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10B 3 Citrus Limon Lemon As Laundry Liquid Detergent JH10B GROUP 3
10B 3 Citrus Limon Lemon As Laundry Liquid Detergent JH10B GROUP 3
Science 10
GLORY, Jester P.
JUMAWAN, Klaine O.
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ABSTRACT
In this study, the researchers seek to find a natural alternative for traditional liquid laundry
detergents, thereby trying an experiment on making a natural laundry liquid detergent with Citrus
Lemon as a cleaning agent, specifically as the main ingredient of a liquid laundry detergent
have multiple advantages that prevent the flaws of a traditional liquid laundry detergent. It has
citric acid that makes an effective alternative to harsh chlorine bleach, break down stains, and is
much gentler to clothes. Additionally, lemons have a natural compound that produces a pleasant
Using this Lemon Laundry Liquid Detergent also helps in conserving our environment.
Traditional liquid laundry detergents are often loaded with chemical compounds, ranging from
phosphates to surfactants. Phosphates, for example, are recognized to be toxic to fish and the
environment. Using natural liquid laundry detergent reduces the amount of chemicals that enter
We need to test the detergent's effectiveness to guarantee that the product we made is safe
to use for washing our clothes. To determine the effectiveness of the liquid detergent, the
researchers tested it in two ways: machine wash and hand wash. In both ways, the "used clothes"
after washing have been fully cleaned. The clothes had no strong scent. The color of the clothes
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First and foremost, we researchers thank God for giving us strength to pursue this research.
We thank Him for all the blessings we have and for helping us achieve our goal in study.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our Science teacher, Mr. Albert C.
Gerodias, for guiding us always, for teaching us all the information and skills needed to complete
this research. We also thank our parents and family for all the support and for giving us inspiration.
Lastly, to the members of this group who are always helping, working hard, and having
cooperation since the start of this research. We are thankful for the time and effort each researcher
exerted in this study. We, researchers, are happy to experience to conduct an experiment and create
this product.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 6
b. Procedure............................................................................................................................... 29
c. Testing ................................................................................................................................... 30
d. Budget ................................................................................................................................... 31
e. Appendix ............................................................................................................................... 31
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a. Summary ............................................................................................................................... 44
b. Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 45
c. Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 45
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Before the invention of modern detergent, civilizations of the past used animal fat or lye to
wash clothes. Other times, they used chamber lye for washing some clothes. While in the present,
people are using detergents that have cationic surfactants that are impart with an anti-static
are similar to soap but are less affected by hard water. But sometimes, not all modern detergents Commented [AG1]: reference
are capable enough to remove all the stains, all the bacteria, especially to prevent the colors of the
fabric from fading. This is the reason why we used Citrus Limon as Laundry Liquid Detergent.
ammonium or sulfate salts of long chain carboxylic acids and these synthetic compounds cannot
which can possibly create a water pollution. While a Citrus Limon is also known as Lemon is a
powerful eco - friendly antibacterial that can easily break down anaerobically because most of
The Citric Acid in Lemon helps to break down stains, kills most of the bacteria, and get
those dingy whites back to bright. Aside from the fact that it has the power to make your clothes
cleaner, brighter, and is safe for a fabric that have colors, different unpleasant odors can also be
removed using lemon which can cause acidity that neutralizes the bad smell.
Lemon has a natural compound called limonene that is commonly found in its skin, it
produces the pleasant aroma and also functions as a solvent that breaks down and dissolves. In
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According to Luiz Alberto Colnago, the antiviral activity can be attributed in a detergent
to the biocide action of surfactants. The chemical stability of a detergent indicates that the
properties of the mixtures will be preserved for the same period of time and may maintain a
Thus, making a natural detergent has higher chances of certain benefits like prevention
against the virus from your clothes in a chemical - free way, effectively reducing exposure to
harmful chemicals.
In this study, our group tried an experiment on making a laundry liquid detergent having
Citrus Limon (lemon) as its main cleaning agent. Our study aims for this product to be used in
fighting germs and bacteria especially in these times of pandemic where all of us could be exposed
from the virus. In today’s situation, many individuals visit various locations, sitting in chairs or
leaning against the wall, where germs and bacteria may be adhered to their worn clothing. We
chose lemon because of its cleaning properties and because it is readily available. By definition, a
lemon is a yellow, oval citrus fruit with a thick skin and fragrant, acidic juice. Lemon has an
antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can kill germs and bacteria. Nowadays, store-bought
cleaning goods, such as laundry liquid detergents, contain chemicals that are either harmful to
people or can damage our garments. According to research by the University of Washington, Top
selling detergent brands like Tide contain many toxic chemicals that are harmful to the body. (Go
new mommy article, 2018) The aforementioned properties of a lemon also act as a natural bleach.
Citric acids in lemon helps to break down stains and can also whiten the clothes. It is a good
alternative to a bleach given the fact that it is also safe with colors and is not harmful to us. It not
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only has cleaning properties, but it also has a pleasant aroma that many people enjoy. The process
of making the product is an economic one for the materials are easy to find and also inexpensive.
● How does this project benefit us from using Lemon Liquid Laundry Detergent?
● Would the Lemon Liquid Laundry Detergent be successful enough to be used as alternative
• General Objective
To produce an effective laundry liquid detergent with citrus limon (lemon) as the Commented [AG2]: how do you intend to measure the
effectivity?
main ingredient.
• Specific Objectives
a) Observe and describe the characteristics of the Lemon Liquid Laundry Commented [AG3]: What is the purpose of observing and
describing?
Detergent
❖ Consistency
❖ Scent
❖ Color
b) For hand wash, observe the hands’ condition after using the Lemon Liquid
Laundry Detergent
c) Observe the washed clothes after using the Lemon Liquid Laundry
Detergent
❖ Odor
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➢ Is the scent of the clothes strong enough that it can trigger
nasal allergies?
❖ Color
❖ Cleanliness
This science investigatory project entitled “Citrus Limon (Lemon) as Laundry Liquid
Detergent”, was conducted to contribute information and understanding about the effectiveness
and use of citrus limon or lemon as a laundry liquid detergent. This study was also created to
benefit every individual and is expected that the following will also benefit through this study.
COMMUNITY. The study will contribute to the community’s knowledge in using this kind
of organic citrus substance in their daily laundry. Moreover, this will benefit the community in a
way that such citrus substance serves as a cheaper alternative to use as a stain removal.
DETERGENT INDUSTRY. The study will bring impact to the detergent industry
progressively by providing innovative information about the Citrus Limon (Lemon) extracts
FUTURE RESEARCHERS. The future researchers who will conduct research aligned to
this can utilize this research. This investigatory project will serve as a future reference to other
researchers regarding the use of lemon as laundry liquid detergent. Commented [AG4]: This portion could be in the
recommendation
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It is essential to take care and maintain our clothing for us to have a healthy lifestyle. Dirty
clothes may carry a variety of germs and bacteria that can infect our bodies and may lead to
different diseases.
Our study focuses on the assessment of the citrus limon (lemon) as a laundry liquid Commented [AG5]: What specific part? The entire fruit or
the peel etc..
detergent, the researchers only used the juice of the lemon where the citric acid is found. For the
production, they did it manually wherein they formed a base by mixing all major components
which are the: Lemon, Industrial Salt (thickener), and SLES (surfactant). In terms of the quantity,
the usage of it depends on how much clothes you’ll wash. This product’s quality was only tested
through 2 methods: Hand wash and Machine wash. In this research study, the researchers only Commented [AG6]: Elaborate this
observed the physical appearance of the clothes and the hands’ condition after using the detergent
made. This study was performed in our own homes for everyone’s safety due to the COVID-19
pandemic. This research was conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year.
E. Definition of Terms
An acid fruit that is botanically a many-seeded pale yellow oblong berry produced by a
A lemon is a yellow, oval citrus fruit with a thick skin and fragrant, acidic juice.
Any of numerous synthetic water-soluble or liquid organic preparations that are chemically
different from soaps but are able to emulsify oils, hold dirt in suspension, and act as wetting
agents.
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A chemical substance, usually in the form of a powder or liquid, which is used for washing
• Alkylbenzene sulfonates
Alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS) refers to a family of branched chain organic chemical
A chemical compound, which are very similar to soap but are less affected by hard water.
• Citric acid
lemon.
Citric acid helps to break down stains, kills most bacteria, and get those dingy white back
to bright.
• Limonene
that cuts through grease and dirt and will leave your house smelling fresher.
Commonly found in its skin, it produces the pleasant aroma and also functions as a solvent
• Eco-friendly product
Products that do not harm the environment because of the biodegradable substances.
• Antibacterial
Directed or effective against bacteria, intended to kill or reduce the harmful effects of
bacteria.
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• Antiseptic
• Chamber lye
Chamber lye was a useful laundry product. Precious urine collected from chamber pots, its
• Cationic surfactants
Cationic surfactant is a type of surfactant with a positive charge on its hydrophilic end. One
of the benefits of having a positive charge is that it makes them very useful in an anti-static
Impart with an anti-static property. Cationic surfactants are frequently used in disinfectants
• Carboxylic acids
occur widely in nature and are also synthetically manufactured by humans. Carboxylic acid
is a type of organic compound that widely occurs in forms of acetic acid and amino acids.
• Surfactants
Also called surface-active agent, substance such as a detergent that, when added to a liquid,
reduces its surface tension, thereby increasing its spreading and wetting properties.
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Refers to a substance that acts as a surface-active agent.
• Antiperspirants
perspiration, usually containing aluminum or zirconium, and used to prevent body odor
• Discoloration
• Disinfectant
An agent used to disinfect something. Any chemical agent used chiefly on inanimate
• Alkaloid
Any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (such as morphine
or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and
• Antioxidant
Substances that inhibit or delay the oxidation of biologically relevant molecules either by
The main content of lemon juice that contain vitamin C and citric acid.
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• Water-soluble
• Versatility
The state or quality of being useful for or easily adapted to various tasks, styles, fields of
endeavor, etc.
• Builders
A substance added to or used with detergents to increase their cleansing action, a substance,
effectiveness.
Builders are added for the surfactant to be more efficient and to enhance the quality of the
water.
• Alkalies
A soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or
sodium carbonate.
These are soluble salts and bases that react with an acid to neutralize it. They effectively
• Sodium chloride
chlorine atoms.
Food seasoning that is also a bleaching and anti-scalling agent commonly used in
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• Solvents
• Chelating agent
A chemical compound that reacts with metal ions to form stable, water-soluble metal
complexes.
Water softener compound that eliminates ions such as calcium and magnesium from
• Sodium Hypochlorite/Chlorine
An unstable salt NaOCl produced usually in aqueous solution and used as a bleaching and
disinfecting agent.
The most powerful and used laundry bleach since they disinfect, clean, and whiten clothes.
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CHAPTER II
High in citric acid, lemon juice is one of the best natural cleaners due to its low pH and
antibacterial properties. Lemons also smell great and aren’t likely to cause damage to materials
around what you are cleaning such as fabric or wood. Lemon fruit contains a great deal of citric
acid which is weak. It also serves as an environmentally benign cleaning agent (E. Aswani, H. J.
Sherlin, G. Jayaraj, K.R. Don, A. Santhanam, 2020). Lemon extracts as a replacement to synthetic
surfactants (M. Madhusudhan, 2021). Lemon is the best cleaning agent based on pH meter and
sugar level. Sugar helps in activating the enzyme from fruits (Nuramirah Juma’at, Nurul Fatin
Some antiperspirants react with body salts to create yellow stains on white clothes and
discoloration on colored shirts. Lemon works great for cleaning. The acidic quality and fresh scent
can work wonders around the house, and it can work similarly to a bleach. Many things can tarnish
clothing, including coffee, lipstick, paint, and acidic sweat. The acidity of lemon juice reacts with
the impurities (calcium carbonate). Some types of bad odors that are alkaline can be removed using
lemon which can cause acidity that neutralizes even the bad smell. Lemon juice which is obtained
from fruits of Citrus limon L. belonging to the family Rutaceae is traditionally used for the purpose
of cleaning due to its disinfectant properties (Sandeep DS, Charyulu R Narayana, 2016).
Lemon fruit is an herbal plant that has the main content of alkaloid compounds which have
the function as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antidiabetic. Lemon (Citrus
limon) juice contains many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, limonoid,
tannin, and terpenoids. The bioactive compounds contained in lemon (Citrus limon) each have an
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antibacterial. Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia) juice besides being used as an antibacterial, it is also
useful as an antioxidant. The main content of lemon (Citrus limon) juice is vitamin C and citric
acid. Lemons 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. Lemons are a powerful citrus fruit with
enzymes in their acids that are strong enough to whiten everything (ER Ekawati and W Darmanto,
2019).
The citric acid in lemons helps to break down stains and get those dingy whites back to
bright. And unlike bleach, lemon juice is safe for colors. Lemon is a natural choice when it comes
to removing stains from fabrics, ceramic, and even plastic. Lemon juice has a natural whitening
action that can be enhanced by exposure to sunlight, making it a good alternative to harsh bleaches
and other chemicals. Lemon juice's high acidity means that it has a high concentration of hydrogen
ions, and its corrosive properties make it a useful ingredient in cleaning products, because it softens
the minerals in hard water, allowing the cleaning agents to work more effectively (Michelle L.).
Laundry Detergent
Surfactants and detergents are very widely used both in the home and in industry; they are
used as household detergents, in personal care products such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
and in different industrial formulations used in textile and fibre processing; mining, flotation and
petroleum production; paint, plastics and lacquers production; food industry; pulp and paper
industry; leather and fur industry; and agriculture (Gonzalez et al, 2004).
Laundry detergents are highly water-soluble and are particularly effective in hard water.
Unlike soap, they do not bind with the salts in hard water to create a scum, meaning no residues
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left on your clothing. Further, detergents emulsify dirt and hold it in suspension, meaning they mix
with the dirt in your wash, lift it and allow it to be carried down the drain (Kind Laundry, 2021).
There are different types of detergent used depending upon the type of laundry, the amount
of dirt in them, the hardness of stains or as per the requirements of the cloth (Cleancult, 2021).
Liquid detergents are often favored for their versatility, they can be used as a pre-treatment
Powder Detergent
Laundry powders were the dominant consumer choice in the early 1990s, accounting for
about 60% of detergents used (Morse, 1999). By the mid-1990s, the market was nearing a 50-50
split between powders and liquids (Kirschner, 1998), primarily because liquids were easier to use
and dissolved better in hard water. By 2004, liquid laundry sales accounted for 75% of the market,
with sales of more than $2.4 billion (McArdle, 2005). Sales of liquid detergents have only
continued to increase. In 2009, liquid detergents accounted for 83% of the market, with sales of
When using powder detergent, it’s important to know what temperature to wash clothes.
“Avoid using very cold water, unless the powder detergent states it’s designed to dissolve in cold
water,” says Johnson. That’s because some powders struggle to dissolve in cold water. If you
prefer a powder vs. liquid detergent and also want to wash in cold water, “pre-dissolve the powder
in a little warm water before adding it to the washer,” says Gagliardi (Liles, 2021).
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Pods
Easily one of the most convenient and mess-free options, laundry pods are the kind of
detergent that is increasing in popularity. The detergent is contained within a soluble resin that
Pods pose a risk of poisoning if ingested and chemical eye burns if the detergent touches
the eye. That’s why you should always store them in a child-proof container out of reach of young
kids. “Pods must be kept in their original packaging—don’t give in to the temptation to transfer
them to a cute container that allows you to see them,” says Gagliardi. That’s because, in addition
to having all the important safety information handy, “packaging for detergent pods is opaque, so
the pods won’t be visible and therefore are not appealing to children.” (Liles, 2021).
Sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are all the necessary cleaning ingredients suspended in a
dissolvable and biodegradable resin that you simply add to your usual wash cycle in the same way
as powders or liquid detergents. But without the chemical or environmental footprint (Kind
Laundry, 2021).
Sheets are the type of laundry detergent that combines the mess-free benefits of a pod, with
Laundry, 2021).
Laundry detergent sheets are the zero mess, no fuss option that leaves nothing behind
except clean laundry. There is no need for added softeners, no gloopy detergent messes or powder
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spills, and no need to clean your machine which makes them dead easy to use (Kind Laundry,
2021).
Cleaning detergents contain surfactants, one of the primary and key components that makes
up a detergent. The term “surfactant” refers to a substance that acts as a surface-active agent
(International Products, 2022). According to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), surfactants
change how water behaves. The surface tension is reduced when a surfactant is added, water can
now spread out and wet the surface people were trying to clean.
There are four diverse types of surfactants that differ in composition and use. These are
● Nonionic Surfactants – These are often used in coatings and as wetting agents. Nonionic
surfactants are used in a variety of items, including polishes, cleaners, fragrances, and even
● Anionic Surfactants – These can be found in products such as laundry and dish detergents,
toothpaste, and some bath products such as shampoo and body soaps. Anionic surfactants
are often used as wetting agents (Mancuso, 2020). According to International Products,
anionic surfactants create a lot of foam when mixed and are excellent for lifting and
suspending particulate soils. One example is SLES or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate. This
is widely utilized in laundry products as a primary surfactant. It thickens the final product
formulation. It also has a lower degree of skin irritation, ease of compaction, and
2018).
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● Cationic Surfactants – Anti-static products, such as fabric softeners, use cationic
surfactants, which contain a positive charge. Cationic surfactants are frequently used in
disinfectants since they can also act as antibacterial agents. In addition, it will no longer be
effective when mixed with negatively charged anionic surfactants (International Products,
2022).
both cationic and anionic surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants have antibacterial properties,
low toxicity, high resistance to hard water, and excellent compatibility with other
surfactants. As a result, they are used in a variety of detergents, including powdered and
The second most important ingredient in most laundry detergents are the Builders.
According to research, these are added for the surfactant to be more efficient and to enhance the
quality of the water. Builders have several functions including softening, buffering, and
Another major component in laundry detergents is Alkalies. These are soluble salts and
bases that react with an acid to neutralize it. They effectively remove dirt and stains from fabric
without rubbing excessively. These are also good grease removers. Strong Alkalies can damage
fabrics and may cause roughness in the texture of clothes. Example of mild alkali is baking soda,
a sodium bicarbonate. Strong Alkalies include washing soda that is a sodium carbonate, and lye
that is caustic soda. In addition, moderate Alkalies include borax, household ammonia, and
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To help brighten and whiten fabrics, bleaching agents are used. Sodium hypochlorite, also
called chlorine or liquid household bleach, is the most powerful and used laundry bleach since
they disinfect, clean, and whiten clothes. Oxygen or color-safe bleaches are gentler than the
Sodium hypochlorite bleaches; it works safely on all washable fabrics (American Cleaning
Institute).
As stated in an article from LibreTexts Chemistry, a chemist named Otto Rohm introduced
the use of enzymes for laundry in 1913. Nowadays, it is always blended into detergent
formulations. Enzymes help in breaking down complex soils, such as blood and grass to be easily
removed from fabric or clothing (Tripathy, 2007). Enzymes allow people to use lower water
Industrial salt used as fillers for both solvents and detergents. Industrial salts cause
chemicals to dissolve immediately in water (S. Rasheed, 2017). Sodium chloride, known as table
salt, is a white solid. Sodium chloride is a food seasoning that is also a bleaching and anti-scaling
(Puracy.com, 2020). Salt is a super stain remover on clothing, helps maintain bright colors, armpit
discoloration and can even eliminate sticky spots on your iron. It can also reduce yellowing in
clothes and mildew on shower curtains. Salt is an excellent household cleaner that you can use to
remove different kinds of stains, including wine, rust, grease, blood, ink, and mildew from your
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One Lemon main-based ingredient is the Lemon Soap which is a balanced cold process
soap recipe with fresh lemon zest for color and shea butter for moisture. This cleaning agent is
used for both the kitchen or bathroom when you’re showering or hand washing. It is also gentle
enough to be used over and over on your hands because the lemon ripe or zest is said to be so
refreshing and beautiful to look at. A palm free recipe and it does have a large percentage of olive
oil, which means it will seem slightly soft and sticky at first but will firm up nicely over a few
weeks. The recipe of this Lemon Soap is a 4.27 ounces lye, 9.5 ounces water, 11 ounces olive oil,
11 ounces coconut oil, 6 ounces shea butter, 2 ounces castor oil, 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest,
divided, 0.4 ounces sodium lactate but it is optional, and 3 tablespoons of fragrance oil which is
also optional. The ingredients of this have something to do with the ripeness of Lemon (Katie
Shaw, 2020).
Another is a Lemon Soap. Lemon juice makes a good natural cleaner because it is high in
citric acid. Different materials get dirty in different ways. Acids like lemon juice work best on
alkaline types of stains. Since soap is alkaline, lemon juice and vinegar are both great at removing
soap scum. They are less effective at removing grease. Alkaline cleaners like soap are better at
removing grease by emulsifying it, or spreading it out into the dishwater. Solvents actually dissolve
the grease. By understanding the chemistry behind cleaning, you can choose the best cleaners for
the job. When lemon juice interacts with oxidized metal, it reacts with the dark oxides and the
penny looks shiny and new again. This is especially noticeable with copper pennies. Since most
pennies made after 1982 are made out of zinc with a thin copper coating, you used real copper
pennies to get the true effect. If you’re cleaning metals like copper or brass with lemon juice over
the long term, this can react with the metals and can cause corrosion, damaging the metal. Take a
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There is a Lemon Dishwashing Liquid investigated and conducted by a company named
Limoneira since 1893. They believe that a lemon has many properties that ensures clean dishes,
from the citric acids that help to remove mineral and hard water deposits to the lemon oil in the
rind with bacterial and cleaning properties from limonene, a component used in many
commercially prepared cleaning products. Add white vinegar’s cleaning power, and salt as a
scouring agent, and you’ve got a complete dish cleaner. The white pith and rind also add pectin, a
natural thickening agent. The recipe made up for 4 medium lemons, 1 1/2 Plus 2 cups Water, 4
ounces white vinegar, 1 cup Kosher salt. The ingredients of this have different processes compared
to the other Lemon-based products but they have the same result which are always successful
(limoneira.com, 2017).
An investigation made by a couple of student researchers proves that there are possibilities
in making a cleaning agent with the use of Lemon. They researched about inventing a dishwashing
liquid detergent that has a citrus scent and doesn't have a bad effect on our environment and health.
According to Bradford (2018), dishwashing liquid known as the dishwashing soap, dish detergent
and dish soap, is a detergent used to assist in dishwashing. It is usually a highly-foaming mixture
of surfactants with low skin irritation. It is primarily used for hand washing of glasses, plates,
cutlery, and cooking utensils in a sink in a bowl in addition to its primary use. Dishwashing liquid
also has various informal applications, such as for creating bubbles, clothes washing and cleaning
Domex, also known in many countries as Domestos, was launched as a powerful, quick-
acting bleach in the UK in the 1920s and was sold door-to-door by salesmen on bicycles. At that
time, it was used in the home to whiten cotton and household surfaces, and salespeople were
assigned to do live demos. Today it is sold all over the world, promoting health and hygiene in
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households, with its wide range of disinfection products. The brand is active in its sustainability
work to extend access to toilets and sanitation in disadvantaged parts of the world. Like the Domex
Ultra Thick Bleach Lemon Explosion Toilet Cleaner which is a germ-killing product with the use
of Lemon or Citric Limon as its main-based ingredient. The sheer power of Domex bleach
combined with its thick formula lets you be absolutely certain that the job is done. It is ideal to
sanitize and clean toilets, sinks and other bathroom surfaces (Unilever, 2022).
Another is a Lemon Shampoo with a Tea Tree extract. It is a shampoo that can lessen the
dandruff and it is also a defense with all-natural paraben sulfate that is suitable for free scalp
therapy, moisture therapy, and also compatible for all hair types. A complete hair and scalp tonic,
this complex disinfects the scalp, treats and prevents dandruff, while nourishing the hair. Lemon’s
astringency further tightens the hair follicles, strengthening the roots and preventing hair-fall. The
tea tree extract, in this formulation, moisturizes dry hair, making it shinier and softer. It gently
seeps through the layers of the scalp, regulating the sebaceous glands secretion thereby treating
todaysparent.com, that proves that creating a Lemon based ingredient liquid detergent will work
and is legitimately proven. It does not show whether it's successful or not but with the right
procedures, it can increase the success rate. This product is basically a lemon product that is
pleasantly scented laundry detergent that has above-average cleaning powers. It is said that this
product also performed better than some leading brands. They put this product on a test if the stains
sit overnight on one set and then stained a second set of onesies right before hitting the laundromat
to test how well the detergent alone removes stains. After washing in cold water, they found that
this product did a better-than-average job of cleaning away grass and mud stains, and significantly
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lightened areas of spilled coffee and jarred spaghetti sauce, even on the onesies they let sit
overnight. “None of the detergents we tested completely removed the spaghetti sauce or coffee
stains, and this product completely removed grape juice, pureed sweet potato, washable marker
and formula stains”. The Sunlight Lemon Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent earned an above-
average rating for quality, performance and value, and two-thirds of their testers said they would
recommend it to other parents who are shopping for a scented laundry detergent. Its mid-range
price per load means it’s a good choice for families who are on a budget (Jen Cutts, 2017).
Citrus Limon (Lemon) has many benefits not only in our skin, hair, or our health but also
in the laundry. Lemon has Citric Acids in its juice that acts in cleaning. Citric Acids acts as a water
softener, chelating agent, pH adjuster. Citric acid has the ability to chelate metals which makes it
useful in soaps and laundry detergents (LemiShine, 2019). Chelating agent is a water softener
compound that eliminates ions such as calcium and magnesium from laundry products and
decreases yellow discoloration. Citric acid is a naturally occurring chelating agent (Freitas, 2003).
The Citric Acids in a lemon helps to adjust the pH level so that the laundry’s pH level
would be suitable with the pH level of the skin. The alkaline pH of a normal laundry detergent is
not compatible with our skin and tends to irritate it. With the citric acid in the laundry detergent,
the alkalinity of the detergent neutralizes the clothes, functions as a pH regulator, and puts the
alkaline pH of the clothes closer to the natural pH of our skin (Silvia, 2019). Maintaining the
alkaline pH level of each detergent helps it to be more effective in cleaning. Surfactants and
cleansers work effectively in cleaning if the pH level is maintained, that’s why citric acid is added
to many detergents like liquid laundry detergent (Brown, 2020). Each detergent formulation has
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maximum effectiveness in specific pH value. Cloth such as wool, silk and dyes can tolerate the
absorption of limited amount of mild acid however it can be destroyed by strong acids and alkalis.
Maintaining a pH level helps to effectively clean the surfaces without damaging the dyes or fibers
(Aziz Ullah).
Lemon is also known for effectively breaking down of stains and is used for stain removal.
The citric acid in lemon acts as a natural bleach which is commonly used as an alternative for stain
removal and as well as for whitening and brightening clothes. Clothes are often stained by drinks
like coffee, cosmetic products, paints, and sweats from every day. These stain causing things need
an acidic-water based solution for it to be removed, in which a lemon can be used. The citric acid
of the lemon helps to break down stains by dissolving the stains (Ossola, 2016).
Lemon acting as a natural bleach is much better than the ordinary bleach most of the people
use. Ordinary bleach has a strong stench and can harm garments despite its effectiveness in
whitening laundry while organic bleache is also effective in cleaning but is not harmful on
garments (OldHouse, 2022). Bleaches, like Chlorine bleach, have a chemical called sodium
hypochlorite that is powerful enough to damage many types of fabrics, dissolves clothing dyes or
colors (Pollick, 2020). Lemon juice contains high level of citric acids that react to the stains on
the laundry to loosen and remove them naturally, leaving the fabrics white (Manneh, 2021).
Ordinary bleaches are not safe with the clothes colors as it makes the colors fade away. Citric acids
in lemon have the ability to remove the stains without damaging the color of the cloth. Although
it is high in acidity, it does not cause any damage or discoloration on some clothes, meaning it is
27
Lemon also has antimicrobial properties which is one of the things needed in a good
laundry detergent. People use their clothes every day and everywhere. A microbiology researcher,
Jason Tetro, says that “As much as I’d like to say, ‘Don’t worry about it,’ the fact is we live in
urban societies and in an urban environment. The majority of microbial species — viruses,
bacteria, and fungi — are coming from other humans'' And that every hour, 37 million
microorganisms are shed from the garments we wear every day hence it advisable to clean your
Another benefit is that lemons are easy to find here in the country, the Philippines. It is
accessible for most people. According to a statistic made by Tridge in 2020, 1.03k mt (Metric
Tons) is the amount of lemon production in the Philippines. According to a study in 2016, the
harvested lemon during mid-July and October costs Php 16 to Php 26, which is much cheaper than
bleaches and detergents by Php 2.00 to Php 29.00 (USCPharmacy times, 2016).
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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this part of the study, materials and procedures that were used in making the product are
shown. In the process, the researchers used the manual method in which they manually mixed
together the materials to come up with the final product. Guides such as quantities, proportion, and
• Water – 2 Cups
• Measuring cup
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing Spoon/Spatula
1. The researchers gathered the materials they need. They extracted the lemon juice
from the lemon that makes up to 100 mL. Using a strainer, they filtered it to remove
2. In a mixing bowl, the researchers put ½ cup of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
(SLES).
29
3. Then, they put in half of the Industrial Salt and mixed it until the industrial salt is
4. They put half of the water and mixed it until the mixture is smooth.
5. Right after mixing it, the researchers put the extracted lemon juice and mixed it as
well.
6. After that, they mix in the remaining industrial salt and water to the mixture. The
researchers mixed it until it the industrial salt is dissolved and the consistency is in
the middle of thick and semifluid. Commented [AG8]: Differentiate the two
7. They covered it for 24 hours and waited until there were no bubbles present in the
mixture.
8. Lastly, the researchers transferred the liquid detergent on a bottle and is now
ready to use.
III. Testing
The researchers tested the laundry liquid detergent in both machine wash and hand wash.
A. Machine Wash
1. The researchers prepared used colored clothes but weren’t stained to test if the
machine.
3. The researchers programmed the washing machine to the ‘normal’ program and
it was automatically washed by the machine. They waited for a few minutes for
it to be finished.
30
4. Once finished, the researchers let it dry naturally, under the sun.
5. After drying, they checked the conditions of the clothes, if there were any
changes/discoloration.
B. Hand Wash
2. They soaked the clothes in tub with water (normal temperature) and added the
3. They washed the clothes with the detergent then rinsed it with water for 3 times.
4. Lastly, the researchers hung the clothes and let it dry for a few hours. They
checked the smell of the clothes and if the stains were removed.
IV. Budget
This is the total expense used by the researchers. The researchers only used 1 pack of SLES
and industrial salt (thickener). Lemons and other materials and equipment were readily available
in their houses.
V. Appendix
Procedure
31
1. The researchers gathered the materials they need. They extracted the lemon
juice from the lemon that makes up to 100 mL. Using a strainer, they filtered it
2. In a mixing bowl, the researchers put ½ cup of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
(SLES).
3. Then, they put in half of the Industrial Salt and mixed it until the industrial salt
32
4. They put half of the water and mixed it until the mixture is smooth.
5. Right after mixing it, the researchers put the extracted lemon juice and mixed it
as well.
33
6. After that, they mix in the remaining industrial salt and water to the mixture.
The researchers mixed it until it the industrial salt is dissolved and the
7. They covered it for 24 hours and waited until there were no bubbles present in
the mixture.
34
8. Lastly, the researchers transferred the liquid detergent on a bottle and is now
Testing
The researchers tested the laundry liquid detergent in both machine wash and hand wash.
A. Machine Wash Commented [AG10]: What gives you the idea that you
have use this quantity for machine wash and in hand wash?
35
1. The researchers prepared used colored clothes but weren’t stained to test if the
machine.
36
3. The researchers programmed the washing machine to the ‘normal’ program and
it was automatically washed by the machine. They waited for a few minutes for
it to be finished.
4. Once finished, the researchers let it dry naturally, under the sun.
5. After drying, they checked the conditions of the clothes, if there were any
changes/discoloration.
37
B. Hand Wash
1. The researchers prepared stained and used clothes to hand wash. Commented [AG11]: Have you tried using it in stains that
is difficult to remove?
juice
soy sauce
2. They soaked the clothes in tub with water (normal temperature) and added the
3. They washed the clothes with the detergent then rinsed it with water for 3 times.
38
4. Lastly, the researchers hung the clothes and let it dry for a few hours. They
checked the smell of the clothes and if the stains were removed.
39
CHAPTER IV
This chapter shows the results gathered from the tests conducted by the researchers using
Findings
TABLE 1
RESULTS
TABLE 2
RESULTS
YES NO
/
Is the detergent irritating on the skin?
40
TABLE 3
RESULTS
Analysis of Data
The tables above show the results of the product that the researchers made, the Lemon
Laundry Liquid Detergent. Researchers have expectations for the outcome of the product based on
Table 1
Table 1 shows the results of the characteristics of the lemon liquid laundry detergent that
the researchers made. Its consistency is mildly thick, since it’s thick but still can be poured easily.
It has a nice and smooth texture, there are no chunks of the materials used. It is also very slippery
Researchers expected that this product might smell like Lemon, a fresh but there’s a hint
of sourness scent, because of its powerful scent. However, the outcome of the scent of the product
is not what the researchers expected. It only has a weak scent of lemon. The smell of the surfactant
used (SLES) is more dominant than the smell of lemon. However, it is not unpleasant and did not
41
trigger any nasal allergies. Unlike other liquid laundry detergent products that have an
overpowering scent, you can barely smell this product and the scent of it is not very noticeable.
The detergent is white in color and is almost transparent. The laundry detergent became
white because of the material we put in the mixture which is Industrial Salt. These are the ones
that are also responsible for removing dirt or stains without excessive rubbing.
When the researchers tested it with a washing machine, there were no leftovers of the
product from the detergent container unlike other commercial products. This means, it easily
combines with water thus, there are no wasted amount in every use.
Table 2
Table 2 determines the effect of the Lemon Laundry Liquid Detergent on the skin. The
result is based on the hand wash test conducted by one of the researchers. According to the assigned
researcher, her hands were comfortable while using the liquid detergent. The researcher observed
her hands as she washes the clothes and after washing. There was no irritation and redness
observed. It is also not itchy on the skin. There are some laundry detergents that cause irritation to
the skin thus, people are looking for a skin friendly one. Irritation causes itchiness and rashes which
makes it uncomfortable.
Table 3
The result on the clothes’ condition after the tests is seen in Table 3. The detergent was
tested in two different ways, machine wash and hand wash. The researchers washed ‘used clothes’
in both ways, and only in hand wash that they test the detergent with the clothes that have soy
sauce and juice stain on it. In both ways, the clothes smell normal after washing. There was no
odor of sweat, smell of soy sauce, or juice, and it is also not unpleasant. It has a weak scent of
lemon. The smell is not overpowering that might cause sneezing. After the clothes were dried, the
42
colors remained the same and there were no discolorations. The stain on the two pieces of clothing
also disappeared. Therefore, the liquid detergent did its job to clean the clothes thoroughly. There
is no damage or discoloration caused by the product and the clothes are all safe after washing.
Consider that you put 2 tbsp or 30 mL of the lemon liquid laundry detergent into the
detergent container of the washing machine or in a laundry basin when hand washing. Inside of
the detergent container is 4 total stain clothes, so you can clean a minimum of 4 stain clothes in a
30 mL of lemon liquid laundry detergent. The product’s capacity is a total of 4 cups or a 946 mL
in a singular bottle. Dividing the capacity over 30 mL, you can use 32 times of this product and
that’s equal to 128 or more stain clothes in total. But when it will run out? If your laundry schedule
is by day or two, the estimated date that this product will run out is by far a whole month. If by
week like every Sunday, using 150 mL, you can use the laundry detergent up to 6 or 7 times and
the estimated date will be a day until second week of the next month. But all in all, it’s up to the
person who will use this product to determine the amount of detergent he or she will use in any
given time.
Overall, the Lemon Liquid Laundry Detergent did its job in cleaning the clothes. It
effectively removed the dirt and stains that were in the clothes and did not cause any damage to
the clothes. It is like those other normal laundry detergents that are in the market except for its
scent, since it does not have a powerful scent. Tests and results showed that this product can
remove stains and dirt without damaging the clothes because excessive rubbing is not needed and
43
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Summary
This study deals with the use of lemon as the main ingredient in making laundry liquid
detergent. The researchers made a liquid detergent that aims to benefit the community by providing
ingredients that can help them save money and save the environment from too much use of the
plastics coming from each pack of liquid laundry detergents from the market. The materials used
in this product can be found in nearby stores or online shops which makes it very accessible.
First, the researchers gathered all the necessary materials and equipment needed for the
project. They extracted the juice from the fresh lemon and filtered it to remove lemon pulps and
seeds. They mixed sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), industrial salt, and water in a bowl. Lastly,
they added the extracted lemon juice and mixed it as well. The amount of each materials used can
Next, they tested the product in both machine wash and hand wash. They used the right
amount of detergent to clean the clothes. Then, they observed the researcher’s hands for the hand
wash if there was any irritation on the skin and observed the clothes after drying to see if the
clothes were clean, smelled good, and to see if the stains present before disappeared.
The product made by the researchers is proven to clean clothes as well as clothes with
stains. Lemon contributed in removing the stains which makes the clothes clean. It also did not
cause discolorations nor damage to the fabric of the cloth. However, it is lacking in its scent, it
might not have an unpleasant odor, but the researchers hoped that there would be scent since lemon
44
B. Conclusions
Using the data obtained from our study, we therefore conclude that:
• Unlike other brands of detergent, it does not have a strong and overpowering scent. Commented [AG12]: Did you compare it in the
commercial liquid soap?
• You can use this detergent to remove dirt and stains from your clothes without
• Based on all of the researchers’ observations, the detergent created is effective. Commented [AG13]: What is barometer of an effective
detergent?
• Lemon liquid laundry detergent is a great alternative for store-bought detergents. Commented [AG14]: You made a comparison but where
is the data of your comparison?
• It’s a good thing that the researchers didn’t use any harmful ingredients because the Commented [AG15]: Such as……
C. Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, this part shows the researcher’s
• You need to consider what you have in the following materials and equipment and
only buy the things that you do not have to save and lower the budget when creating
• You need to measure and observe the amount of tbsp or mL of the product you put
on the washing machine or container with full of clothes (white or colored) to avoid
• Use safety procedures when using the product, enough safe systems of work,
protect your skin in case of a bad scenario and regularly check skin surfaces.
45
• Make sure that the information sources used are accurate for the betterment of the
study.
• You need to consider the exact amount of every ingredient you put and mix.
• Try and consider washing and cleaning the dirty white clothes as an experiment
instead of colored clothes only, like the researchers did, to be able to see more of
the effects on how this lemon liquid laundry detergent remove and extinguish the
• Try using the product on different types of stains to better see its effect on the
clothes.
• Add more lemon/lemon scent if aiming for a scented liquid laundry detergent.
46
REFERENCES / BIBLIOGRAPHY
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https://www.cleancult.com/blog/different-types-of-detergent/
https://ecolink.com/info/types-of-surfactants/
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https://www.ipsingredis.com/markets/sodium-lauryl-ether-sulphate-sles-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-
used-in-global-industries/#
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https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/detergents/using-bleach-laundry
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5945251_Laundry_Detergents_An_Overview
https://www.hul.co.in/brands/home-care/domex/
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48
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Citric-acid-is-a-naturally-occurring-chelating-agent-The-
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https://theknowledgeburrow.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-citric-acid-in-laundry-detergent/?
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/this-product-will-whiten-your-laundry-without-bleach-
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Educational Attainment
Educational Attainment
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Name: Ibias, Eduard Geoffrey G.
Educational Attainment
Educational Attainment
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Name: Jumawan, Klaine O.
Educational Attainment
Educational Attainment
Elementary:
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Name: Laborte, Regina Gabrielle F.
Educational Attainment
Elementary:
Educational Attainment
53
Elementary:
Educational Attainment
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