Question 1

What is soap made of?

Accepted Answer

Soap is made from fats or oils mixed with a special something called lye. This mix turns into soap and helps water clean away dirt and greasiness.

Question 2

Why does soap clean your hands?

Accepted Answer

Soap helps water stick to dirt and germs so they can be washed away. It breaks up oils and grime, making it easier for water to rinse them off your skin.

Question 3

How does vinegar help in cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar is good at breaking down sticky stuff and dirt because it is a kind of acid. It can also help get rid of bad smells and some germs.

Question 4

Why does baking soda remove odors?

Accepted Answer

Baking soda can soak up smells because it is good at catching tiny particles in the air that smell bad. It’s like a smell sponge that helps take away odors!

Question 5

What makes bleach so powerful for cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Bleach is strong because it can kill a lot of germs and make colors fade. It's often used to make things white and clean, but you have to be careful because it's very strong.

Question 6

Why is it important to mix cleaning products safely?

Accepted Answer

If you mix certain cleaning products, they can make harmful gases that are unsafe to breathe. It's important to always read the labels and follow instructions.

Question 7

How do dish soaps cut through grease?

Accepted Answer

Dish soaps have special ingredients that grab onto grease and break it up. This lets water wash away the grease and keep your dishes clean.

Question 8

Why does hot water clean better than cold water?

Accepted Answer

Hot water can make soap work better and helps dissolve things like grease and sugar faster. It makes it easier to wash away dirt and germs.

Question 9

What are essential oils used for in cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Essential oils are used to make cleaning products smell nice. Some of them can also help kill germs or freshen up a room.

Question 10

How does lemon juice help in cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Lemon juice is acidic, which helps break down dirt and stains. It also has a nice, fresh smell and can help kill some germs.

Question 11

Why is glass cleaner blue?

Accepted Answer

The color blue in glass cleaner doesn't really help it clean better; it's just there so it looks nice and different from other products.

Question 12

How does laundry detergent work?

Accepted Answer

Laundry detergent has ingredients that help remove dirt and stains from clothes. It helps water get into the fabric to wash away dirt.

Question 13

What does it mean if something is biodegradable?

Accepted Answer

Biodegradable means that something can break down naturally and go back into the earth without harming the environment. This is important for keeping our planet clean.

Question 14

What’s in window cleaner that makes windows shine?

Accepted Answer

Window cleaner often has a little bit of a chemical that helps prevent streaks. It lets you see through the glass without any marks or lines.

Question 15

Can vinegar clean cloudy glasses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vinegar can help make cloudy glasses clear again. It dissolves the minerals that cause the cloudiness, leaving the glass shiny.

Question 16

Why do we use only a little bit of cleaning products?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning products are made to be strong, so you don't need a lot. Using just a little bit helps us clean things without wasting the product or harming surfaces.

Question 17

How do fabric softeners work?

Accepted Answer

Fabric softeners help clothes feel soft and reduce static cling. They have ingredients that coat the fabric to make it smooth.

Question 18

What makes stainless steel clean better with certain cleaners?

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel cleaners often have ingredients that help remove marks and prevent streaks. They can also make the metal shiny and protect it from stains.

Question 19

Why is it bad to use too much cleaning product?

Accepted Answer

Using too much can leave a sticky residue, which can attract more dirt and require more cleaning. It can also waste the cleaner and harm surfaces or fabrics.

Question 20

How can natural products clean just as well as chemical ones?

Accepted Answer

Some natural products like vinegar and baking soda are really good at cutting through dirt and grime. They don’t have harsh chemicals, so they’re safer for you and the environment.

The Chemistry of Everyday Housekeeping - 20 FAQs Explained Simply