Soap molecules have a split personality: one end is attracted to water and the other to oils and grease. That structure lets soap surround oily dirt, lift it off surfaces, and suspend it in water so it can be rinsed away.

This is why simple handwashing is so effective. Soap does not just make things smell clean—it breaks down the physical and chemical barriers that help grime and some pathogens stick to skin. Everyday hygiene is really applied chemistry.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Soap

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap