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