Andres Bonifacio College
Senior High School Department
College Park, Dipolog City
“Effectiveness of Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa)
As A Bleach”
Sularte, Niño Ricci
Maligro, Van
Cajocon, Ezra
Researchers
Christie Angel Alensub
Research Teacher
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
Background of the Study
Stains are the imperfection of one’s clothes. So, several stain removers are
manufactured commercially. But most of it contains harmful chemicals like chloramines
that can be harmful to living things if ingested or inhaled. Also, too much exposure to it
can ensure irritation in the eyes, mouth, lungs, and on skin. Calamansi is a citrus fruit
which is commonly found in the Philippines, especially Dipolog city. It is usually
abundant from June to October. Calamansi is one of the known natural bleaches
because it contains citric acid. The Calamansi juice or extract is very acidic and contains
5.5% citric acid.
Citric acid is an active bleaching agent that can remove stains especially, greasy
stains. It is an alkali a soluble salt that can help remove dirt and stains. When it is
dissolved in water, it can interact with acids from stains and help remove them. When
citric acid are mixed, it can produce a compound called carbonic acid, which is a
common ingredient in cleaning products that may help break down tough stains. In this
research, we will use the mixture of calamansi juice as a stain remover to remove the
other three common types of stains which are; enzymatic stains, oxidisable stains and
particulate stains.
The stains that were used in this research are; chocolate stains, coffee stains
and mud stains respectively. The variable that was measured in this study was the time
it took for the stains to be completely removed as to know if it is comparable to a
commercial product used as strain remover. The commercial brand that was used is
called Brand X because it is the most popular stain remover that is manufactured
commercially. The results shown that there should be the statistical value placed here to
support your claim that there really is no significant difference no significant difference
between the time it took, in seconds, for all the stains used in this research which are the
mud, coffee, and chocolate stains to be completely removed on the white cotton cloth
using the calamansi extract mixture and brand X as stain removers.
Statement of the Problem
Having your regular bleach is fine but at this time it has become more expensive
because of the pandemic. The commercial bleaches is bad for our health because of the
chemicals used unlike calamansi (citrofortunella microcarpa) it is very safe in fact people
use it as a juice and as a detoxifier. Aside from the citrus fruits contain carbohydrate,
fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus,
magnesium, copper, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and a variety of phytochemicals.
The main purpose of this study is to utilize Calamansi Pure Extract as a stain remover.
1. At which concentration of calamansi extract will be the most effective as
removing stains and grease?
a.) 25 mg/ml
b.) 30 mg/ml
c.) 45 mg/ml
2. How efficient is Calamansi extract as a bleach remover?
a.) Fragrance
b.) Texture
c.) Appearance
This study wants to test the calamansi extract as an alternative material to
substitute for bleach. This is because calamansi is abundant here in the Philippines. The
process of making the calamansi bleach has easier and cheaper steps than making
those expensive bleach for the stains.
Research Questions
1. What is the impact of Calamansi on the environment?
2. Do the Calamansi help by removing stains and grease?
3. What are the components of Calamansi?
4. Which concentration of Calamansi extract will be the most effective as
bleach?
5. What acid is present in Calamansi?
Dependent Variables
The effects of Calamansi (citrofortunella microcarpa) extract in removing stains,
grease, etc. in clothes, tools, bikes, and etc.
Independent Variables
The amount of Calamansi (citrofortunella microcarpa) extract used.
Significance of the Study
Other bleach have bad effects caused by the chemicals. This is where the
researchers find their foundation and possible solution. The researchers thought of a
way in which they can produce a soothing and great bleach without harming the
surroundings and community and without spending a lot of money. The researcher’s
desire is to make a good-smelling bleach which does not have bad effect in our
environment.
The benefit involves the environment, health of the people and the economy of
the Philippines. It will not use much harmful chemicals used in other bleach for stains. It
has a natural component. It will also expand the market for Filipino farmers because this
will enhance their rural economic development.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The purpose of the study is that we would like to help the people by creating an
alternative bleach for cleaning clothes, tools, etc. in their homes. During the pandemic
people engage in a lot of activities like cleaning, gardening, cycling, running, etc. which
causes stain in clothes and in the tools, bikes that they are using. Because of the
situation accessing the store to buy cleaning products is more difficult this is why we
plan to do this research to help people in their needs.
The researchers will get the Calamansi pure extract strictly from the fruit’s
peeling, and not from the fruit’s seeds, leaves or flesh. The researchers will obtain the
Calamansi pure extract through means of maceration.
