Science

raccoon

(31,126 posts) Sat Sep 27, 2014, 06:50 PM Sep 2014

Chemistry experts, I need your experience.

Recently my cat threw up on the bed. I was washing the sheets, and before washing I coated the stains liberally (of course) with Resolve stain remover. I rubbed the Resolve into the stain, as the directions said to.

Later when I washed my hands, they seemed to have a slick film on them. I washed and washed and it didn’t want to come off. I know it was the Resolve. I finally dried my hands. I guess the stuff eventually wore off.

Anybody got a scientific explanation of this?

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Chemistry experts, I need your experience. (Original Post) raccoon Sep 2014 OP

I have read that sodium hydroxide (NaOH) breaks down skin oils, thereby causing slippery residue. John1956PA Sep 2014 #1

Interesting. I'd noticed before that clorox does the same thing. And before anybody says it, raccoon Sep 2014 #2

Resolve and Clorox both contain sodium hydroxide, which is strong base. NCjack Sep 2014 #3

It's slightly base Brother Buzz Sep 2014 #4

John1956PA

(2,657 posts)

1. I have read that sodium hydroxide (NaOH) breaks down skin oils, thereby causing slippery residue.

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Sat Sep 27, 2014, 06:56 PM

Sep 2014

From http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1tya4p/why_does_bleach_feel_slimy_on_your_skin/ :

The sodium hydroxide part of bleach breaks down the oils in your skin into a mixture of soap and glycerin, both of which feel slippery.

raccoon

(31,126 posts)

2. Interesting. I'd noticed before that clorox does the same thing. And before anybody says it,

Reply to John1956PA (Reply #1)

Sat Sep 27, 2014, 07:01 PM

Sep 2014

yeah, I guess it would be sensible to wear gloves or just not touch the stuff.

NCjack

(10,279 posts)

3. Resolve and Clorox both contain sodium hydroxide, which is strong base.

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Sun Sep 28, 2014, 12:16 AM

Sep 2014

Sodium hydroxide (lye) reacts with triglycerides (oils) in the skin. The reaction is known as saponification, and it produces soaps. Roman soldiers produced soap for cleaning by pouring grease in water onto hot wood ashes. Sodium soaps have low solubility and attach to the skin, leaving a film that is slick and difficult to remove except by abrasive scrubbing, such as with a pomace stone.

Brother Buzz

(36,466 posts)

4. It's slightly base

Reply to raccoon (Original post)

Sun Sep 28, 2014, 12:35 AM

Sep 2014

A little lemon juice rubbed into your hands will fix everything. Vinegar would work, too.

Reply to this discussion