How Do Bases in Laundry Detergents Remove Grease Stains?

💡 The Answer

• Strong bases like sodium hydroxide saponify fats, breaking grease into water-soluble soap and glycerol.
• The reaction hydrolyzes ester bonds in fats, converting them into carboxylate salts that dissolve in water.
• Alkaline conditions also help denature proteins and loosen dirt, enhancing cleaning efficiency.
• Modern detergents often use milder bases like sodium carbonate to avoid damaging fabrics.