CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION AND IT’S BACKGROUND

The ipil-ipil, otherwise known as the Leucaena leucocephala, is not native to the
Philippines. However, it has been growing fast and well over the entire country. The ipil-
ipil plant can be a bush, shrub, hedge, or even a tree. It does not have a single identified
size, as it can be trimmed, or left to grow. It has adapted to the Philippines very well and
can be found easily, as it is a type of a tropical rainforest plant. Floor waxes’ and
polishes’ evident use and benefits to man are undeniable. Processed products from
petroleum, particularly floor waxes and polishers are popularly used in the society,
especially in households.
Paulsen (1999) as cited by Larsson, et.al (2009) stated that,”Two of the
morecommon floor care methods currently in use are wax treatment and polishing. Both
methods entail the floor being given a basic treatment on installation, during which a
protective layer of wax or polish is applied.This is followed by frequent care up until the
floor needs to be restored to its original condition through what is referred to as periodic
maintenance.”

This practice involves the use of Ipil-Ipil ( Leucaena leucocephala) leaves in

waxing and polishing a concrete cemented smooth pavement.The continued application
and rubbingof Ipil-Ipil leaves against the concrete smooth pavement results into a shiny
colored-green floor. Being a natural, safe and eco-friendly method, this practice has
beencontinuously used and observed in most schools of the town.

The commercial wax which is used by the today’s generation shows some
disadvantages. Floorwax contains chemicals than can be hazardous to your health.
Commercial wax that contains some synthetic constituents that may lead to certain illness
such as asthma to reproductive problems to cancer because of its chemical content which
is formaldehyde.

Making your own household cleaners saves money and ensures the ingredients are
natural. Homemade floor wax smells good, is great for wood floor finishes and is good
for the environment.´For these reasons, the researchers would like to produce floor wax
from the extract of the leaves of Ipil-ipil tree.