Which acid is the main active ingredient in vinegar?
AnswerAcetic acid
Vinegar is a dilute solution of acetic acid in water.
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Clean facts & stats
8 fact-checked facts about cleaning, each with the reason behind it. 4 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Why should bleach never be mixed with ammonia-based cleaners?
AnswerThe mixture releases toxic gases
Bleach and ammonia react to form toxic chloramine gases.
Going deeper
What are the tiny clusters that soap molecules form around oil droplets called?
AnswerMicelles
In micelles, soap tails point inward around the oil while heads face the water.
The word 'surfactant' is short for what?
AnswerSurface active agent
Surfactants lower water's surface tension so it can spread and wet surfaces better.
Hard water contains high levels of which minerals?
AnswerCalcium and magnesium
Dissolved calcium and magnesium make water 'hard' and stop soap lathering well.
What is the main active chemical in household chlorine bleach?
AnswerSodium hypochlorite
Chlorine bleach is a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite.
Expert level
Limescale that builds up inside kettles is mostly which compound?
AnswerCalcium carbonate
Heating hard water deposits calcium carbonate, which acids like vinegar can dissolve.
Why does warm water usually clean greasy dishes better than cold water?
AnswerHeat softens fats and speeds up cleaning
Fats soften or melt as they warm, and soap and chemical reactions work faster at higher temperatures.
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