Chemistry
How Micelle Formation Explains Detergent Cleaning Action
Quick fact
A single drop of detergent can form billions of micelles, each a hollow sphere only a few nanometers across. These invisible spheres are the real 'dirt magnets' that trap grease and allow it to be washed away.
Why this is interesting
You know oil and water don't mix, yet detergents can lift grease off your dishes. How do these sudsy molecules make the impossible happen?