Why is agitation necessary to get clean clothes?

+2 votes
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asked May 8, 2017 in Chemistry by Rohit Singh (61,782 points) 35 133 357

People use a variety of methods to wash clothes. Usually after adding the soap, they ‘beat’ the clothes on a stone, or beat it with a paddle, scrub with a brush or the mixture is agitated in a washing machine. Why is agitation necessary to get clean clothes?

1 Answer

+2 votes
answered May 8, 2017 by Rohit Singh (61,782 points) 35 133 357
 
Best answer

A soap molecule has two parts namely hydrophobic and hydrophilic. With the help of these, it attaches to the grease or dirt particle and forms a cluster called micelle. These micelles remain suspended as a colloid. To remove these micelles (entrapping the dirt), it is necessary to agitate clothes.

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