Dishwashing Liquid made from Oranges as an Alternative Dishwashing

Liquid

Keirsten Louise T. Garcia

Grade 10 – St. John

Magsaysay Memorial College of Zambales, Inc.

San Narciso, Zambales

Abstract. This study aims to make an organic dishwashing liquid from orange. Nowadays,

people typically use commercially produced dishwashing liquids to clean their kitchen and eating

utensils, but the potential impacts of such products on their health include many chemicals that

are unknown to them. The researcher used oranges, vinegar, salt, and water. The researcher cut

the oranges into small pieces for the experiment and heated them in a 1/2 cup of water. The

mixture was blended by the researcher using a blender. The researcher then added 1/2 cup of

water, 1/2 cup of salt, and ½ cup of vinegar and then heated the mixture again. The researcher

left the mixture for one day. The results were unfavorable. However, the orange scent was very

noticeable. The researcher tried a plate that had just been used on the mixture, and it did not

clean. This experiment's problem was accurate measurement and a lack of some ingredients that

needed to address a solution.

Keywords: dishwashing liquid, orange, measurement, chemicals

 I. INTRODUCTION

          We all know that most people use dishwashing liquid to clean their dishes. They're buying

the dishwashing liquid they've seen advertised in the market. But they weren't aware of what

they bought because of the lower price, and it may have harmed their health as well because they

didn't know what chemicals were on it. According to (The better home team, 2020 ), Most

dishwashing liquids today contain synthetic chemical ingredients that could pose significant

health risks. This is of concern in India, where most dishwashing is done by hand. One of the

most commonly used ingredients in liquid dish soap includes Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS),

which is used to cut through grease. When SLS is absorbed by the skin cells, it can lead to rash

and allergic reactions. 

According (timesofindia, 2020) The experts believe that there are chemicals that the naked

eye can't detect and are way more harmful to the human body. The experts have mentioned that it

can be absorbed by skin cells and may lead to rashes and allergic reactions. They also use

phosphates, a prevalent chemical used in the dishwashing gels that can disrupt an ecosystem

when introduced in a concentrated form. It has been observed that releasing phosphates into

water bodies through your drainage system causes algae formation that adversely affects the

ecosystem. In contrast, nothing has been documented to date. They use chemicals in various

permutations and combinations, fragrances, coloring dyes, sodium salts, and preservatives that

are bad for the body. Experts strongly believe that even after washing the utensils under running

water, it is expected that some particles of these chemicals stick to plates, cutlery, and utensils

and harm the body in the long run.

 In the year since, the world has transformed, reshaping our lives, economies, and business

fortunes—a journey represented in the ups and downs of share prices. The fundamental trends

have accelerated, propelling some companies forward at record speed, while for others,

headwinds have turned into hurricanes (Chris Bradley and Peter Stumpner, 2021). As prices rise,

it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to buy their daily necessities, like dishwashing

liquid, because of the effect of the pandemic. Dishwashing liquids can clean, but they contain

hazardous compounds that are especially harmful to children. Because of the spread of

dishwashing detergents claiming to be all-natural on the market today, it's difficult to tell who's

telling the truth and who isn't. It is also challenging for people to purchase new dishwashing

liquid every month/day due to a lack of money.

According to (ABIGAIL RIO C. ACOBA, 2019 ), Dishwashing liquid is now considered a

frequent need for almost all of the world's live human population, mainly as a softening agent

and as a product for various personal hygiene needs; however, some have been shown to be

pricey and ineffective. Purchasing and using the wrong dishwashing soap could endanger your

family's safety. Because most products contain chlorine in a highly concentrated dry form, your

food may take up some of the residues that the dishwashing soap left behind and cause food

poisoning. It may also cause skin damage such as sudden whitening, rashes, and dry skin issues.

Subsequently, everyone's question is, "What can be a safer, cheaper, and more effective

ingredient in generating and producing dishwashing soap for daily consumption?".

As stated by ( Colman, Barrameda, and Garcia, 2013 ), people usually use commercially

produced dishwashing liquids to clean their kitchen and eating utensils yet the possible effects of

such products on their health – considering they contain a lot of chemicals – are unclear to them.

No matter how good, delicious, and healthy one's meal is, if their kitchen and eating utensils are
as dirty as possible, they cannot assume that they are eating healthy. Cleanliness is essential,

especially when it comes to the things we use that we put on and in our bodies. We sometimes

clean these things with products that contain a variety of chemicals.

This study would make one aware of the possibilities of otherwise food wastes such as

peels of fruits such as orange peels and the value of using organic products in cleaning utensils

and other things. It would allow those who spend extended periods at home each day to use their

time and create valuable items out of nothing. It would also assist those concerned about their

cleanliness and environmentalists, as this study intends to develop an all-natural dishwashing

liquid. Wives left at home while their husbands and children are away may benefit from this

study since it will motivate them to make their own healthy organic cleaning materials.

The researcher believes that making dishwashing liquid from oranges can save

individuals money instead of buying a new one every day or month. People typically use

commercially made dishwashing liquids to clean their kitchen and eating utensils. However, the

potential health effects of such products are unknown, given that they include a high

concentration of chemicals. According to goaskalice.columbia.edu, regular soaps don't KILL

germs – instead, they take them off the skin, allowing them to be rinsed off by water. Soap is not

limited to being used as a body cleanser. It is also used to clean the dishes – it is called

dishwashing soap or detergent. Consumerreports.org placed that dishwashing soaps come in

many forms – tablets, gel, and powder – but they often come in liquid form because they are less

messy than a plain bar of soap, according to health.harvard.edu.

The researcher conducted this study to persuade everyone to stop spending money on a

new dishwashing liquid and to avoid the potential impacts of a dishwashing liquid they used that

people typically see in commercials. The researcher's way to solve the problem is to experiment
with whether everyone can use oranges to make dishwashing liquid as an alternative

dishwashing liquid.

The focus of this study was to observe the effectiveness of orange as an organic

dishwashing liquid without harming the health of individuals. Create a chemical-free and

environmentally friendly dishwashing liquid by using orange as a critical ingredient in the

dishwashing liquid and white vinegar and salt for further cleaning benefits in the dishwashing

liquid. According to wisegeek.org, oranges are natural insect repellents, so we want to see if

utilizing this dishwashing liquid produced from orange peels might reduce the danger of insect-

causing diseases that are incorporated in the utensils people use to convey food into their bodies.

It will inspire Filipinos, particularly the youth, to develop any biodegradable and non-

biodegradable materials that they would otherwise throw away, such as orange peels, and turn

them into new products to prevent the disposal of potentially useful materials and thus help to

reduce the radically increasing amount of waste in the Philippines. Furthermore, this study will

encourage Filipino youth to start a business at a young age by selling things they created

themselves, earning money on their own, and learning how to be independent - making today's

youth more productive, according to (Colman, Barrameda, Garcia, 2013 ) too. This research

aims to create an organic dishwashing liquid manufactured from actual oranges, including their

peels.

The research questions are: (1) Is it effective to make dishwashing liquid from oranges and

use it to clean the dishes? (2) Is it helpful to save money by using oranges as an alternative to

dishwashing liquid other than commercial dishwashing liquid in cleaning the dishes?

Hypothetically, the answer could be that If the oranges used an alternative way to make

dishwashing liquid, it would be effective in cleaning the dishes. If the oranges are used as an
alternative to dishwashing liquid other than commercial liquid in cleaning the dishes, it will help

save money.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The orange is the most important ingredient in this experiment. According to (Danny

Bonvissuto, 2020 ), orange Protects your cells from damage, It helps your body make collagen, a

protein that heals wounds and gives you smoother skin, Makes it easier to absorb iron to fight

anemia, Boosts your immune system, your body's defense against germs, Slows the advance of

age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss, Helps fight cancer-

causing free radicals. As mentioned by (Katherine Martinko, 2018 ), Oranges are great for

cleaning, especially when combined with basic household products like vinegar and baking soda.

Citrus contains d-limonene, a natural solvent that cuts through grease and dirt, and will leave

your house smelling fresher than ever. Orange peels are also used in this experiment, As said by

manipalhospital.com, Orange peels contain flavonoids – like poly methoxy flavones (PMFs) and

hesperidin – and other phytochemicals that are highly beneficial for your health. Flavonoids are

antioxidant compounds that help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. It

also contains higher amounts of certain nutrients. For example, 3.5 ounces of orange peel

provides 136 mg of Vitamin C.

In this experiment, the researcher also uses vinegar. As stated by (Debra Rose Wilson,

2020), Vinegar, on the other hand, is nontoxic and eco-friendly, making it the ultimate

multipurpose cleaning solution. And the best part, it’s super cheap. Vinegar isn’t only useful for

cooking, though. It also makes a great cleaner and disinfectant because it’s made from acetic

acid. Acetic acid is a colorless organic compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent

smell. It’s also an ingredient in some store-bought household cleaners. The acidic nature of
vinegar is so powerful it can dissolve mineral deposit, dirt, grease, and grime. It’s also strong

enough to kill bacteria.

Salt is basically magical too. It makes everything taste, well, better. And we all know how

amazing that bite of cookie is when you hit a small patch of salt that hasn’t been mixed in. It’s

also pretty useful when it comes to non-cooking matters. Allow us to geek out for a little bit

while we talk about what makes salt so good for cleaning. It used to be that buying salt was

pretty simple. When salt dissolves into an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, sodium and chlorine

atoms are set loose and these charged particles can — and do — create powerful chemical

reactions: Salt and vinegar can keep drains clear. In short, salt is a gentle abrasive and an

effective absorber all by itself; when combined with vinegar or lemon juice, As claimed by

(Alexandra Ossola , 2019).

An experimental science investigatory project was carried out to prove whether the theory

was right or wrong. There are three variables to be observed and simulated: independent,

dependent, and controlled variables. The use of the orange to dishwashing liquid is an

independent variable in the experiment. The effectiveness of the orange dishwashing liquid was

the dependent variable. The controlled variables were the room temperature, the product used,

and the time allotted to change of the texture. The steps and design of this experimentation

followed were from a Youtube video entitled “Homemade Dishwash liquid// Natural ingredients

using Dishwash” by the Youtuber named Live Life Dilz.

The materials for the research were mainly for the orange dishwashing liquid as a

byproduct of the mixture of 3 pieces orange, ½ cup of vinegar, ½ cup of salt and 2 cups of water.

Other materials used in the experiment included pot, bowl, blender or grinder, strainer, and

spoon/spatchula.
 The procedure started with the Cut of oranges into small pieces or cubes and removed the

seeds, set the pieces aside. The next step, in a pot, add one and a half (1/2) cup of water and the

orange pieces. Heat the mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat. Continue to stir

constantly. After doing so, allow it to cool after 15 to 20 minutes of boiling. Next is Place the

mixture in a blender or grinder after it has cooled, and grind to smooth paste. At this time, Place

the mixture in a strainer and stir well until it is totally removed. After placing the mixture, Pour

the mixture into a pot and add one and a half (1/2) cup of water, (1/2) vinegar, (1/2) salt (any).

The next step, for about 5 minutes, heat the mixture over medium heat. Allow it to cool after

heating. Finally, use a recycled plastic container or bottle for dishwashing liquid and Cool the

mixture for one (1) day.

III. RESULTS

This study is particularly mainly focused on the results of an organic dishwashing liquid

made from orange; which consists of several parts: how this research was done, answers were

found, and the researcher observation. Experimentation took two (2) days to produce the ultimate

result of the study.

TABLE: Changes and Progress of Process in Dishwashing Liquid from Oranges

Time Changes of Texture Changes of Smell Changes of color

After 1 minute of There is no viscosity Smells like an entire NONE

cooling in the mixture orange (still yellow orange)

After 5 hours of Slowly becomes Smells like an entire NONE

cooling gooey orange

 (still yellow orange)

After 10 hours of Starting to become The smell of orange NONE

cooling smooth and gooey appears to be (still yellow orange)

gradually

disappearing, when

before it was stronger

After 18 hours of The consistency of The scent of orange NONE

cooling the mixture thickens lessens through time (still yellow orange)

and smooths out

After 24 hours of It eventually became There is still an NONE

cooling more viscous and orange smell, but it (still yellow orange)

smoother isn’t as strong as

before

After 1 minute of cooling, there is no viscosity in the mixture, still smell like an entire

orange and the color is still yellow orange. After 5 hours of cooling, the texture slowly becomes

gooey, still smell like an orange and there’s no changes in color. After 10 hours of cooling, the

texture starting to become smooth and gooey, and the smell of orange appears to be gradually

disappearing; when before it was stronger, and the color is still yellow orange. After 18 hours or

cooling, the consistency of the mixture thickens and smooths out, the scent of orange lessens

through time, and the color is still yellow orange. After 1 day of cooling, the texture eventually

became more viscous and smoother, there’s still an orange smell, but it isn’t strong as before,

and there’s no changes in color.

 The researcher conducted a test to determine the product's overall effectiveness and

cleaning capability. First, the researcher applied a medium amount of the mixture to a sponge to

examine if it foamed — when squeezed, it did not produce a significant amount of suds or

bubbles. Following that, the researcher attempted to wipe a plate that had been used prior to the

test with the mixture. The product not seemed to have cleaned the plate and left no residue.

Furthermore, the mixture left odor.

Due to the undesirable outcomes of the researcher's experimentation, the following factors

contributed to their lack of success are:  one essential cleaning component was missing - foaming

agent, which is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. SLS functions in cleaning product as a surfactant,

wetting surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil so that they can be rinsed

away. This ingredient contributes foaming properties to cleaning products, as stated by

cleaninginstitute.org. Secondly, the mixture was cooled in a cold temperature – It should be

placed in a sunny location. Furthermore, the quantity of the materials was not correctly

measured. Also, some of the materials are expensive and would result in an over-priced project.

IV. DISCUSSION

The experiment did not yield the intended result. The orange smell is present but not as

strong. Furthermore, it is ineffective for cleaning and leaves an unappealing odor on the plate. It

lacks a foaming agent, which is essential in producing soap-related products. The vital issue that

contributed to the experiment's failure was inaccurate measurement. Additionally, some

materials are expensive, resulting in an overpriced project.

 Following the completion of this research project, the researcher discovered that it should

not avoid chemicals because they are necessary for producing soap goods. They can be used as a

cleaning agent and a foaming agent. According to cleaninginstitute.org, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

(SLS), also known as Sodium dodecyl sulfate, is a widely used surfactant in cleaning products,

cosmetics, and personal care products. The sodium lauryl sulfate formula is a highly effective

anionic surfactant to remove oily stains and residues. SLS functions in cleaning products as a

surfactant, wetting surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil so that they can

be rinsed away. This ingredient contributes foaming properties to cleaning products. SLS is safe

for use in cleaning products. It has been through numerous reviews. There is no direct or

circumstantial evidence that this ingredient has any carcinogenic potential.

Based on the research findings, the following recommendations are made for further and

more in-depth investigation: The use of other citrus fruits (e.g., lemon, calamansi, etc.) should

also be considered. Their peels are just as nutritious as orange peels. Before experimentation,

everyone should gather information by studying various possible organic ingredients for making

a dishwashing liquid. To improve the effectiveness of the dishwashing liquid, use a foaming

component such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is derived from lauric acid in coconut oil. It

would produce suds and thicken the mixture, making it more effective at cleaning dishes.

Since the researcher only has three (3) weeks to prepare, research, and conduct the

experiment. The researcher should do a further study about this research within a month to

intensify the acquisition of information on other possible ingredients and materials required in

making a dishwashing liquid and allow plenty of experimentation to yield the desired result.
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