RES03 INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATIONS AND IMMERSION

2nd Semester SY 2017-2018

Production of Dishwashing Liquid

Manguiam, Von Louie R.1, Bance, Randred C.2

1
Teacher, Mapúa Senior High School Department, Mapúa University, 2Student (s), RES03/G215, Mapúa Senior High School Department, Mapúa University

ABSTRACT

Dishwashing Liquid is the main agent for removing unwanted germs and bacteria that sticks in plates and other utensils. The
experiment’s purpose is to produce dishwashing liquid that is affordable yet effective in cleaning, with the process of preparing the 772
mL of water contained in a beaker. 140 g of SLES was poured in the water and was stirred constantly until it is completely dissolve. 60
mL CDEA is then added and stirred to mix it in the solution. After mixing, 10 mL glycerine and 1 mL Benzalkonium Chloride is added and
mixed to the solution. Then they dropped colorant that gave color to the mixture. 1.5 mL of essential oil is then added. Sodium Chloride
is to adjust the viscosity of the detergent. After testing, it showed that the produced dishwashing liquid is effective and useful as a
cleaning agent, it removed the food residues and greases just like the ones sold commercially. The students also observed the active
cleansing agents present in the chemical substance used to produce the dishwashing liquid. The only factor that the students suggest is
to try other chemical substance that would improve the fragrance and appearance of the dishwashing liquid.

Keywords: Dishwashing liquid, Effectiveness, Detergent, Cleaning, Chemical

INTRODUCTION

Cleaning is an essential thing that humans do in order to MATERIALS AND METHODS

remove unwanted dirt, impurities, and other toxic agents
that could affect one’s health. Washing of dishes is one of In this experiment, the students used various chemicals and
many household chores which requires sterility. People will materials for the production of the dishwashing liquid, these
not be able to wash the dishes without using dishwashing are; 140 grams of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), 60
liquid, which is the main agent for removing unwanted mL Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA), Few drops of oil-based
germs and bacteria that sticks on plates and other utensils. colorant, 10 mL Glycerin, 1 mL benzalkonium chloride, 1.5
According to the American Cleaning Institute, detergents mL essential oil, 15 grams sodium chloride, 772 mL water,
are made for the purpose of having a cleaning agent that, 1.50 L PET Bottle.
unlike soap, would not incorporate with the mineral salts
present in water that would form soap curd. They also
described the development of detergents influenced by
modern technology and innovations. This experiment aims Prepare
to produce a dishwashing liquid made from various
chemicals with cleaning properties and to determine the
quality of the handmade dishwashing liquid. To make an
affordable yet effective detergent is also one of the
Add
objectives of this project. This experiment would also
contribute to the student’s knowledge and skills in making
their own dishwashing liquid that could also be a potential
concept for their own business.
Mix

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram

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 RES03 INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATIONS AND IMMERSION
2nd Semester SY 2017-2018
The production started by preparing the 772 mL of water
contained in a beaker. 140 g of SLES was poured in the
water and was stirred constantly until it is completely
dissolve. 60 mL CDEA is then added and stirred to mix it in
the solution. After mixing, 10 mL glycerine and 1 mL
Benzalkonium Chloride is added and mixed to the solution.
Next is they dropped colorant that gave color to the mixture.
1.5 mL of essential oil is then added. To achieve the right
amount of viscosity, sodium chloride is added to the
solution. When the mixture is done, it is transferred in a 1.5
L container of PET bottle for storage.
Figure 2. The final product of the dishwashing liquid
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The materials used and the different chemical substances
have its contributions in the production of the detergent.
SLES is also a surfactant, when used together with water, it
foams which gives the liquid the ability to remove dirt.
CDEA is the chemical agent that prevents the irritation of
the dishwashing liquid to the skin of the user, it also helps
SLES as a foaming agent for the solution. Benzalkonium
chloride is the one responsible for anti-bacterial protection
of the solution. For the fragrance and color of the liquid, the
students used the essential oils and colorants.
To see the effectiveness of the dishwashing liquid, the
students tested the detergent on dishes with various food
residues. Results showed that the produced dishwashing
liquid is effective and useful as a cleaning agent, it removed
the food residues and greases just like the ones sold
commercially. In terms of viscosity, there is no difference in
the said liquids. Even when it is mixed with water, the
produced dishwashing liquid functions the same as the
ones found in the market. There are only few variations in
Experiment 01│ Group No. 1│ January 15, 2018
the appearance of the liquids due to the colorant used in
the experiment and also to the fragrance that it brings.
The students also compared some chemical agents present
in the dishwashing liquid and soaps in the market. Soap
can both mix with water and oil, its molecule has two
different ends, which are hydrophilic and hydrophobic that
makes it bind with oil and grease. Dishwashing liquids also
have the same chemical attributes that make it a cleansing
agent. Davis (2010), stated that laundry bar soap, borax
mixture, liquid soap, and castile soap are effective
alternatives for dishwashing liquids. Reviews have said that
dishwashing liquids definitely work as a cleansing agent.
Based on the results gathered on the testing of the
dishwashing liquid, It can be observed that the dishwashing
liquid produced showed no difference in comparison to the
ones sold commercially. According to UmmYusuf (2013),
Homemade dish soap looks, acts, and feels just like the
ones in the market, it nicely produces bubbles, cleans very
well, and very effective cleaning agent in washing dishes.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The production and testing of the dishwashing soap
showed promising results, as its viscosity, appearance,
fragrance, and effectiveness is almost similar to the
detergents that can be found in the market. The purpose of
the experiment, which is to produce an effective yet
affordable dishwashing liquid was achieved on a positive
note. The students also discovered the active cleansing
agents present in the chemical substance used to produce
the dishwashing liquid. But there are still few variations on
the two dishwashing liquids in terms of their fragrance and
appearance. Therefore, the students recommend to use
and try other chemical solutions in order to improve the
dishwashing liquid’s fragrance, and appearance.
REFERENCES
1. Davis, N. (2010, July 25). Substitutes for Dish
Soap. Retrieved from
https://www.hunker.com/13420614/substitutes-for-dish-
soap
2. UmmYusuf, S. (2013, June 13). How to Make
Homemade Dish Soap With Simple Non-Toxic Ingredients.
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 RES03 INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATIONS AND IMMERSION
2nd Semester SY 2017-2018

Retrieved from http://naturesnurtureblog.com/homemade- the best way to prevent or avoid disastrous occurrences is
dish-soap/ to be prepared and knowledgeable about things.

3. Soaps & Detergent: History (1900s to Now).

(2014). Retrieved from
http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/soaps__deterg
ent_history_3.aspx

Appendices

Some problems were encountered during the process of

the production of the dishwashing liquid. Alongside with
this, solutions were proposed for the betterment of the
experiment.

Table 1. Problem and Solution for the Production of

the Dishwashing Liquid
Encountered Problem/s Proposed Solution/s
Conduct a proper lecture
Bad gloving practices regarding proper gloving
practices

During the experiment regarding the production of

Dishwashing Liquid, the student observed that some still
does not know the importance and purpose of wearing
gloves. Some are not wearing it properly, and some uses
loose-fitting gloves. Wearing gloves is very essential in a
laboratory setting, just like in hospitals. It helps in protecting
the skin from chemicals and other hazards that might
experience when working, that is why using it properly
should always be a top priority. Bad gloving practice could
lead into more disastrous things. It can affect the health of
the user, and loose-fitting gloves could lead to breakage of
laboratory tools and apparatus because of poor grip.

To end these bad gloving practices, the student proposed

to have a formal lecture regarding the proper use, and other
healthy reminders and practices that should be done and
remembered when working at a laboratory. The lecture will
be composed of; selecting proper gloves based on its type,
proper sizing, and the things that should be remember
before, during, and after using it. The student believes that

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