Chemistry in your cupboard

Stains vary in their chemical make-up; whilst some stains can be removed with soap and water others need a more specialist approach. Their constituents can be characterised into enzymatic, oxidisable, greasy and particulate components although the majority of stains will contain a mixture of these. Vanish is a brand with a variety of products; most of these contain a blend of chemical agents including bleach, surfactants and enzymes to tackle the different components of stains.

Links to the curriculum

This section contains information relevant to the following areas of your chemistry curriculum:

• Group 7 elements
• Biochemistry (amino acids and proteins, fats and carbohydrates)
• Bonding