Episodes
1. Soap, Hair Conditioner, Toothpaste
July 25, 2011
Jane takes a look at the ingredients used in the manufacture of personal hygiene items. She looks at soap and toothpaste before putting different home-made versions to the test.
2. Washing Powder, Degreaser, Surface Cleaners
August 1, 2011
Jane takes a look at the scientific processes that are used to help the effectiveness of biological washing powder and citrus degreasers.
3. Anti-Freeze, Drain Cleaner, Mobile Phone Batteries
August 8, 2011
Jane investigates how the formula for car anti-freeze was inspired by a tiny Antarctic insect, and learns about the purpose of the active ingredient in drain cleaner. She also explores the science behind mobile-phone batteries.
4. Antibacterial Spray, Air Freshener, Toilet Cleaner
August 15, 2011
Jane has her own home scrutinized for germs in order to put antibacterial spray to the test, finds out how some mind-blowingly clever molecules in air freshener manage to combat dirt in mid air, and discovers the best wonderstuff on offer for the dirtiest of all household jobs - cleaning the loo.
5. Super-Strength Glues, Paint, Non-Stick Frying Pans
August 22, 2011
Jane's investigates the stickiness of household essentials. She discovers the wonderstuff in super-strength glues, how paint manages to stick to the wall and, on the flip side, what's on non-stick frying pans that makes it the world's slipperiest substance.
6. Sunscreens, Moisturisers, Anti-Perspirants
August 29, 2011
Jane Moore investigates the science behind skincare products, including sunscreen that disguises the signs of ageing, a baking ingredient used in moisturisers, and a chemical in anti-perspirants that makes them different from deodorants.