Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region III
Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija
LLANERA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Bagumbayan, Llanera

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING TOMATO’S ACIDITY AS CLEANING

AGENT
A Science Investigatory Project Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of
Llanera National High School

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject

Research Project

Submitted by:

Paul Vincent Alojamiento

Jeffry P. Corpuz
Jeremie R. Delos Santos
Janille B. Tiburcio

Grade and Section:

12- Courage(TVL
Submitted to:

KEVIN GALAPO CORPUZ

Research Teacher

JUNE 2021
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their appreciation and sincerest gratitude to

the following person who rendered help and unwavering support in making this study

possible and successful.

First of all, to our Almighty God, for who lend them knowledge and gave them

peace throughout the process of making this proposal.

The researchers would like to show their deepest gratitude to their adviser, Ma’am

Lorna S. Baguio, for her never ending support for her students.

The researchers would like to recognize the respondents who participated which

helped the researchers to gather data the data needed to proceed with the study.

To their research teacher, Sir Kevin G. Corpuz, for feeding the researchers

knowledge that the they need to accomplish this proposal and for his full supervision to

the students notwithstanding the fact that we’re in a middle of a pandemic.

The researchers would like to extend their special thanks to Ma’am Marietta W.

Javier, school principal, and Ma’am Analyn V. Nool, Head Teacher in Science.

To their adoring and ever-supportive parents, who have always been there for them

morally and financially, and whose unwavering love and sacrifices have inspired and

pushed them to undertake this research idea.

The researchers

DEDICATION

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 This study is gratefully dedicated to our Almighty God, the researcher’s parents,

families, friends, and teachers who have been a continual source of inspiration for them.

They've given the researchers the motivation and discipline to take on a project with zeal

and dedication. This effort would not have been feasible without their love and

encouragement.

We would like to specially dedicate this study to…

Sir Kevin G. Corpuz

Ma’am Lorna S. Baguio

Ma’am Analyn V. Nool

Ma’am Marietta W. Javier

And the supportive families of the researchers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………........................ i

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Dedication …………………………………………………………………………….. ii

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………..…… iii

Chapter I. Introduction ….……………………….……………………………..….. iv

Background of the Study …………………………………………………….iv

Statement of the Problem …….……………………………………………...v

Objectives …………….….……………………………………………...........v

Hypothesis ……………………………………………………………………..v

Significance of the Study …………………………………………………….vi

Scope and Delimitations …………………………………………………….vi

Review of Related Literature and Studies …………………………………vii

Chapter II. Research Methodology ……………..…………………………………viii

Materials ……………………………………………………………..……….viii

Equipment …………………………………………………………………….viii

Method ………………………………………………………………………….ix

Testing …………………………………………………………………………..x

Statistical Analysis …………………………………………………………….x

Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………xi

Appendices ………………………………………………………………………….xii

Appendix A. Curriculum Vitae …………………………………………….xii

Appendix B. Documentation ………………………………………………xix

Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

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 Dishwashing liquids has been used widely in the Philippines, but its prices have

been significantly increasing for the past years. Many consumers have been suffering

with the price increase of these cleaning products which sometimes lead them into using

bar soap intended to wash clothes. Most of the dishwashing liquids sold in the country is

made from chemicals that may cause damage to the consumer’s skin.

The pH of the tomato fruits was acidic (Ajayi and Olasehinde, 2009). Tomatoes vary in

acidity; they range from pH 4.3 to 4.9 which is much lower than the neutral which pH 7

but processed tomatoes such as ketchup s and tomato pastes have more acidity than fresh

ones. According to Sizer (2019), canned tomatoes and tomato paste tend to be the most

acidic, with readings sitting at 3.5 at their highest acidity and acids are effective in

cleaning and disinfecting (Koukel, 2012). The fundamental reason of this proposal is to

know if we can use tomatoes as a cleaning agent because of its high acidity and benefits

to the skin. A greater research and development (R&D) are needed to further evaluate if

tomatoes are efficient and to fuel the necessary advances in science to prove this theory.

So far, there are still inadequate studies about the topic, studies are needed so that the

development of tomatoes as a cleaning agent would advance in the field of science.

Statement of the Problem

This research seeks to find the effectiveness of using the acidity of tomatoes.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions…

1. Is there a relationship between the acidity of tomatoes and its efficacy as a

cleaning agent?

2. Are tomato-based cleaning agents more effective than regular ones?

3. Does tomato-base cleaning agents more beneficial to the skin?

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 4. How efficient is tomato in cleaning dishware, silverware, and metals?

Objectives

At the end of the study, researchers will be able to:

1. Test if tomatoes are effective as a cleaning agent.

2. Know if the acidity of the tomato affects its potential as a cleaning agent.

3. Know if tomato-based cleaning agents is more efficient than normal ones.

4. Find out whether tomato-based is more beneficial to the skin than regular ones.

Hypothesis

The researcher formulated the null hypothesis below for statistical testing at 5%

level of significance.

Ho: The tomato’s acidity is not an effective cleaning agent.

Ha: The tomato’s acidity is an effective cleaning agent.

Significance of the Study

This research aims to reduce household expenses and to reduce the chemical use in a

household. This research may help those who have skin allergy due to excessive use of

chemicals as tomatoes contain vitamin that is beneficial to the skin.

To the Students. This research could be helpful for students who’d like to study

the chemical compositions of tomato and incorporate it into something useful in a

household.

To the Teachers. The teachers may use this study as a recommendation for other

student researchers as this study was limited by different factors and still needs further

studies to be proven.

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 To the Future Researchers. The future researchers may use this as their

background for next researches to be conducted as there are still few studies about using

tomatoes as a cleaning agent and further investigate the efficacy of this study.

Scope and Delimitations

This study using fresh and processed tomatoes (tomato paste) was conducted to

know if it will be feasible to use tomatoes as a cleaning agent. Properties such us the

variety, acidity content, and color are limited as tomatoes to be used in the study are

tomatoes available locally.

Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

There have been studies about the acidity of tomatoes but there are insufficient

studies about using tomatoes as a cleaning agent. However, according to Kevin Milaeger,

tomatoes vary in acidity; they range from pH 4.3 to 4.9 which is much lower than the

neutral which pH 7. According to WHFood Organization, the degree of maturity of fresh

tomatoes is strongly related to their acidity. The lower the acidity, the more mature and

riper the fruit is. This means that tomatoes are high in acidity which is efficient to use in

cleaning and bleaching. According to the Grolier’s New Book of Knowledge, tomato is

also an excellent source of Vitamin A and C and the antioxidant lycopene which is good

for our skin. According to Baptiste (2014), the acid which is present in the tomatoes acts

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as a bleaching agent, thus it is one of the best natural ingredients to use after lemons. It

was also said that If the dirt or stain is still not removed, adding a few drops of lemon or

white vinegar to the tomato paste to increase the alkaline content would help it to remove

the stain. Tomatoes can also clean precious metals such as silver, copper, gold, and

stainless steel. Using tomato as a cleaning agent may also be beneficial to the user’s hand

as tomatoes contain healthy vitamins and lycopene that helps to moisturize skin.

According to Higuera & Cobb (2019), tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium.

According to a research conducted by Sugawara, T, Kikuchi, K, Tagami, H, Aiba, S, and

Sakai, S in 2012, decreased levels of potassium may contribute to dry skin in people with

atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema.

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 Chapter III

Research Methodology

Materials:

The list materials to be used in the study are…

 tomato paste

 tomato purée

 1400grams Mc Gel or gel surfactant

 500ml Foam Booster

 120ml Degreaser

 30grams Red Colorant

 30ml Tomato Scent

 15ml Antibacterial Solution

 300grams Thickener

 14Liters Purified Water

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Equipment:

The equipment to be used in this study are…

 mixing bowl

 mixing rod

 gloves

 face masks

 apron

 measuring cups

Method:

The researchers have decided that experimental research design is to be used in

conducting the study as this would be the most appropriate and efficient research design

use in this research. The methodology that the researchers agreed to use is mixed

methods where they will use surveys, questionnaires, and experiments to gather

information to prove their hypothesis. Conducting experiments are needed to prove if

tomatoes really are effective as a cleaning agent. The researchers will conduct various

experiments to test and prove if their hypothesis is correct. The data gathering tool to be

used in this study are questionnaires and surveys to gather the data needed in the study. A

sample of the product made would be given to the respondents for them to try it and the

surveys and questionnaires will be distributed to the respondents virtually so that they

would be able to give the researchers data for their study. The researchers will use a

nonprobability sampling as their sampling technique to select the respondents that would

participate in the research. The researchers have decided that data will be analyzed from

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the score obtained from completed questionnaires and the results acquired from the

experiment and the statistical treatments to be applied to get significant data are

descriptive and inferential statistics.

Testing:

The researchers would first put on their safety gear and would proceed by measuring the

ingredients needed in the study. The researchers would measure two sets of 1400g Mc

Gel or Gel Surfactant, 500ml Foam Booster, 120ml Degreaser, 30grams Red Colorant,

30ml Tomato Scent, 15ml Antibacterial Solution, 300grams Thickener, and 14L Purified

Water. Then the researchers would prepare 100 grams of tomato paste and 128g of fresh

tomato purée. There would be two mixing bowls to be used in the study, Bowl A or the

bowl that will contain the mixture with tomato paste and Bowl B or the bowl that will

contain the mixture with the fresh tomato purée. In both Bowl A and Bowl B, the

researcher will put the Gel surfactant and half of the thickener and will mix it until the

mixture is well-combined. Then, in Bowl A, the tomato paste will be added in the gel and

thickener mixture while the tomato purée will be added in the mixture in Bowl B. Then

the researchers will mix each mixture until the added paste and purée are incorporated.

To increase the acidity and efficacy of the tomatoes, the researchers will add some lime

juice in the mixture in both Bowl A and Bowl B. The researchers would add a liter of

water in Bowl A and Bowl B and then mix it until the concoction homogenizes and

would repeat the process until all 14L of water are combined in the mixture. After the

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water is combined in the mixture, the researchers will then add the foam booster in the

soap base in each bowl and carefully mix it. Then the researchers will add the same

amount of colorant and scent in each mixture in both Bowl A and Bowl B and then add

the remaining thickener measure for each bowl and stir the mixture repeatedly until it is

well-incorporated. The researchers will cover the soap mixture in Bowl A and Bowl B

and will let it rest for 24 hours to observe the soap base. After resting, the researcher will

then pack the soap in Bowl A and Bowl B into different packaging and then send a

sample of the Soap A (Tomato Paste-Based Soap) and Soap B (Tomato Purée-Based

Soap) to the respondents. The respondents would be asked to try the products in a span of

a week and compare their experience. After choosing the better soap solution between

Soap A and Soap B, the respondents would be asking to compare the chosen cleaning

agent with Soap C (a normal dishwashing soap). Then, the researchers will send the

respondents the surveys and questionnaires to gather the data needed to proceed with the

study.

Statistical Analysis

The researcher’s have decided to use a one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) which is

a statistical method that separates observed variance data into different components to use

for additional tests. A one-way ANOVA would be the most appropriate analysist tool to

use as the researcher’s would be comparing three groups, the Soap A, Soap B, and the

Soap C to observe the efficacy and differences of the three types of soaps.

The researchers will also use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data

gathered. The researchers will use descriptive statistics to summarize the characteristics

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of the data and use inferential statistics to test their hypothesis and assess if their data is

generalizable to the broader population.

Bibliography

Ajayi, A. A. and Olasehinde, I. G(2009) Studies on the pH and protein content of tomato.

Academicjournals.org https://academicjournals.org/article/article1380790865_Ajayi

%20and%20Olasehinde%20Pdf.pdf

Baptiste, D. (2014) Yes, It's True! Tomatoes Can Clean Your Home. Boldsky,

https://www.boldsky.com/home-n-garden/improvement/2014/yes-its-true-tomatoes-can-
clean-your-home-041149.html

Grolier International (2006), The New Book of Knowledge (Vol.18): Scholastic Library
Publishing, Inc

Higueara, V., Cobb, C. (2019) Can You Use Tomatoes for Skin Care? Healthline

https://www.healthline.com/health/tomato-benefits-for-skin

Koukel, S.(2012) Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products, New Mexico State

University

https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_g/G304/welcome.html

Milaeger, K.Tomatoes—The Acid Test

http://www.milaegers.com/grow/images/Tomatoes----The%20Acid%20Test.pdf

Sizer, A., Renee, J. (2019) What Type of Acid Is in Tomatoes? LIVESTRONG

https://www.livestrong.com/article/519283-what-type-of-acid-is-in-tomatoes/

Sugawara, T., Kikuchi, K., Tagami, H., Aiba, S., and Sakai, S. (2012) Decreased lactate

and potassium levels in natural moisturizing factor from the stratum corneum of mild

atopic dermatitis patients are involved with the reduced hydration state. National Library

of Medicine.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22464763/

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 Appendix A

Curriculum Vitae

Name: Irish Angel C. Vicencio

Address: #33 Lagasca Avenue, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Llanera, N.E.

Tel: 09454355847

Email: irishangelvicencio200501@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Nationality: Filipino

Sex: Female

Marital Status: Single

Date of Birth: January 14, 2005

Place of Birth: Premiere Medical Center, AH26, Cabanatuan City, 3100

Nueva Ecija

EDUCATION:

2017-2020: Studied Junior High School at Llanera NHS

2011-2017: Studied Elementary at Charles Angel Montessori School

2008-2011: Studied Pre-Elementary at Charles Angel Montessori School

Name: Jade B. Rosete

Address: Zone 4 Brgy. Florida Blanca Llanera Nueva, Ecija

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Tel: 09380933914

Email: jaderosete14@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Nationality: Filipino

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Single

Date of Birth: May 18, 2005

Place of Birth: Zone 4 Brgy. Florida Blanca Llanera Nueva Ecija

EDUCATION:

2017-2020: Studied Junior High School at Llanera NHS

2011-2017: Studied Elementary at Florida Elementary School

Name: Paul Vincent Alojamiento

Address: #253 Lagasca Avenue, Brgy Victoria, Llanera, N.E.

Tel: 09387905095

Email: paulvincentalojamiento@gmail.com

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PERSONAL DATA

Nationality: Filipino

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Single

Date of Birth: December 31, 2003

Place of Birth: Brgy. Victoria, Llanera, Nueva Ecija

EDUCATION:

2017-2020: Studied Junior High School at Llanera NHS

2011-2017: Studied Elementary at Llanera Central School

Name: Jason Dave R. Viernes

Address: Brgy. Plaridel Llanera, Nueva Ecija

Tel: 09569722660

Email: jasondaveviernes@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Nationality: Filipino
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Sex: Male

Marital Status: Single

Date of Birth: March 26, 2005

Place of Birth: Plaridel, Llanera, N.E

EDUCATION:

2017-2020: Studied Junior High School at Llanera NHS

2011-2017: Studied Elementary at Llanera Central School

Name: Jessie Emerson F. Peralta

Address: Arocena Street, Brgy. Victoria, Llanera Nueva, Ecija

Tel: 09773985942

Email: jessieemersonperalta@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Nationality: Filipino

Sex: Male
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Marital Status: Single

Date of Birth: April 12 2005

Place of Birth: Premiere Medical Center, Cabanatuan City, Nueva

Ecija

EDUCATION:

2017-2020: Studied Junior High School at Llanera NHS

2011-2017: Studied Elementary at Llanera Central School

Name: Vic Andrei T. Atendido

Address: Fabros Street, Brgy. Victora, Llanera, N.E.

Tel: 09636167700

Email: dreiatendido30@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Nationality: Filipino

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Single

Date of Birth: November 30 ,2004

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Place of Birth: Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

EDUCATION:

2017-2020: Studied Junior High School at Llanera NHS

2011-2017: Studied Elementary at Llanera Central School

Appendix B

Documentation

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