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'''Soap''' is used for cleaning the human body, [[clothing]], homes and utensils, and other applications. | '''Soap''' is used for cleaning the human body, [[clothing]], homes and utensils, and other applications. | ||
==Usefulness== | |||
The improvement in [[hygiene]] since the Industrial Revolution, including widespread adoption of the use of soap, is considered to be one of the most important factors in the reduction of [[disease]] and [[mortality rate]]s and the boom in human [[population]] during the 19th and 20th centuries. | The improvement in [[hygiene]] since the Industrial Revolution, including widespread adoption of the use of soap, is considered to be one of the most important factors in the reduction of [[disease]] and [[mortality rate]]s and the boom in human [[population]] during the 19th and 20th centuries. | ||
==Making soap== | |||
Chemically, soap is made by reacting [[fat]] with [[lye]] ("saponification"), and when finished may be solid or semi-liquid. Soap may be made from [[animal fats]] such as [[lard]] from [[pig]]s or [[vegetable oil]]s ([[vegetable fat]]s) such as [[olive oil]], [[coconut oil]], or [[palm oil]]. | Chemically, soap is made by reacting [[fat]] with [[lye]] ("saponification"), and when finished may be solid or semi-liquid. Soap may be made from [[animal fats]] such as [[lard]] from [[pig]]s or [[vegetable oil]]s ([[vegetable fat]]s) such as [[olive oil]], [[coconut oil]], or [[palm oil]]. | ||
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In modern times, soap has been replaced in many applications by [[detergent]]s. Recently, manufacturers have also begun producing [[antibacterial]] soaps, leading to concerns about increased [[antibiotic resistance]] in [[pathogen]]s. | In modern times, soap has been replaced in many applications by [[detergent]]s. Recently, manufacturers have also begun producing [[antibacterial]] soaps, leading to concerns about increased [[antibiotic resistance]] in [[pathogen]]s. | ||
==Environmental impact== | |||
The environmental impact of soaps and detergents is an important consideration on both large and small scales. For example, environmental effects of soap should be carefully examined in home [[greywater]] systems. | The environmental impact of soaps and detergents is an important consideration on both large and small scales. For example, environmental effects of soap should be carefully examined in home [[greywater]] systems. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Appropriate hygiene manual|Plant-based soap]] | *[[Appropriate hygiene manual|Plant-based soap]] | ||
*[[Green cleaning]] | |||
*[[Clothing]] | *[[Clothing]] | ||
*[[Laundry]] | *[[Laundry]] | ||
Revision as of 12:00, 11 April 2013
Soap is used for cleaning the human body, clothing, homes and utensils, and other applications.
Usefulness
The improvement in hygiene since the Industrial Revolution, including widespread adoption of the use of soap, is considered to be one of the most important factors in the reduction of disease and mortality rates and the boom in human population during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Making soap
Chemically, soap is made by reacting fat with lye ("saponification"), and when finished may be solid or semi-liquid. Soap may be made from animal fats such as lard from pigs or vegetable oils (vegetable fats) such as olive oil, coconut oil, or palm oil.
Soap is easily made in small-scale or appropriate technology. (See Soap making.) However, it should be noted that caution is needed, as lye is dangerous and soap-making often involves temperatures of up to 100 degrees C / 212 degrees F.
In modern times, soap has been replaced in many applications by detergents. Recently, manufacturers have also begun producing antibacterial soaps, leading to concerns about increased antibiotic resistance in pathogens.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of soaps and detergents is an important consideration on both large and small scales. For example, environmental effects of soap should be carefully examined in home greywater systems.