Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling Extract as an Organic Air Freshener

Khatemorren April Fernandez, Krishylle Mae Fernandez, Lailanie Kaye Pido, Maria Antonette Barbadillo, Mirven De Lara, Steven Pantonial

fkhateapril@gmail.com, krishyllemaezednanref@gmail.com, lailaniekayepido@gmail.com, ntnttbrbdll@gmail.com,

mirvendelara@gmail.com, pantonials22@gmail.com

St. Paul College Foundation Incorporated

Abstract: As the financial crisis arises today, some of the people are eager to have the cheapest and affordable ways of the materials that
they need such as daily needs, hygienic products and more. Air freshener may have nice and soothing scents but it has a bad effect towards
our environment and our health because of the chemical used and improving an air freshener would make it better than before with the
use of natural orange peeling extract for a more eco-friendly, organic and more natural scented air fresheners for homes. This study used
the evaluative research method. The respondents of the research were teachers from St. Paul College Foundation Inc., Mandaue Campus.
Results showed that the orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling Extract as Organic Air Freshener is more effective based on its key factors
which are durability and affordability, natural and organic, eco-friendly and accessibility. The future researchers are highly advised to
use orange peeling to produce more extract and to use fresh and good quality of product. The researcher recommended to add more
oranges peeling in order to the air freshener to be more natural and organic.

Keywords: Organic, Air freshener, Orange (Citrus Sinensis), Peeling Extract

1. Introduction
As the financial crisis arises today, some of the people
are eager to have the cheapest and affordable ways of the
materials that they need such as daily needs, hygienic products
and more. All people are familiar with air freshener but different
scents of fragrance. The risks to health may be greater due to
exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors (CPSC, 2020).
People are aware that scent has a lot to do with refreshing and
cleansing our home. According to Steinemann (2017), the
problem is that the air freshener may have nice and soothing
scents but they can really have a bad effect towards our
environment and our health because of the chemical used.
According to the Clean Air Act of 1970, protecting health and
building the economy can go hand in hand.
Air freshener has been widely used in every home to
neutralize offensive odors and create a more pleasant scent.
According to Made safe (2020) air fresheners associated with
various health effects of chemical compounds measured and
identified toxic chemicals in air freshener that are linked to
cancer, neurotoxicity, and effects from endocrine disruption. It
means that many of the chemical ingredients found in air
freshener have been investigated and found out to be toxic to
humans and may increase the incidence due to experiencing
headaches and respiratory difficulty from exposure to
fragrance. According to World Health Organization (WHO),
the contribution of a range of risk factors of using toxic
chemical compounds these include: volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, m, p-xylene,
phthalates, and more is a stress disease and indicated indoor
pollution as the 8th most important risk factor and accountable
for 2.7 percent of the burden of disease, globally.
According to McFadden (2018), people nowadays rely
on factory made and ready-to-use products. Many companies
began to add odor-counteractant chemicals to the formulas to
give way for the air freshener to be known in the market. (HAF,
early 1950's). According to Steinemann, a professor of civil
engineering at the University of Melbourne who has extensively
studied the health impacts of fragranced household products.
Usually, most air freshener formulas contain a lot of chemicals,
especially aerosol air freshener because this type of freshener
contains chlorofluorocarbon (CFC’s) which causes the
destruction of the ozone layer. The US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) determined four compounds
(acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, alpha-pinene) and are
classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws; further,
acetaldehyde is classified as a carcinogenic hazardous air
pollutant, with no safe threshold of exposure.
The reasons identified lead the researchers to study
and improve the air freshener that would make it better than
before with the use of natural orange peeling extract for a more
eco-friendly, organic and more natural scented air fresheners
for homes. The natural chemicals that come from the extract of
the orange peels, the negative effects of those persons that are
sensitive are less. The smell that comes from the orange peels
extract are pleasant and safe on inhalation. Study shows that air
fresheners need to be free of any toxic or harmful chemicals and
include natural ingredients instead (Ibrahim et. al, 2019).
Therefore, making an alternative air freshener of orange extract
is a great idea and good for the indoor environment.
The researcher consumers’ home to be presentable for
their visitors, even for offices. Air fresheners are probably
marketable in supermarkets everywhere, but the researcher
came up with this study to determine if it is really possible to
make use of some of their resources at home to make an air
freshener. A more organic, useful and would come up with great
alternative air fresheners using oranges. The researcher chose
this study to face the reality and make some recyclable
resources really useful and to lessen the expenses and help the
environment to reduce pain on our health without any bad
effects that wouldn’t cause any harm to us and to others. Thus,
this research seekt to determine and evaluate the effectiveness
of organic air freshener in terms of durability and affordability,
natural and organic, eco-friendly and accessibility.
2. Methodology
Research Design
This study used the evaluative research method aimed
to evaluate the organic air freshener and it is used to collect and
interpret valuable information about organizational processes
and goods (Formplus, 2020). An evaluative research can be
identified as a strategy that is used for surveying a particular
issue or problem to assure the convenience of the needs, desires
or wants of the population (UserTesting, 2021). The major
purpose of this study is to evaluate the organic air freshener to
the teachers of Senior High school, Junior High School and
Grade School department of St. Paul College Foundation
Incorporated. It assesses whether it reaches its speculations or
it is fit for its purpose.
Research Instrument
The study utilized a self-made survey questionnaire,
which consists two parts. The first part contained items that
determine the profile of the respondents such as name, age,
gender, and department. The second part of the questionnaire
determines the level of durability, affordability, natural and
organic, flexibility and environmental friendly of the product.
Questionnaires are relatively quick and easy to interpret.
Ensuring the validity, the researchers conduct a survey to the
professional to check the validity of the questionnaires. In
addition, the researchers utilized Cronbach's Alpha in
evaluating the reliability of the questionnaire. The data of
Cronbach Alpha value is 0.86 which lies between 0.9 > 𝛼 > 0.8,
 ∑𝑤 𝑋
implies good internal consistency. The 4-point Likert Scale is Formula : ̅̅̅̅
𝑋𝑤 = ∑ 𝑖 𝑖
used in this study. The questionnaires determined the level of 𝑤𝑖

agreement of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling Extract as

where ̅̅̅̅
𝑋𝑤 = weighted item.
Organic Air Freshener. The scale ranges from (4) - strongly
agree, (3) - agree, (2) - disagree and (1) strongly disagree. 𝑤𝑖 = weight of ith item X
Table 1. Likert Scale 𝑋𝑖 = value of the ith item X
Scale Description Range
4 Strongly Agree 3.26 - 4.00
3 Agree 2.50 - 3.25
3. Results and Discussion
2 Disagree 1.76 - 2.50
Table 2. The Durability and Affordability of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling
1 Strongly disagree 1.0 - 1.75 Extract as an Organic Air Freshener

Statements Weighted Verbal

Product Procedure Mean Descriptions
Researchers gather the materials and ingredients 1. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.60 Very Effective
needed on making an Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peelings Extract Extract Organic Air freshener can
as an Organic Air Freshener. Use one of the recipes as a starting be used from home to office
without damage or unexpected
point, but don’t be afraid to mix-and-match essential natural maintenance.
compounds depending on what you have in your home. The
2. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.47 Very Effective
ingredients are ¾ cup of water, 1 teaspoons of vinegar, 2 Extract Organic Air freshener is
tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or real vanilla extract and 6 affordable and reliable.
whole peels of oranges. Before making, wash it and remove the 3. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peel 3.67 Very Effective
peel of oranges first. After removing, put it in a casserole pan Extract Organic Air Freshener
remains functional and easily made
with the exact amount of water and vinegar needed. When 2-3
from home.
minutes have passed, combine all the ingredients and mix it Composite Mean 3.58 Very Effective
well. Then, wait until it boils until 5 to 10 mins. After boiling,
let it cool for an hour and put it in a container or jar before
All the statements are interpreted as very effective.
pouring in a spray bottle or container (usually with a funnel to The composite mean of the level of effectiveness in terms of
decrease spills). Since, the essential oils tend to float on top of durability and affordability obtained a total score of 3.58 which
the water, shake your sprayer bottle before spraying in your is interpreted as very effective. Based on the data, it depicts that
home, offices or even faculties. And enjoy the fresh orange the Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peelings Extract as an Organic Air
(Citrus sinensis) extract homemade. Freshener has an equal effectiveness in terms of durability and
affordability. Therefore, the organic air freshener is much more
Research Environment durable and affordable.
The research environment is the St. Paul College Table 3. The “Natural and Organic” of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling
Extract as an Organic Air Freshener
Foundation, Inc. (SPCFI) – Mandaue Campus is a private
school in Cebu . It is one of the three branches of SPCFI , which Statements Weighted Verbal Descriptions
has been operating in the province since 1985. The Mandaue Mean
4. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.20 Effective
branch was established in 2006 as the founder wanted to
Extract Organic Air Freshener has a
provide more educational opportunities to the residents of good fragrances of oranges.
southern Cebu. It is located at Highway, Maguikay Mandaue
City. 5. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.20 Effective
Extract Organic Air Freshener has a
non – toxic fresh fruit scent without
Research Respondents any chemicals used.
The respondents of this study are the teachers from 6. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.20 Effective
Senior High school and, Junior High School department of St. Extract Organic Air freshener
Paul College Foundation, Inc.c which are purposely chosen. A provides an oranges fruit aroma.
total of fifteen (15) were selected as the respondents, consisting 7. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.20 Effective
Extract Organic air freshener
thirteen (13)junior high school teachers and two (2) senior high produces a soothing and fresh
school teachers. Respondents’ age ranges from 21- 26 years old. smelling air freshener without
harming our environment and our
Research Procedure health.
The researchers sent a letter of approval to the 8. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.40 Very Effective
Extract Organic Air freshener have
Capstone Research Teacher to survey the Junior and Senior the ability to provide a pleasant
High School department teachers of St. Paul College ambience.
Foundation Incorporated. The survey was created using suitable Composite Mean 3.24 Effective
questions modified from related and individual questions
formed by the researchers. Permission to conduct the study was Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings Extract Organic Air
granted and approved, the survey questionnaire was distributed freshener have the ability to provide a pleasant ambience. The
to the 15 respondents to obtain the data needed. The survey respondents agreed that the organic air freshener is natural and
questionnaire was personally administered to ensure that all the organic. The composite mean of the level of effectiveness in
items asked were properly answered by the respondents with 5 terms of natural and organic obtained a total score of 3.24 which
was interpreted as effective. Based on the data, it depicts that
minutes in gaining insights to study of Orange (Citrus sinensis)
the Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peelings Extract as an Organic Air
Peelings Extract as an organic air freshen
Freshener have the ability to provide a pleasant ambience has
different and it is much more natural and organic from the
Statistical Treatment of Data respondents’ preference. Therefore, the air freshener is
effective to use because it is a natural and organic product.
Weighted Mean
A weighted mean is used to determine the
effectiveness of the organic air freshener.
Table 4. The “Eco-friendly” of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling Extract as effective. The composite mean of the level of effectiveness in
an Organic Air Freshener
terms of eco-friendly obtained a total score of 3.35 which is
Statements Weighted Verbal Descriptions interpreted as very effective. Based on the data, it depicts that
Mean the Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peelings Extract as an Organic Air
9. Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings 3.67 Very Effective Freshener is very effective in terms of Eco-friendly and from
Extract Organic Air freshener emit the respondents’ perceptions. Therefore, the air freshener is
fragrance and other odor much more eco-friendly to use.
counteractants into the air.
10. Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.27 Very Effective
Peelings Extract Organic Air Table 5. The Accessibility of Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peeling Extract as an
Freshener emits hazardous air Organic Air Freshener
pollutants.
11. Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.53 Very Effective Statements Weighted Verbal Descriptions
Peelings Extract Organic Air Mean
freshener used for odor elimination 17. Everyone can use 3. 87 Very Effective
in the environment. orange (Citrus sinensis)
12. Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.13 Effective Peelings Extract Organic
air freshener anywhere.
Peelings Extract Organic air
freshener designed to remove 18. Orange (Citrus 3.8 Very Effective
unpleasant room odors to smells sinensis) Peelings Organic
fresh, clean and pleasant. Air Freshener is easy to
use.
13. Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.13 Effective
Peelings Extract Organic Air Composite Mean 3.84 Very Effective
fresheners is to get rid of disturbing
odours that may result from All the statement has the same interpretation which is
different processes.
very effective, as well as the composite mean of the level of
14. Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.27 Very Effective
Peelings Extract Organic Air effectiveness in terms of accessibility that garnered a total score
Freshener is made by organic of 3.84. Based on the data, everyone can use the organic air
materials and it has non – toxic freshener easily, anywhere and it depicts that the Orange (Citrus
fresh fruit scent. Sinensis) Peelings Extract as an Organic Air Freshener is very
15. The Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.47 Very Effective effective at the level of effectiveness in terms of its
Peelings Extract Organic Air accessibility.
freshener ingredients has eco-
friendly elements.
4. Conclusions
16. The Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3.34 Very Effective The study concluded that the effectiveness of organic
Peelings Extract Organic air air freshener is very effective from teachers’ evaluation. The
freshener is natural and there is no Orange (Citrus sinensis) as an Organic Air Freshener are very
factor of inhaling chemicals. eco-friendly, durable, affordable and accessible. However, the
Composite Mean 3.35 Very Effective product is only effective in natural and organic aspects.

Majority of the statements from the table above is 5. Recommendations

interpreted as very effective. It explains that the organic air
freshener is eco-friendly. The Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peelings
Extract as an Organic Air Freshener is effective in the statement
that the air freshener designed to remove unpleasant room odors
to smells fresh, clean and pleasant and also, air freshener is to
get rid of disturbing odours that may result from different
processes area garnered both 3.13 which interpreted as
Based on the results of the study, a lot of
recommendations are made. The future researchers are highly
advised to use orange peeling to produce more extract and to
use fresh and good quality of product. The researcher
recommended to add more oranges peeling in order to the air
freshener to be more natural and organic.

Research Limitations
Upon this study has its limitation: We only focus on our main ingredients which is the Orange peelings as our primary resources
to make an organic air freshener to avoid invalid results. Also, we utilized a descriptive evaluative design to know the effectiveness of
Orange (Citrus Sinensis) as an Organic Air Freshener. Respondents only limited to Senior and Junior High School teachers from St.
Paul College Foundation Inc. (Mandaue Campus) due to the researchers distance. The study will be gathered through a descriptive
evaluative design that will be answered by the respondents, and to be used as a reference for evaluating the data. The research was
conducted to determine and evaluate the effectiveness of Organic Air Fresheners because of some terms such as, it’s durability and
affordability, natural and organic, eco-friendly and accessibility.
Acknowledgement
The completion of this study would not have been possible without the participation and assistance. The researchers would like
to express their deep appreciation and indebtedness particularly to Mr. Eliezer Cabanas our advisor, who has been a great teacher and
an incredible mentor. Without her guidance and support, this study would not have been successful also for giving us advice wherein it
gave us a lot of concept, discussion, moments, and fruits for us to hold on to. To all relatives, friends, and family and others who in one
way or another shared their support, either morally, emotionally, and financially, thank you for the constant source of inspiration.
References
Air Freshener (Research Paper Terms). Retrieved from educheer 2021, website:https://educheer.com/research-papers/air-freshener/
Cheng, W.H. (2016). “Extracting emissions from air fresheners using solid phase microextraction devices.” Aerosol and Air Quality Research, vol. 16(10). Pp. 2362-
2367https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2019/9316707/
Groot, A.C. (2019). Monographs in Contact Allergy. Fragrances and Essential Oils, vol. 2. Retrieved from book. Google website:
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=O1kkEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA601&lpg=PA601&dq=According+to+McFadden(2018),+in+air+freshener&source=bl&ots=
mLPweqnLOr&sig=ACfU3U1dqhA4CAt3IUh0e1edcrJLVbMX3w&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjB_s-
V_MfwAhVNeN4KHeqbDxkQ6AEwB3oECBIQAw#v=onepage&q&f=false
Ibrahim, F. Et. Al. (2019). Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2019(7), 9316707. https://doi.org./10.1155/2019/9316707. Page 1-14. Retrieved from research
gate websites: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337037350_Qualitative_Analysis_of_Air_Freshener_Spray
Madesafehq (2020) Making product safe, safe families www.madesafe.org https://www.madesafe.org/ World Health Organization (WHO), Outdoor air pollution is a
major environmental health problem affecting everyone in low-, middle-, and high-income countries https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-
(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
McFadden(2018), Fragrance and Essential
Oilshttps://books.google.com.ph/books?id=O1kkEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA601&lpg=PA601&dq=According+to+McFadden+(2018),+about+air+freshener&source
=bl&ots=mLPx8mkEGl&sig=ACfU3U3e6X209ytwYZYHWJl2T0lUOVPT6w&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjpo-
GVq9LwAhUwBKYKHde6BQYQ6AEwB3oECAwQAw#v=onepage&q=According%20to%20McFadden%20(2018)%2C%20about%20air%20freshener&f=f
alse
Park, Y. H. (2011). “Emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds from air freshener using a small emission chamber.” Journal of Korean Society of
Environmental Engineers, 33(3). Pp. https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO201120241357239.page
Steinemann, A. (2016). Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments. Building and Environment 11, doi:
10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.11.009.Retrieved from research gate website:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309725033_Ten_questions_concerning_air_fresheners_and_indoor_built_environments
Steinemann, A. (2016). “Fragrance consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions.” Air Quality Atmosphere & Health, 9(8). DOI:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-
z. Page 861-866. Retrieved from research gate website:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309331398_Fragranced_consumer_products_exposures_and_effects_from_emissions
Steinemann, A. (2017). Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products. Preventive Medicine Reports, vol. 5.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.011. Pp 45-47. Retrieved from Science Direct website:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335516301449
Steinemann, A. (2017). “Fragranced consumer products: effects on asthmatics.” Air Quality Atmosphere & Health 2018, 11. Retrieved from springer website:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-017-0536-2. Pp. 3-9.
Telphner, M. (2019, October 18). The Unfreshening Ingredients in Toxic Air Fresheners. Retrieved from Health washing website:
https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/ingredients-in-toxic-air-fresheners

Researchers

Khatemorren April D. Fernandez graduated from Abellana National High School for her Junior High School,
she is studying in St. Paul College Foundation Incorporated, Mandaue branch taking Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics as her chosen strand. She is currently living in Purok 3 Sunflower, Pagutlan Tayud,
Consolacion, Cebu. She was born on April 16, 2002 and was born in Cebu City. Her desired job is to become an
Engineer. She knows how to speak Cebuano, Filipino and English. She has business management skills, leadership
skills, writing skills and is also good at public speaking. She got the 2nd place in Declamation Contest and she is the
2019 Banner Racing champion, 2019 Baton Relay champion, 2020 SPCFI Family day Quiz Bee champion and
NCII Holder.

Krishylle Mae D. Fernandez graduated from Abellana National High School for his Junior High School, she is
studying in St. Paul College Foundation Incorporated, Mandaue branch taking Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics as her chosen strand. She is currently living in Purok 3 Sunflower, Pagutlan Tayud, Consolacion,
Cebu. She was born on March 04, 2003 and was born in Cebu City. Her desired job is to become a Civil Engineer
and a Chef. She knows how to speak Cebuano, Filipino and English. She has skills in drafting, writing poems and
stories, and is also good at cooking. She is a Summit Founder Committee and an NC II Cookery holder in 2018-
2019.
Steven L. Pantonial graduated from Sagay National High School for his Junior High School, he is studying in St.
Paul College Foundation Incorporated, Mandaue branch taking Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics as his strand. He is currently living in Purok 3 Sunflower, Pagutlan Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu. He
was born on September 22, 1999 and was born in Kalumbuyan, Negros Oriental. His desired job is to become a
Mechanical Engineer or to be a soldier. He knows how to speak Ilonggo, Cebuano, Filipino and English. He has
skills in construction such as polishing stainless, aluminum or metals. He is also an athlete. Had won several
competitions such as an 800m run.
Lailanie Kaye S. Pido graduated from Cabancalan National High School for his Junior High School, she is studying
in St. Paul College Foundation Incorporated, Mandaue branch taking Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics as her chosen strand. She is currently living in H. Cortes St., Casuntingan, Mandaue City, Cebu. She
was born on October 31, 2002 and was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon. Her desired job is to become an Architect or a
Civil Engineer. She knows how to speak Cebuano, Filipino and English. She has good communication skills,
computer skills and is also very fast to adapt. She is also a good cook. She is a consistent honored student. Already
have several working experiences.
Ma. Antonette O. Barbadillo graduated from Cabancalan National High School for his Junior High School, he is
studying in St. Paul College Foundation Incorporated, Mandaue branch taking Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics as her chosen strand. She is currently living in Malapay 2, Bagawines, Vallehermoso, Negros
Oriental. She was born on March 24, 2003 and was born in Cebu City. Her desired job is to become a Pharmacist.
He knows how to speak Cebuano, Filipino and English. She has good communication skills. She won the 2020
SPCFI Singing Contest.
Mirven Rey De Lara graduated from St. Joseph High School for his Junior High School, he is studying in St. Paul
College Foundation Incorporated, Mandaue branch taking Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as
his standard. He is currently living in Bacatan Compound Tipolo, Mandaue. He was born on October 31, 2002 and
was born in the Tacloban Hospital. His desired job is to become a Marine. He knows how to speak Waray, Cebuano,
Filipino and English. He has skill in volleyball. He’s a second placer in the 2019 Mr and Ms Intramurals.

Research Teacher
Eliezer Cabanas graduated from Foundation University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. He is currently
teaching in St. Paul College Foundation Incorporated choosing the Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics as his class advisory.