What is the cleaning action of soaps?

The cleaning action of soap is based on the following principle:

(1) Soap dissolves in water to form soap micelles. 

(2) In water, a sodium soap dissolves to form sodium cations and soap anions. The soap anions have a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain which is soluble in grease and oil. The hydrophilic end remains separated in water by the action of ion repulsion.

(3) When Clothes are rinsed, these micelles are washed away with water.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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