Why do detergents feel warm?

Ah.. good observation, the answer is that some detergents are what we know as zitterionic substances, these substances are both polar (like little magnets) and non-polar in nature.

Your cell membrane is made up of proteins, phospholipids and carbohydrates.

You see when a detergent comes into contact with a cell, the detergents literally start "attacking" the cell.

What the detergent does is that it starts to line up with the phospholipids and will eventually lysis the cell via "Detergent lysis."

- Ever wonder why you wear gloves when washing ? To prevent detergents from damaging your hand from this method.

Now, back to your question,

When a cell lysis, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is the a primary energy source reacts with the surrounding giving off energy and heat. So what you're essentially doing, is letting the detergent wash on your hands and start lysis'ing your cells.

You probably won't get an answer off Google, because this is a series of questions.

Yes, and it was matter of some importance, it made me wounder why. And I found out. If you want to know why send $10US to Steve as m s K.;mag. No I'll tell what I found out. Detergents contain some form of Sodium Phosphate and it is a base. It is the heat of the reaction of the Phosphates, Alkali Earths and water that is most noticeable. Even though you think your hands are dry there is always some form of moisture on your skin. Remember, we are 98% water.

detergent have group sodium salt of sulphonic acid. When it come in contact with skin reaction take place with skin protein. So slightly ich happence.

since detergents are deliquescent in nature i.e. they absorb moisture

so when we put it on our palm it starts absorbing the moisture and we feel warm