SIP Appendix D - Project proposal Form

APPENDIX D

Science Investigative Project

Project Proposal Form

Name: Faith Choo (10)

Class: Sec 213

Topic of investigation: Effect of natural cleaning agents on common stains

A.	Observations made
	A lot of laundry detergent commercials claim to be able to remove all types of stains very effectively, like Vanish Power O2. However, I am rather skeptical of these claims and believe that some ‘traditional’ methods may work better. I noticed that when certain stains set on clothing, they are notoriously hard to remove using conventional chemical laundry detergents. Based on the research I have done, natural cleaning agents like vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can be effective in removing stains, and are also environmentally friendly and cheap, unlike chemical laundry detergents.
B.	Research question
	Which natural cleaning agent is the most effective all-purpose cleaner for protein (animal source), oil, tannin (plant source) and dye stains?
C.	Hypothesis statement
	Hydrogen peroxide is most effective in reducing the stain area and lightening the stain colour, and is therefore the most useful natural, all-purpose cleaning agent.
D.	Summary of research
	Stain removers work in several ways: Dissolve the stain Break up the stain Mask the stain Most stains are removed by dissolving them in a solvent. Different solvents will dissolve different stains. The application of some solvents is limited by the fact that they not only dissolve the stain, but also dissolve the dye that is used to colour the material or dissolve the material that is stained as well. The solvent used depends on several factors: the agent causing the stain the material stained colour of the material stained stain may contain 2 separate staining agents Natural cleaning products are substances that can be used to clean, deodorize and/or disinfect, and have natural substances as their active ingredients. They are usually less damaging to the environment and are safer for humans and animals than conventional cleaning agents. Some common and popular natural cleaning agents reputed to effectively remove stains include vinegar (white), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), hydrogen peroxide (bleach) and lemon juice (citric acid). I will test these agents’ effectiveness in removing the 4 main types of stains: protein (organic milk), oil (grease), tannin (tea) and dye (beetroot) stains. Vinegar is a dilute aqueous solution of acetic (ethanoic) acid, produced from the fermentation of ethanol. Depending on the brand and distillation process, most commercial vinegars comprise about 5% acetic acid, with a pH range of 2.4 to 3.4. It is this acidity that contributes to its cleaning (bleaching) properties, by dissolving mineral deposits and breaking down proteins. It also removes grease. Furthermore, the Good Housekeeping Institute reported in 2000, that a straight 5% vinegar solution has the ability to kill 99% bacteria, 82% moulds and 80% viruses. It is natural, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and does not contain harsh chemicals typical of synthetic stain removers. Hence, it is gentle on fabrics, with the advantage of not damaging natural fibres such as silk, wool and cotton, and even has fabric softening properties. Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is a white powder with crystalline grains. It is an amphoteric compound, which means its molecules or ions can react either as an acid or a base. In aqueous solution, it is weakly alkaline (pH about 8-9), acting to neutralize acids. It breaks down proteins and also enables dirt and grease to dissolve readily in water, hence making it an excellent cleaning agent. Like vinegar, it is natural, affordable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Lemon juice is acidic (pH 2), with citric acid making up 5-6% of the juice. It is also rich in Vitamins C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 and potassium. Its acidity gives it bleaching properties, and also enables it to break down protein and to remove grease. Citric acid chelates metals like calcium and magnesium, thus ‘softening’ water. Soft water cleans better than hard water. Hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally friendly oxidising agent, commonly used as bleach. It is naturally produced in organisms by oxidative metabolism and in its pure form, has a pH of 6.2, making it a weak acid. 3% hydrogen peroxide removes stains by bleaching (break the stain molecule’s apart, rendering them soluble and hence readily washed away) and it also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
E.	Bibliography
	eHow. (2011). Chemistry of stain removal. Retrieved on May 23rd, 2011, from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5503465_chemistry-stain-removal.html Household Management 101. (2011). Uses for Vinegar – What vinegar can and cannot do around your home. Retrieved on May 24rd, 2011, from http://www.household-management-101.com/uses-for-vinegar.html Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips. (2010). Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaning Recipes. Retrieved on May 23rd, 2011, from http://www.natural-healthy-home- cleaning-tips.com/vinegar_baking_soda_cleaning_recipes.htm Unknown. (2011, May 25). Hydrogen peroxide. Retrieved on May 25th, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide Virtual Chembook. (n.d.). Denaturation of proteins. Retrieved on May 26rd, 2011, from http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/568denaturation.html Wise Geek. (2011, May 25). What is Baking Soda? Retrieved on May 23rd, 2011, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-baking-soda.htm

A change in my plan...

Really short update: Instead of comparing 4 chemical laundry detergent brands, I'll be testing 4 natural cleaning agents' effectiveness instead.

I'm going to email Ms Tan with my proposal draft and Appendix D for her perusal and feedback. Hope to hear from her soon!

Ms Tan and vinegar

I found Ms Tan!!!
I bumped into Ms Tan during Open House and took the opportunity to consult her about my experiment. I asked her if it was a feasible experiment, if it was too simple or overly clichéd. She said it was okay, but I was still unsure if it would be a good experiment, as it had 2 changed variables instead of the conventional 1. She didn't exactly answer my question, but she asked me how i would measure a change in the stain after washing. Good thing I had it sorted, so I told her I would assess the effectiveness by quantifying changes in the size (quadrant) and colour (colour chart) of the stain. She seemed satisfied and suggested that instead of 4 detergent types, I could use an environmentally-friendly method of cleaning.

Why vinegar?
Vinegar is eco-friendly! And it's said to have magical cleaning properties too! (See all the crazy research I did?) Since I am a MythBuster, I decided to pit laundry detergent against vinegar in the ultimate cleaning test!

To be continued......

Magical vinegar

Vinegar is said to have magical stain-removing properties. I'll test 4 common types of stains, and their methods of removal using vinegar.

1. Removing chocolate milk (protein) stains - If you can get to the stain before it sets, treat it by pouring full-strength white vinegar on the spot. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes, then blot well with a cloth or towel. Repeat if necessary, then wash immediately. If the stain has set (esp for more than 24hrs), it is almost impossible to remove it. <-- I could try debunking that!

2. Removing tea (tannin) stains - Flush the area with vinegar to remove the stain. Rinse and repeat as needed. Then wash as usual.

3. Removing grease (oil-based) stains - Soak the stain in undiluted white vinegar. Then wash as usual.

4. Removing ink (dye) stains - Apply vinegar to the stain. Then rub with a paste made of vinegar and baking soda. Dry then wash.

Source: http://frugalliving.about.com/od/colthing/tp/Vinegar_Laundry_Stain_Remover.htm

http://www.rd.com/home/homemade-stain-removal-solutions/

Vinegar is awesome

About Vinegar

Vinegar is an acidic liquid produced from the fermentation of ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient, acetic acid (ethanoic acid). It also may come in a diluted form. The pH of table vinegar ranges from 2.4 to 3.4 (higher if diluted). The acetic acid concentration typically ranges from 4% to 8% by volume for table vinegar and up to 18% for pickling vinegar. Natural vinegars also contain small amounts of tartaric acid, citric acid and other acids.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar

Is Vinegar Safe for the Environment and My Family?

Vinegar is a natural organic bi-product of fruits, vegetables and grains. It is therefore edible and biodegradable. It is 'The Perfect Household Cleaner' for your family because it is very safe for the environment, for family members, especially those with asthma, and around young children. It is also a very effective and amazingly versatile household cleaner that is inexpensive to use.

Vinegar is a safe, all-natural cleaning product. It doesn't contain harmful toxic chemicals, so if in the course of normal household cleaning you 'pour it down the drain' its impact on municipal sewer and water treatment systems is just like any food product.

Regular store bought white vinegar has no real effect on the environment.

What are the Advantages of Using White Vinegar for Cleaning?

Consumers who used white vinegar in their home for cleaning in an in-home usage test in 2003 report the following advantages and benefits of white vinegar:
• Surprisingly effective, when compared to other cleaners.
• An 'all-in-one cleaner,' so there is no need to buy an arsenal of cleaners for different purposes.
• Non-toxic, so there is no fear of breathing harmful chemicals while cleaning.
• Gentle on hands, so there is no need to wear rubber gloves.
• Cleans streak free, so there is no need to rinse after cleaning.
• Safe around young children, so there is no fear of a child being poisoned.
• Environmentally friendly, so there are no harmful chemicals going down the drain.
• Economical, much less expensive than other cleaners.

Vinegar's acetic properties make it 'The Perfect Household Cleaner’. Vinegar has been prized for generations for its usefulness as a stain remover, mildew eliminator, soap scum dissolver, chrome polisher, lime descaler, fabric softener, room deodorizer and as an unclogging agent.

How Effective is Cleaning with Vinegar?

Vinegar is an effective cleaner in removing soils and mineral deposits such as hard water films, from almost every surface of your home leaving behind a fresh scent. It is also well known for its antimicrobial properties. Microorganisms are present everywhere - hair, skin, countertops, food surfaces etc. and are easily transferred from one source to another. Most microorganisms do not pose a threat to human safety if kept at reduced levels. Microbiological studies have shown significant bacterial reduction after cleaning surfaces with 5% acetic acid (household vinegar) as directed. It is effective against a broad range of bacteria reducing and retarding the growth of these organisms to an acceptable level for safety.

Vinegar provides assurance in being able to clean the surface, reduce microbes, and by offering an inexpensive and non-toxic alternative to clean your home. The versatility of vinegar will give you and your family an added sense of confidence and cleanliness.

Source: http://www.vinegarworkswonders.com/faqs.asp

Icky things like detergent and stains

Laundry Detergents

A water-soluble cleansing agent that combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble, laundry detergent can be effective in many types and temperatures of water. Laundry detergent comes in both liquid and powder forms. Most laundry detergents also contain enzymes that help break down complex food stains.Powdered laundry detergent is especially effective on heavily soiled clothing. These granular laundry detergents have come a long way in the last few years and dissolve well, but may have trouble dissolving fully in cold water. Liquid laundry detergent is especially good at removing greasy and starchy food stains. Most liquid laundry detergents work as effective pre-treaters as well.

Chemistry behind laundry detergent

Many kinds of molecules and ions can serve as high efficiency surfactants. They are often classified according to the charge of the molecule or ion, the three main classes being anionic, neutral, and cationic detergents. Anionic detergents are most commonly encountered for domestic laundry detergents. Detergents are ions or molecules that contain both polar and nonpolar components. The polar component allows the detergent to dissolve in the water, whereas the nonpolar portion solubilizes hydrophobic materials that are the usual target of the cleaning process.

Types of stains

There are several different types of clothing stains, which means there are different methods for eliminating the stain.

Protein stains from dairy, baby food, bodily excrement, blood and mud can be removed by soaking the item in cold water, scrubbing the items with your hands and using a heavy-duty laundry detergent. Repeat washes may be necessary, and if the stain remains, bleach may also be used if it will not damage the clothing item.

Oil-based stains such as butter, margarine, mayonnaise, car grease and hair oil can be cleaned by pre-treating the stain with a spray stain treatment or stain stick. These products have solvents that will break down the stain. After the item is washed, inspect for traces of the stain and re-treat if necessary.

Tannin stains, which are found in wine, tomato juice, berries and coffee, should be washed in hot water with detergent. Do not try to pre-treat these items with regular soap, as it will help to set the stain. Bleach must be used on old tannin-based stains.

Dye stains come from blueberries, cherries, powdered drink mixes, permanent markers and mustard. These stains are the most difficult to remove. To attempt to clean them you must use a pre-treatment product and then rinse the item thoroughly. White items can be bleached, and some stains can be lightened with rubbing alcohol if the fabric will allow it.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_4564580_clothing-stains.html

First inklings of a great experiment...

Everyone hates stains on their clothes, especially if they're on their favourite outfits! I've experienced that before, and I really want to find an effective way to remove those hideous blemishes. On top of that, there are many advertisments for laundry detergents that claim to remove all types of stains, and I want to verify the claims.

I wanna find out: Which brand of laundry detergent removes stains most effectively?

Why something so random?
'Vanish Power O2 removes all stains!' <-- I don't think it's all that perfect or effective, so like in MythBusters, I want to prove that all these brands are not as good as they claim they are, and are just false advertising.

Possible brands to test (I'll pick 3/4 for ease of testing):
Vanish
Dynamo
Breeze
Attack
UIC
Fab
TOP

Things to test:
Type of stain that can be removed most effectively (coffee, lipstick, food)
Initial colour of stain vs colour after washing (measured using colour chart)
Which brand is the most effective in cleaning each type of stain
Overall which brand cleans all types of stains the best

Research on:
Types of stains - biological or synthetic stains
Existing methods of removal - functions that detergent possesses (the more types it can remove, the more effective it is)
Claims made by detergent companies - for disproving

Brainstorming

Feasible topics
- Clothing stain removal
- Different flavours of coke and different flavours of Mentos = explosion
- Miscibility of oil in different concentrations/brands of soap/detergent
- Red cabbage as a pH indicator

Topics that are cool (but not so feasible)
- Processed foods vs organic food in weight change
- Oobleck
- Electricity consumption by different genres of music
- Music genres affecting plant growth

SO, I'll pick one of these and start on my research right away!!!

About the Science Investigative Project

TASK Students are required to plan and conduct a science investigative project. Your investigative project can be associated with Physics, Chemistry and /or Biology.

AIM
• To teach the scientific method through experimentation
• To teach self discipline by completion of a project
• To provide research in areas of science beyond the scope of the class
• To strengthen student interest and motivation in science
• To integrate multiple content areas within a single project

CRITERIA
You must be able to
1. Formulate a research question to your project of interest (state purpose of your project)
2. Construct a hypothesis that is testable within a given time frame
3. Identify all variables in your investigation
4. State the materials and apparatus needed to support the testing of the hypothesis
5. Propose a research method
6. Collect data
7. Show evidence of experimentation
8. Organise and present data
9. Analyse data
10. Discuss & draw conclusions from the data
11. Identify the limitation(s) to your investigation

EQUIREMENTS
Research Plan- formulate research question and hypothesis
Report and Science Lab book

That's basically what I will be doing, and I will constantly update this blog with the progress I have made so far.