What is the point of soap?

Question

Water is pure and natural and I don't understand the whole soap thing. Ok for hands and body I understand. But why dishsoap in dishwashers and laundry when you are already washing in close to boiling water?

Answer 1

Because water can't take out stains or leave a god fresh odor water is ok but soap helps kill bacteria and everything and it's good for shaving sometimes

Answer 2

It loosens the dirt, making it easier to wash off.

Answer 3

Soap is a surfactant and lowers the surface tension of the water.  This allows the oils to mix with the water and be removed.  Contrary to popular belief, soap by itself does not kill bacteria.

Answer 4

~~It's interesting you brought this up. Soap makes water "wetter" and loosens dirt. A repairman for my dishwasher told me our water was so hot we did not need soap, and our dishes would be clean. It made sense to my husband and since they would be sterilized I tries 2 different loads of dishes. glasses came clean, but there was still allot of food residue on plates, silverware, and bowls. I went back to soap and my dishes are all clean again. So with the help of science the formulated soaps really benefit the cleaning. My guess it would be the same with laundry.  

Answer 5

To get the stank out. I make it easier to remove dirt. Kill germs. Number of reasons.