Science · Everyday life explained

How does soap kill viruses?

A simple weapon against viruses: molecules that love water and love grease.

Hygiene3 min read5 partsQuiz of 8 questions
Read in the app Available in 30 languages
USDAgov · 150th Anniversary of U S Department of Agriculture-Historical imagery (20120106-OC-AMW-0074) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Part 1 of 5 · freeIntroduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, one very simple habit moved back to center stage: washing your hands with soap. No laboratory needed. Just water, soap and a little time.

Why does it work so well? Because many dangerous viruses carry an envelope made of fat. And soap is excellent at destroying fat.

The rest is in the Sophia app.The remaining parts, the open-book quiz and the full glossary. Free to start; Premium unlocks everything.
  1. 2The weak point of some viruses
  2. 3Soap, a molecule with two faces
  3. 4Why 20 seconds
  4. 5Soap or hand sanitizer?
Open-book quiz8 questions whose answers are in the text.
Glossary11 terms explained in a tap.
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