ISSN: 0000-0000-0000, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022

THE QUESTER - Lal-lo National High School Research Journal

Senior High School Department PA
Academic Track - Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics GE
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Enhancing Dishwashing Soap with Homemade

Anti-Grease Solution: An Experimental
Exploration of Wood Ash Integration

Jayvee Arteta

Mark Joseph Doniego

Jilian Marzcel Arteta

Akeisha Richel Manuel

Lal-lo National High School, Lal-lo Cagayan, Philippines

Senior High School Students

Abstract
Keywords:
 ISSN: 0000-0000-0000, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022

THE QUESTER - Lal-lo National High School Research Journal

Senior High School Department PA
Academic Track - Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics GE
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Introduction

Effective dishwashing is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and food safety in

households as it removes harmful bacteria from dishes and utensils used in food

preparation and consumption. Before commercial dishwashing products, people

commonly used wood ash for this purpose. Even today, in rural areas of the Philippines,

particularly among older generations, wood ash remains a preferred choice for

dishwashing due to its availability from wood used for cooking and its role in recycling

by-products.

Wood ash contains sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which serves as a main ingredient

in soap production, and this alkaline solution extracted from wood ash is comparable to

the commercial bases used in soap making, as noted by Legesse et al. (n.d.). Thus, this

underscores the feasibility of incorporating wood ash into soap production. Typically,
 ISSN: 0000-0000-0000, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022

THE QUESTER - Lal-lo National High School Research Journal

Senior High School Department PA
Academic Track - Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics GE
\*
ME
RG
EF
OR
MA
T
18

soap production involves oil as a binding agent, which binds the soap chemicals and

enhances its foaming properties. In this context, utilizing Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) as a

binder in soap manufacturing gains credibility, provided it undergoes proper preparation

to eliminate residues. Research conducted by Awogbemi et al. (2021) demonstrates that a

mixture of waste cooking oil and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) creates dishwashing soap

and aromatherapy candles. Using wood ash and waste cooking oil as primary components

in creating dishwashing soap appears promising and to assess the efficacy of the final

product, comprehensive testing can be carried out on greasy dishes, as proposed by

Pascua (F.C., 2023). Consequently, this study aims to develop an anti-grease solution

using readily available household items.

Waste cooking oil causes damage to the environment and life. Improper disposal

of cooking oil waste aggravates environmental pollution, blocks drains, and contaminates

terrestrial and aquatic habitats, while its consumption deleteriously impacts human and

animal health as noted by Awogbemi (2021). In most areas, wood ash is buried in

landfills. Landfills induce harm to the environment and humans because landfills carry

toxic chemicals from our waste that end up in water supplies, causing contamination.
 ISSN: 0000-0000-0000, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022

THE QUESTER - Lal-lo National High School Research Journal

Senior High School Department PA
Academic Track - Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics GE
\*
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In the given scenario, crafting a dishwashing soap from these two waste products

emerges as a highly effective means of recycling and ensuring the responsible disposal of

these materials. Creating dishwashing soap from these waste materials represents a

significant stride towards waste reduction. Instead of letting these byproducts degenerate

in landfills or incinerators, they are repurposed into valuable products, thereby

diminishing the overall volume of waste destined for disposal. Thus, this, in turn,

contributes to the preservation of valuable landfill space and reduces the environmental

impact associated with waste accumulation. Furthermore, this can be a powerful catalyst

for promoting recycling on a broader scale. Hence, when individuals witness the tangible

benefits of repurposing waste into a useful product, it encourages them to adopt more

eco-conscious habits and participate in recycling efforts.

It is necessary to implement a series of procedures to continue the success of this

product. This comprehensive process involves the anti-grease mixture integration,

rigorous assessment of its effectiveness, and identification of the optimal ratio of

ingredients. Integrating a solution that effectively eliminates grease further enhances the

cleaning performance of wood ash soap. Also, it is crucial to evaluate its efficacy to

provide scientific evidence that the product is feasible. Furthermore, a meticulous and
 ISSN: 0000-0000-0000, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022

THE QUESTER - Lal-lo National High School Research Journal

Senior High School Department PA
Academic Track - Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics GE
\*
ME
RG
EF
OR
MA
T
18

thorough analysis, coupled with precise calculations, plays a pivotal role in ascertaining

the exact proportions of the ingredients. This step is essential in crafting a dishwashing

soap that cleans effectively and maintains consistency and quality throughout production.

This study assesses the effects of integrating an anti-grease compound into

formulating wood ash-based dishwashing soap. The primary objective is to ascertain

whether the inclusion of this compound enhances the soap's grease-removing capabilities

across diverse surfaces. Moreover, what distinguishes this research is its profound impact

on waste reduction and the advancement of recycling practices. By incorporating an anti-

grease solution, this study offers an innovative approach to enhancing the performance of

Wood Ash Dishwashing Soap, resulting in a significantly improved cleaning experience.

ISSN: 0000-0000-0000, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2022

THE QUESTER - Lal-lo National High School Research Journal

Senior High School Department PA
Academic Track - Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics GE
\*
ME
RG
EF
OR
MA
T
18