How does soap clean from the germs?

Soap cleans germs by breaking down the oils and fats that trap dirt and microbes on surfaces, including skin. Its molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) end and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) end, allowing them to surround and encapsulate germs. When rinsed with water, the soap and trapped germs are washed away, effectively reducing the number of pathogens. This process is especially effective because it disrupts the cell membranes of many types of germs, leading to their inactivation or removal.