Where do Suds Come From?
There is nothing we love more than a good soapy lather when washing dishes. What causes the suds, and why …
Dr Chemical Posts
Stain Removal #1: General Principles
The questions I get most commonly asked revolve around stain removal. And it’s not just me – people like Shannon …
Asbestos – Nature’s Nasty Surprise
Last week, there was a fire in West Perth. I don’t know anything about it other than what I heard …
Uncle Sam and Mr Sheen
Two of the catchiest TV jingles of all time were the ads for Uncle Sam and Mr Sheen. Who were …
Sard Wonder Soap and The Chemistry of Elbow Grease
Every day we do what we are told, at least when it comes to consumer products. There are two ways …
What’s the Best Dishwashing Detergent?
Huh? Aren’t they all the same? Nope – afraid not. But you could easily be forgiven for thinking that they …
Rusty Biscuit Tins
Reader David asks: Hi Dr Chemical, Hope you can help? I am a collector of old biscuit tins. I have …
An Elevator to Space?
On the 4 June 1783 the Montgolfier brothers were the first humans to break the surly bonds of Earth in …
The Myth of Organic Food
We are manipulated by advertising every day in ways that we don’t know. Advertisers who want to sell us things …