Chemistry professor Dario Bressanini is on a mission to teach listeners about safe, sustainable methods for cleaning their homes while debunking widespread myths. He uses scientific evidence to answer common queries, including the following:

Is it more efficient to wash dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher?

Can vinegar and baking soda actually unclog your drain?

Does bleach remove dirt?

How do I get rid of that white stuff on my showerhead?

Bressanini covers these subjects and more by digging into chemistry basics like solubility, pH, and concentration. He explains how to choose the best product for any job, including advice on making selections at the store and using just the right amount to cut down on waste. Everything contains chemicals (yes, even water!)—but we should still be careful and eco-friendly about how we clean.

With tips on tasks from scrubbing stubborn grease off a pan to getting that weird stink out of a pair of shoes, The Science of Cleaning reminds us that science can be both useful and exciting. No more searching online for cleaning hacks—in this book, the science speaks for itself!