logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2020
33m 6s

How does soap kill COVID-19?

Melissa and Jam, Bleav
About this episode

#036

Ok so we've known for awhile how soap works in a general use sense, like how it cleans dishes (see episode 1). But these weird times call for a deeper look at soap. How can it kill a virus? Or more importantly, how can it kill a little, wretched, mischievous virus like COVID-19? Like really, how? How is it that we can use soap to both get spaghetti sauce off a plate, and kill a dangerous virus? We're always told to wash our hands well, and that it's important, but if you think about it for a second, it's crazy that we put something on our hands, and rub them together under water, and then we're good to go. Right? Let's get into it.

References from this episode

  1. Viral Infections and Global Change - Sunit Kumar Singh
  2. Inactivation of Human and Avian Influenza Viruses by Potassium Oleate of Natural Soap Component Through Exothermic Interaction - Kawahara et al
  3. Effectiveness of Liquid Soap and Hand Sanitizer against Norwalk Virus on Contaminated Hands -  Liu, Yuen, Hsiao, Jaykus, and Moe
  4. Show Me the Science: Why Wash Your Hands? - United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  5. Clean & Disinfect - United State Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  6. When and How to Wash Your Hands - United States Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
  7. Show Me the Science: How to Wash Your Hands - United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife.
Email us at chemforyourlife@gmail.com
And check out our chill, simple little website at https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/

Thanks to our monthly supporters
  • Ciara Linville
  • J0HNTR0Y
  • Jeannette Napoleon
  • Cullyn R
  • Erica Bee
  • Elizabeth P
  • Sarah Moar
  • Rachel Reina
  • Letila
  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
  • Suzanne Phillips
  • Nelly Silva
  • Venus Rebholz
  • Lyn Stubblefield
  • Jacob Taber
  • Brian Kimball
  • Emerson Woodhall
  • Kristina Gotfredsen
  • Timothy Parker
  • Steven Boyles
  • Chris Skupien
  • Chelsea B
  • Bri McAllister
  • Avishai Barnoy
  • Hunter Reardon
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Up next
Oct 9
How does Poo-Pourri prevent unpleasant smells?
Melissa and Jam discuss the chemistry behind Poopourri Toilet Spray. Melissa explains how the spray works by forming a non-polar oil layer on top of water, preventing smelly polar molecules like skatole and sulfur compounds from escaping into the air. They also touch upon the pra ... Show More
35m 50s
Oct 2
How do odor absorbers work?
#072 Rebroadcast You know what they say, everyone's experienced odors, and 99.99% of all odors smell. We have room sprays, candles, air fresheners, etc. But how can we absorb or eliminate bad smells? Can chemistry do it? How? Let's find out! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ ... Show More
34m 26s
Sep 25
Are your lips being tricked by chapstick?
Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and s ... Show More
48m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2020
Why Does Hand Washing Beat Hand Sanitizer Hands Down?
Washing your hands is way more effective than hand sanitizer at getting rid of germs because soap is scientifically amazing stuff. Learn why -- and how to use both -- in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnyst ... Show More
7m 2s
Mar 2024
What Happens When We Get Sick?
Picture it: you’re on a crowded subway and someone sneezes. Or maybe you’re on a plane and the person next to you keeps coughing. Perhaps you shook hands with someone who didn’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Interaction with germs is inevitable, but why do some pe ... Show More
52m 43s
Feb 2022
How Can Wastewater Help Us Track Coronavirus?
Our poop is filled with useful information about us, including viruses like the one that causes COVID-19. Learn how researchers are using wastewater to warn communities about potential outbreaks in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.c ... Show More
7m 34s
Dec 2023
COP28, swine flu, Bennu asteroid and digital twins.
Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs, In this week's episode... what’s on the agenda for the COP28 climate summit? What do we know about the new strain of swine flu found in North Yorkshire? Samples from the Bennu ... Show More
51m 52s
May 2024
PFAS – Wie gefährlich sind die "Ewigkeitschemikalien" und wie werden wir sie wieder los?
PFAS sind wasser- und schmutzabweisend, säureresistent und hitzebeständig. Sie stecken in Teflonpfannen, Outdoor-Jacken oder Asthma-Sprays. Aber sie können auch krank machen und bleiben ewig in der Umwelt. Der Chemiker Michael Müller hat sie kürzlich auch im Wein nachgewiesen. Da ... Show More
29m 55s
Jun 2024
Culicidology (MOSQUITOES) Part 2 with Fhallon Ware-Gilmore
Part 2 of mosquitoes is here! Now that you know WHY they would like to eat you mosquito expert and Culicidologist, Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore of the CDC gives us SOLUTIONS. How do we avoid bites? Why do they itch so much? Which repellents are safe for whom? What should you use in y ... Show More
1h 5m
Feb 2024
AaS! 218: How Do We Know What the Milky Way Looks Like?
Why is it so hard to get a picture of the Milky Way? How much of our galaxy have we mapped? What the heck is a “barred spiral” and what does that have to do with our core? I discuss these questions and more in today’s Ask a Spaceman! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give ... Show More
39m 57s
Jun 2022
373: Detox From The Shot And Shedding
Have you gotten the COVID-19 shot? Or are you someone who is concerned about shedding? Today's podcast offers some glimmers of hope and practical suggestions for both situations. Dr. Louisa Williams is the author of "Radical Medicine," and she is a specialist in environmental med ... Show More
44m 52s
Feb 2024
اضطراب القلق - Anxiety 🤯 | شيري ماهر ويوسف يعقوب
 مليون شخص عندهم اضطراب القلق "Anxiety" إزاي الميديا لها تأثير على اضطراب القلق؟- بتسبب "صدمة ثانوية - Secondary Trauma" - وبتعطي افتراض خاطئ "False Impression" بالقابلية على السيطرة وتغيير الأوضاع هل فيه مخرج من ال Anxiety؟شيري بتقدم أكتر من طريقة للتعامل مع اضطراب القلق 👇بعض ا ... Show More
31m 32s