost, of course, you can be satisfied with such a product. The action, as mentioned above, is based on lowering the surface tension of water and strengthening detergent.
The case in the composition
Let's pay attention to one more moment. When asked about why soap washes hands, its composition can give a direct answer. The fact is that it contains sodium stearate - a substance that can dissolve sebum that forms on the surface of the skin. In addition, adhering dirt is washed off. The more alkaline the reaction, the better the dirt is removed. Although due to alkali, the skin dries noticeably. Therefore, manufacturers and all kinds of additives are added to the soap, softening it, giving it color and smell. Think, for example, of glycerin. It allows you to achieve a softening effect. Some other additives, in general, allow the soap to become healing. To date, the choice is large enough - you can choose exactly what you need without much difficulty.
Better than other substances
And finally. Why is soap better than other detergents? Pick up simple soot. Try to wash it. Will not work. Add soap - your hands will immediately become clean. The secret lies in soap suds. More precisely, in her small, brisk bubbles. Soap contains natural fat and caustic soda. When combined, they create a soapy mass containing a large number of bubbles, to which particles of dirt adhere and are washed off with water.
In general, soap washes hands and various surfaces are much better than other products. Its composition and properties make it possible to cope with all kinds of pollution without much difficulty. At the same time, you can not worry at all about the high costs.