An Alternative Organic Surface Cleaner made from Orange and Pineapple

Extract

An Investigatory Project

Presented to:

Ms. Arlyn B. Brito

A Faculty of Science Department

Statefields School Inc.

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

SCIENCE 8

By:

Capistrano, Ricka Ella A.

Diga, Leann Grayce A.

Doctor, Marizza Ellice D.

Jabon, Raphael Reuel

Rey, Jesus Taciano IX B.

Of

8E Chiang Kai Shek

Date of Submission:

September 2, 2015
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Citrus fruit peelings, such as oranges and lemons, are used in commercial
surface cleaners because they contain “terpenes” that have a grease cutting
ability that help in cleaning while; pineapples have enzymes that also help in
cleaning surfaces. These fruits also give a nice and pleasant fragrance which is
really essential and necessary for surface cleaners.
(http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2013/07/7-things-you-should-know-before-
making-citrus-enzyme-cleaner.html)

The researchers chose this topic because every day, people are exposed to
various forms of germs and bacteria that can cause sickness. This alternative
surface cleaner can really help in reducing and removing germs on our homes.
Also, it is organic and nature-friendly, easy to make and does not contain any
toxic chemicals that can lead to poisoning, so it is really safe to use.

B. Significance of the Study

Nowadays, surface cleaners sold in markets are usually expensive, thus,

unaffordable for many people. So, the researchers have decided to make an
experiment about an organic surface cleaner that aims to help people who
cannot afford expensive ones. It is safe, easy to make and really helps in
removing germs and bacteria and can also serve as an air freshener in our
homes.
C. Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to test and observe the effectiveness of

Orange (Citrus sinensis) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) extract as an
alternative organic surface cleaner to commercial surface cleaners sold in
markets that are usually expensive and to identify how long will its effectiveness
last. The researchers’ aim is to help people remove dirt and bacteria in their
homes using only simple, and easy-to-make, ingredients but is effective and
healthy to use.

D. Scope and Limitation

This study is limited in determining the effectiveness of the orange and

pineapple extract compared to commercial surface cleaners by comparing the
time it takes for the dirt to be removed within 2-3 minutes with or without wiping
it. The removal of the dirt will only be judged by naked vision.

E. Statement of the Problem

Main Problem:

This study will find out how effective surface cleaners are as a mixture of
orange and pineapple extract.

Sub Problems:

1. Can the effectivity of this surface cleaner last for a long span of time?

2. What is the optimum amount of surface cleaner needed for cleaning dirty
surfaces?
F. Hypothesis

If orange (Citrus sinensis) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) extract are used
as an additive in preparing a surface cleaner, then there would be an
effective and an easy-to-make surface cleaner.

There would not be an effective and easy-to-make surface cleaner if orange

(Citrus sinensis) and pineapple (Ananas somosus) extract are used as an
additive in preparing a surface cleaner.
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Although there are many varieties of oranges around the world, there are
basically two main types of oranges- the sweet orange (C. sinensis) and the sour
orange (C. aurantium). These types are available throughout the tropical
regions of the Earth. Oranges is susceptible to many different insects and fungal
diseases. (Heinerman, 1995)

Nearly everyone has heard about the virtues of common items such as
baking soda and vinegar for scouring and absorbing grease. Adding herbal
essential oils enhances a formula’s cleaning value and leaves behind a
soothing, natural scent. It’s not just an advertising gimmick that many
commercial products contain citrus oils such as lemon or lime- they are natural
degreasers and have antimicrobial properties. Using natural products instead of
chemical-laden commercial ones makes household tasks almost a pleasure to
tackle. I know it’s hard to get excited about cleaning a bathroom, but when
you realize that the surfaces are germ-and-toxin-free, and the soothing aroma
of cedar and lavender lingers, you won’t be able to suppress a smile of
satisfaction. And that enthusiasm is contagious- even the kids will want to pitch
in! (Maier, 2012)

That being said, I can’t curb my citrus consumption, and in the spirit of the
old adage “waste not, want not”, I’ve been saving the peels and re-purposing
them into a two-ingredient non-toxic all-purpose cleaner. You’ll be amazed at
how easy this is! When you allow your discarded citrus peels to sit in vinegar for a
few weeks, it infuses the vinegar with the oils and scents of the peel. Oranges
work great for this (although I’ve used nearly every type of citrus peel). The oils in
the citrus not only provide a great scent, but also provide a bit of extra cleaning
power. It’s a win-win. (Eykemans, 2015)

We therefore conclude that using natural cleaners (like orange peels,

mango peels, etc.) are very helpful and is qualified for cleaning, and specifically
for our project- surface cleaning. Natural cleaners are also cheaper compared
to chemical-made materials, even if requires more work to do. Peels (specifically
orange) are also great fillers. As what you’ve read in the article, it says that it
filled the vinegar with the oils and scents of the peel- which is very helpful in
cleaning and it also provides a bit of extra cleaning.
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

A. Materials

 3 Oranges
 1 medium-sized Pineapple
 1/4 cup of water
 Glass Jar
 Blender
 Spray Bottle
 Knife

B. Procedure

A. Getting the orange’s extract

1. Peel off the oranges, and set aside the peels.

2. Blend the oranges and get the extracts of it.

3. After you blend the oranges, put the extracts of the oranges in the

jar.

4. Soak in the peels with the extract.

B. Getting the pineapple’s extract

1. Peel off the pineapple.

2. Use the knife to slice the pineapple into smaller pieces

3. Put it in the juicer and blend the pineapples

4. Once you get the extracts of the pineapple, mix it with the

extracts of the oranges.

5. Let this mixture sit for a week.

C. Preparing the surface cleaner

1. After letting the mixture sit for a week, remove all the orange peels

and retain just the extract.

2. Strain the mixture with a strainer to get rid of any solid pieces.

3. Mix a quarter cup of water with the mixture and stir thoroughly.

4. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

 Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The surface cleaner made with orange and pineapple extract is

compared to the commercial surface cleaner. The researchers observed the
effect of the organic surface cleaner to the surface it is wiped after the
experiment.

Table 1.

Surfaces Number of Sprays Effect After The Experiment

Surface A None There is no effect on the

dirt on the surface.
Surface B 3 Sprays The dirt on the surface is
barely removed and is still
very visible.
Surface C 5 Sprays The dirt is somehow
removed and is not that
visible.
Surface D 7 Sprays The dirt is removed
thoroughly and can be
scarcely seen by the naked
eye.
 As stated in the table, without spray nothing happened to the dirt in
surface A. In surface B, the researchers sprayed the surface for 3 times and the
dirt is barely removed and can still be seen. Whereas surface C, by spraying it 5
times, it was observed that the dirt is somehow removed and is better than only
3 sprays. While in surface D, applied with 7 sprays, the dirt was thoroughly
cleaned and eliminated. And for surface E, the researchers used a commercial
surface cleaner and it completely removed the dirt in just a short span of time.
The researchers can say that the ingredients are effective because of the
orange extracts’ acid and citrus oils and the pineapple’s enzymes that are very
good degreasers and cleaners. The researchers recommend that if they will
make another mixture of organic surface cleaners, a larger amount of each
ingredient should be used for it will be more effective and faster to remove and
clean dirt in a more economical and wise manner.