COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF

CITROFORTUNELLA MICROCARPA AND AVERRHOA BILIMBI AS

STAIN REMOVER

Group 11

Eliorda, Aliyah Cassandra O.

Galon, Allyzah E.

Gamus, Nizennie E.

Hortelano, Aaliyah Shannel S.

Incipido, Melrose V.

Lapitan, Hannah M.
 Chapter I

PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Many housewives and laundry services have many problems

cleaning various types of stains. So, they often ask for the aid of commercial

bleach removers to save the day. But most often than not, bleach removers

are expensive, corrosive, harmful to the skin, and very inconvenient to use.

People take their bleaching experience and the product’s efficiency seriously.

It is safe to say, clothes do make the man and we would all want our clothes

to be comfortable and stain-free.

There are several stain removers on the market that claim to offer

the optimum stain removal experience, but not everyone can afford to

purchase a high-end, effective bleach remover because doing so involves

overcoming certain financial barriers. Citrus fruits are a cost-effective and

widely available substitute. Averrhoa Bilimbi and Citrofortunella Microcarpa

are two of the most widely available fruits in the Philippines and could be

found anywhere from your backyard to supermarkets. Citric acid has a mild

bleaching action for removing different kinds of stains. When it comes to

fruit acids, citric acid stands out among those utilized in the beverage,
culinary, pharmaceutical, textile, metal, chemical, and other sectors. Around

the world, citric acid is manufactured and utilized for commercial purposes.

Numerous fruits and vegetables contain acid, which gives them their acidic

flavor. Citrus fruits, in particular, have a high concentration of juice content

(7–9%) (Apelblat, 2014. p.1). Citrus fruits have a high oxalic acid

concentration, which makes them useful for washing hands, eliminating rust

and stains off metal blades, and cleaning stains from clothes and other

surfaces. The most effective alternative for stain removers are

Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi, which are inexpensive,

simple to locate, eco-friendly, organic, and safe.

According to reports, the fruits Citrofortunella Microcarpa and

Averrhoa Bilimbi contain significant levels of vitamin C, making them

potential ingredients or bleaching agents for eliminating stains. They are

both affordable, widely accessible, safe, and environmentally beneficial

(Calamansi and Kamias as Bleaching Agent, 2020). It was suggested that

homeowners use Averrhoa Bilimbi extract as a substitute organic stain

remover for clothing. The product is safe for human consumption and

environmentally beneficial because it is made from natural fruit extract and

doesn't include any harmful ingredients (Hitalia, 2021). This study assessed

how well various fruit extracts work, and Averrhoa Bilimbi has been shown to

be successful in getting rid of stains. (Martinez, 2016). They are abundant

with citric acid as which works well to get rid of lime, rust, hard water stains,

soap scum, and calcium deposits. Mold, mildew, and bacteria are all

removed by citric acid (Williams, 2021). It excels as a natural cleaning

ingredient when combined with water and bicarbonate of soda because the

fizzing action makes it a potent cleaner. Citrus fruits called Citrofortunella

Microcarpa are widely available in the Philippines, particularly in Cebu.

Because they contain citric acid, Citrofortunella Microcarpa is one of the

more well-known natural bleaches. Citrofortunella Microcarpa alone can

effectively remove some stains. The juice or extract from Citrofortunella

Microcarpa is quite acidic and contains 5.5% citric acid (Maes, 2018). The

active bleaching ingredient citric acid can effectively remove stains,

especially oily stains.

Stains can be removed using commercial stain removers or other

types of soap, such as bar soap or powder. People also use bleach to remove

stains from their clothing, but this is harmful because it contains substances

that are bad for us and the environment (GradesFixer, 2020). Averrhoa

Bilimbi and Citrofortunella Microcarpa are kinds of sour fruit that are grown

in the Philippines for their fruit juice and as a seasoning for various regional

dishes. These plants also contain a lot of vitamin C, which is good for people

(Rocha et al., 2022). Both are fragrant and effective at removing stains. One

of the many benefits of using these plants for cleaning is that they are both
low-maintenance, making them ideal for people with busy schedules. It is a

non-toxic substance that might burn the skin on the hand (Sta. Ana, 2015).

The previous study did not examine the method to determine

what concentrations of non-chemical stain remover were made from the

pure fruit juices of Citrofortunella Microcarpa (Calamansi) and Averrhoa

Bilimbi (Kamias). It was also stated at what level of concentrations were

deemed the most effective and no comparison between the two citric fruits

was made. For the study, we focus on covering these two gaps in the

previous research.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, in 2020 the volume

of Citrofortunella Microcarpa produced in the Philippines was approximately

108.7 thousand metric tons amounting to about 1.98 billion Philippine pesos.

(Philippine Statistics Authority | Republic of the Philippines, 2022).

Therefore, these fruits are far more abundant, simple to find, and affordable

than some cleaning agents that are produced for commercial use but are

harmful to our environment and our health when ingested or inhaled. In

addition, a lot of the surfactants used in conventional products biodegrade

slowly or transform into compounds that are more hazardous, persistent,

and bioaccumulative, endangering aquatic and environmental life.

(Identifying Greener Cleaning Products | US EPA, 2022). Due to the organic

nature of these components, it also works as a natural fertilizer. As

researchers, we are concerned about the pollution of the environment and

the ongoing environmental issues. Moreover, this research will support a

non-toxic environment and seeks to offer safe and all-natural stain removal

solutions.

The researchers wanted to find out which of the most common

citric fruits here in the Philippines is better in efficiency and performance.

This research may be of interest to those looking for affordable, accessible

stain removers to get rid of mud stains and other types of stains as well as

to potential future researchers looking for information relevant to this study.

Researchers prefer to utilize biodegradable merchandise. Many people

change to less expensive merchandise. The inquiry that arises here is the

significance of cognizing which of the citrus fruits is best used in taking

discoloration is the good pick. Through this research, more individuals will

have access to a non-chemical stain remover prepared from Citrofortunella

Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi pure fruit extracts and receive

research-based information. This study aims to reduce headaches, allergic

reactions, and chronic respiratory issues by better understanding the use

and advantages of natural stain removers. This study will also provide advice

on how to evaluate a stain remover's performance with respect to the pure

fruit juices of Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi.

Theoretical-Conceptual Framework

This section of the research provides the path the research will

take on the grounds of firm theoretical and conceptual constructs. It also

portrays an illustration of the relationship between the research variables

including the input, process, and output.

Fig.1 Theoretical-Conceptual Framework of Comparative Analysis on the

Effectiveness of Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi as Stain
Remover ( illustration of the relationship between variables)
Theoretical-Conceptual Background

The framework model aims to illustrate the connection between

the study's input, process, and output. One problem we encounter when

doing laundry is getting rid of tough stains, particularly on white fabrics.

When we encounter these problems, the first thing we do is remove the

stains with detergents and bleach. However, using chemical detergents and

bleach for an extended period can harm the quality of the fabrics. As a

result, the researchers intend to conduct a comparative analysis of

Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi as alternative stain removers

to determine how effective their extracts are in terms of applying the

amount of their concentration and using the kinds of fabric.

Furthermore, the two types of citrus fruits will be tested in the

following areas: the amount of extract, type of stain, amount of stain, and

duration test to assess efficacy. Additionally, the study's objective of

eliminating stains from fabrics would be achieved if the outcomes of our

study were successful. In general, acidity levels of citrus fruits are known to

be high therefore, it works well as an alternative to bleach and other

stain-removing detergents. (Reasons Why You Should Stop Washing Your

Clothes with Bleach, 2022)

 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study is conducted to determine if Citrofortunella Microcarpa

and Averrhoa Bilimbi are effective alternatives as stain removers.

Specifically, it seeks to find the answers to the following questions:

1. What is the level of effectiveness in using Citrofortunella Microcarpa as

stain remover IN TERMS OF:

1.1 30% concentration

1.2 60% concentration

1.3 100% concentration

2. What is the level of effectiveness in using Averrhoa Bilimbi as stain

removers IN TERMS OF:

2.1 30% concentration

2.2 60% concentration

2.3 100% concentration

3. Is there a significant difference in using Citrofortunella Microcarpa and

Averrhoa Bilimbi as stain removers in terms of effectiveness on the given

Concentrations?
Hypothesis of the Study

The null and alternative hypotheses for each of the study's

problem statements are presented in this part of the study. The following

was tested as a hypothesis:

1. Ho: Citrofortunella Microcarpa extract cannot be an effective stain

remover in the given concentration levels.

Ha: Citrofortunella Microcarpa extract can be an effective alternative stain

remover in the given concentration levels.

2. Ho: Averrhoa Bilimbi extract cannot be an effective alternative stain

remover in the given concentration levels.

Ha: Averrhoa Bilimbi extract can be an alternative stain remover in the

effectiveness in the given concentration levels.

3. Ho: There is no significant difference between the level of effectiveness of

Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi as alternative stain removers

in the given concentrations.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the level of effectiveness of

Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi as alternative stain removers

in the given concentrations.

Significance of the Study

This study will provide research-based information and create more

opportunities for people access to a non-chemical stain remover made from

pure fruit extracts of “Citrofortunella Microcarpa” (Calamansi) and “Averrhoa

Bilimbi” (Kamias). The goal of the researchers is to reduce the demand for

other goods, notably for items like cleaning supplies. Additionally, this study

will offer suggestions on how to assess a stain remover's effectiveness

concerning the natural fruit juices of “Citrofortunella Microcarpa”

(Calamansi) and “Averrhoa Bilimbi” (Kamias). The following will benefit from

the study's outcomes and conclusions:

Household. The family can benefit from this study because they

will be having the ability to utilize it to wash their family's soiled clothes.

They stand to gain from it because they will be the ones using it to protect

their safety and prevent skin harm.

Community. This result of the study will give enlightenment to

the community’s knowledge in using Citrofortunella Microcarpai and

Averrhoa Bilimbi in their daily laundry. This will benefit the community by

lowering the cost and expenditures on stain cleaning methods, particularly

by giving a cheaper option.

Environment. “Citrofortunella Microcarpa” and “Averrhoa Bilimbi”

Stain removers will reduce carbon footprint and the extent of the world's
health problems, including lower cancer risk. The use of natural stain

removers will not only reduce the use of toxic chemicals but will also help to

improve air and water quality, making it an excellent method to help the

environment.

Soap and Detergent Industries. This study has a protracted

impact on the soap and detergent business by providing significant

information about natural extracts with stain-removing qualities from

Citrofortunella Microcarpa and Averrhoa Bilimbi. By implementing the new

knowledge into the formulation of their soap and detergent products, the

researchers' findings will help this industry by reducing the health issues of

the users.

Other Researchers. This research study contributes to the

corpus of knowledge that other researchers can use as a reference. This

could help the other researchers by allowing them to use this literature as

one of their resources, giving them the study's findings and suggestions for

their future research.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are conceptually and operationally defined by

the researchers to help readers better understand the study.

Conceptual Definition

Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias). is a small, sour, greenish, or yellowish

cucumber-shaped fruit, that is eaten as a pickle or used in relishes and other

dishes.

Bioaccumulative is something that builds up inside an organism.

Bleach is a type of laundry detergent that not only removes stains from

clothing but also removes color from clothing.

Citric Acid (CA) is an organic acid that is commonly found in several

numbers of fruits, including limes, lemons, oranges, pineapples, and

grapefruits.

Citrofortunella Microcarpa (Calamansi) is a small, nearly round fruit

about the size of a lime.

Citrus Fruits are fruits with thick skin and juicy pulp that are grown in

warmer climates.

Concentration is the measure of one substance to another expressed as

the amount of each other.

Detergent is a chemical agent that can be applied as a powder or liquid to

clean dishes, clothes, and other surfaces.

Extract is used to describe a chemical that has been extracted from a

mixture using pressure, distillation, or solvent treatment.

Stain leaves a mark on something that is difficult to remove.

Operational Definition

Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias). is commonly used to determine the efficacy of

the study's stain removal method.

Bioaccumulative is a process that involves the uptake of a substance from

both calamansi and kamias.

Bleach is a chemical product that is harmful to us or the environment

compared to non-chemical stain removers in the study.

Citrofortunella Microcarpa (Calamansi) is used to test how effective it is

for stain removal, and it is quite acidic.

Citrus Fruit refers to the fruits that are used to remove stains, such as

lemon, kamias, and calamansi, and it is one of the most affordable and

widely available alternatives.

Stain is the problem of the study because the researchers want to

determine what effective product needs to be used without damaging the

clothes. It originally referred to kitchen stains from used oil, chocolate,

coffee, and mud.

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