Resources

Cleaning chemistry: soaps and detergents

A photograph of a bar of yellow soap in a blue and white enamel soap dish, against a pink-orange background

Source: © Getty Images

Discover practical experiments, investigations and other activities for 11–16 year olds to explore the chemistry of cleaning products like soaps and detergents.

In this collection of activities, students develop their understanding of key chemical ideas relating to soaps and detergents. Suitable for 11–16 year olds, the resources draw on a variety of scientific, historical and everyday contexts, with activities ranging from making and testing soap to product analysis. Stimulate and engage your students to learn about:

  • The chemical composition of cleaning products
  • How soaps and detergents work
  • Saponification, soap ‘scum’ and soapless detergents
  • The history of soap
  • Experimental design and planning investigations

Each activity includes instructions for students, as well as editable worksheets and resources available for download.

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