NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

AY 2011/12 Year 2 / Semester 2 HW 0210: Technical Communication

Effectiveness of Household Laundry Products on Common Stains in Singapore

Prepared by:

Names Chan Zhi Xiong Woo Zhihui Tomoteru Xu GuanYu Henry Yap Boon Kiat

Matriculation Number U1122234G U1121598H U1121781B U1121722L

Class: Tutor: Date:

ME3 Ms. Khoo Phaik Suan, Susan 19 March 2012

i. Abstract
There are many different brands of laundry detergent in Singapore market. Every manufacturer claims to have the best laundry detergent to remove different kind of stubborn stains. Stains can be classified under three different types organic, inorganic and pigment. The aim of this research was to investigate which detergent products gave most desirable results with recommended usage from their own manufacturer in removal of stains. The experiment was conducted on five laundry detergent products, Vanish Power O2, Baking Soda, Breeze, Dynamo, Universal Integrated Corporation (UIC). The 5 brands were put to test on three different types of stains grease, milo and mangosteen. Each stained specimen was soaked one hour in the ambient temperature water with laundry detergent. Vanish Power O2 ranked top amongst the rest against the three different stains and it has most high-priced per wash. However, UIC performed average but is the cheapest for daily usage in term of cost per wash. From the analysed results shown, Vanish power O2 that contained Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate plays an important role in effectively removal of stains. It also pointed out that the amount of composition surfactants in the detergent can be used to determine the performance of the products. This study concludes that it is critical to understand the types of stains to be removed using suitable detergent products. Identifying the correct classification of organic and inorganic stains also aided to further improve the removing effect. Chan Zhi Xiong U1122234G

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Domestic stain removal products in the local market claim to possess most effective stain removal effects on the toughest and stained-in stains. However, the basis of removal is often not articulated. Hence, this research aims to provide the bridge in determining the best product for a given stain, taking into consideration factors such as price, time and also the method of laundry process. The products used in this research were Baking Soda, Breeze, Dynamo, UIC and Vanish Power O2 were tested on three different types of stains being Milo, Grease and Mangosteen, with the two former stains being an inorganic and the latter organic compound. All stains were tested within defined parameters of 1 hour, tap water at room temperature of 28oC and usages recommended by the manufacturer. Vanish Power O2 yielded outstanding results against the three stains. It proved its effectiveness regardless of the types of stains with the presence of the Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate compound which was absent in the other products. This was accompanied by the highest price per wash amongst other products. An economical product will be UIC, providing results which were above average against both inorganic and organic compounds. The classification of stains proved critical in the appropriate usage of the different products. Hence, understanding the compounds in the products yields maximum effectiveness which can be observed in UIC and the other products for a specific stain. Tomoteru Woo U1121598H

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Different types of laundry detergent have different composition of chemicals in removing stains. With the knowledge of chemistry effects and being able to categorize stains into organic and inorganic, consumers will then be able to remove stains more effectively and economically. The comparison between laundry detergents is very minimal in Singapore. Hence, a study was conducted in finding out which laundry detergent is the best in removing stains. Five household laundry detergents, Baking Soda, Breeze, Dynamo, Universal Integrated Corporation (UIC) and Vanish Power O2 were chosen. The detergents were then used to test against three types of stains, Grease, Mangosteen and Milo. Vanish Power O2 was Ranked first in removing all three stains. Dynamo and UIC were tied in second place, Breeze being the forth in place, and Baking Soda being the last. Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate was identified as a unique active ingredient in Vanish Power O2 which gives an edge in removing stains. In terms of cost per wash, UIC is the most economic at $0.13 per wash while Vanish Power O2 is the priciest at $0.61 per wash. It is important that we can find a balance in effectiveness and cost saving. Therefore, when a stubborn stain is encountered, Vanish Power O2 would be the best choice in eliminating it. Otherwise, one can opt for UIC as the household laundry detergent in being the most economic, yielding results above the average. Xu Guanyu Henry U1121781B

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There are many different types of detergents and stain removers in the market which claims to remove all stains and are priced at different values. Comparison of these reagents is limited in Singapore. In this project, five most common used household laundry products, namely Baking soda, Breeze, Dynamo, Universal Integrated Corporation (UIC) and Vanish Power O2, were compared for their effectiveness in removing stains against its price per wash. These laundry products were tested against three stains, Milo, Mangosteen and grease. Each stain were intentionally applied onto fifteen equal sizes of clothing fabric, and soaked in different pre-mixed mixture of laundry products with tap water for one hour. Vanish Power O2 emerged with the most effective removal of all three stains, while Baking Soda came in last. Vanish Power O2 has the highest price per wash while UIC has the lowest price per wash, based on manufacturers recommended usage. Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate present in Vanish Power O2 was identified to be the key success to Vanish Power O2 best performance. Vanish Power O2 higher pricing was justified by its ability to remove stains better. In the household, price and stain removing has to be at its optimum to achieve better cost savings. A lower cost laundry product may be used for removing normal stains, while using Vanish Power O2 for more tough or stubborn stains. Yap Boon Kiat U1121722L

ii. Contents
i. ii. Abstract Contents ii vi vii vii 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 5 8 12 13 viii viii ix

iii. Tables iv. Figures 1.0 Introduction 1.1 1.2 1.3 Background Objectives Scope

1.3.1 Pre-Experiment Procedures 1.3.2 Experiment Procedures 1.3.3 Post-Experiment Procedures 2.0 Literature Review 3.0 Method and Materials 4.0 Results and Discussion 5.0 Conclusion 6.0 References v. Appendices Appendix A Types of Stains Appendix B Results of Experiment

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iii. Tables
Table 1 - Classifications of Stains ......................................................................................... 5 Table 2 - Matrix of Variables for Experiment ........................................................................ 6 Table 3 - Apparatus Used in Experiment ............................................................................... 6 Table 4 - Results by Product Ranking.................................................................................... 8 Table 5 - Effectiveness of Stains ........................................................................................... 9 Table 6 - Prices of Household Laundry Products ................................................................. 10

iv. Figures
Figure 1 - Milo Stain .......................................................................................................... viii Figure 2 - Mangosteen Stain............................................................................................... viii Figure 3 - Grease Stain ....................................................................................................... viii Figure 4 - Results for Baking Soda ....................................................................................... ix Figure 5 - Results for Vanish Power O2 ................................................................................ ix Figure 6 - Results for UIC .................................................................................................... ix Figure 7 - Results for Dynamo ............................................................................................. ix Figure 8 - Results for Breeze ................................................................................................ ix

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
This report aims to share the different effects of domestic laundry product on various stains. Given the vast amount of kinds of stains, using the most suitable product for its correct purpose is paramount. As such, being able to define and identify the specific active composition for each product is critical in determining the results of the respective domestic laundry products. Household products are generally alkaline-based products when mixed with a neutral-based solvent (water) gives rise to the chemical reaction of breaking down the composition of organic or inorganic stains. The anionic and ionic surfactants in the laundry products are critical in the above chemical reaction.

1.2 Objectives
The objective of this report is to generate and conclude the most efficient household laundry products for the purpose of removing different kinds of stains. After which, consumers will be able to make more informed decision through scholarly experiments and results conducted during the research.

1.3 Scope
The experiment will be carried out in an orderly and concise manner, requiring the following equipment: 1. Pre-identified stains from varying environments and conditions that will be stained on white cloth. 2. A consistent range of room temperature from 25C - 28C. 3. Water from running tap. 4. Stained specimens will be left to soak in the laundry product and water. 5. No other methods of washing will be employed. 6. The specimens will be visually inspected periodically at intervals of 1 minute.

1.3.1 Pre-Experiment Procedures

1. Stains will be applied on white cloth. 2. Water will be added at a fixed quantity to the pails. 3. The laundry products will be mixed evenly with water without the stained specimens.

1.3.2 Experiment Procedures

1. Keep time of 1 hour for each specimen.

1.3.3 Post-Experiment Procedures

1. Specimens will be arranged in an orderly manner to determine its effect by the laundry product.

2.0 Literature Review

The purpose of our research is to determine the best household laundry product brands in Singapore provides the best results on removing different types of stain on fabrics. This literature review studies and examines the past works and researches done. Adapting of other research journals and with modifications will produce an experiment which will be carried out, with the parameters defined by our group. The removal of stains depends on 2 major procedures being soaking it in water and then placing the fabric into the washing machine. The stains were also classified into 2 broad groups organic and inorganic stains. (ConsumerReports.org, 2011) gathered through the different laundry brands from the domestic market in the United States. Methods used to remove stains are also critical in determining the effect and results of the product. An aspect of using abrasive methods such as scrubbing and the usage of washing machines impact the results considerably. Relating this to the experiment, we will not be placing the stains into the washing machine after the soaking period. This is to fully allow the product to exert its maximum influence on the stains within a given period of time. Also, the varying of abrasive forces in different people affects the results of the stain removal process considerably. The thorough understanding of the chemical compositions for the stains and household laundry products are critical in the identifying the right product for the corresponding stains. The different types of stains as classified by (Dr Stolarchuk, 2008) comprises of organic, inorganic and pigment stains. Organic stains are recognised as those with a carbon chain with oxygen, hydrogen and other non-metals attached. The inorganic stains are compounds which can usually be dissolved by inorganic solvents when a replacement or addition reaction occurs. Pigments contain chromophores which are molecules that contain double bonds that absorb and emit a particular wavelength of light which defines the colour of the stain. Since the household products do not clearly indicate their effects on the various classifications of stains, we will use the selected laundry products on various stains to differentiate the effects. Given the vast volume and consumers in the United States as reported by (Datamonitor, 2010), we will adapt the same model used in Asia Pacific to include Singapore, a minute aspect in the region. The report states in order of highest market share are Unilever, Procter and Gamble followed by Kao. The household laundry products carried by the above distributors are Breeze, Fab and Attack. We will use Breeze as one of the variables to ascertain the results of the market research in our experiment.

(Association, 2010) states the other important aspect of the quality of a washing process also depends critically on the temperature and quality of water. It was discussed that the rate of stain removal depends on the hardness, with improved removal rates corresponding to the decreasing hardness of the water. Since all domestic water sources are all pre-treated potable water, it is impossible to achieve the different quality of hardness in the water. Also, the water content in Singapore contains a large amount of fluoride, or also known as soft water is an ingredient absent with water used elsewhere. Since the temperature is not a critical factor based on their researches, we will adapt the room temperature for the environment of the experiment. Most of the discussed researches from above indicate and describe the external factors that may improve the effects on stains. ( Thiruselvam Ponnusammy et al, 2008) indicates the breaking down of the stains before the laundering process. Through this process, the stains are left in detergent solution to allow the stains to be fragmented into smaller particles to facilitate dispersion of the components. The hydration of the stains involves other key factors being hydrodynamic, water hardness, temperature and concentration of the detergent compound. The factors listed are congruent to the factors listed by other journals researched. The varying of the quantity of the surfactants and the temperature of water yields different results. The surfactants used are Alkyl Polyglocosides (APG), Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Alphaolefin Sulphponate (AOS), with APG providing the best results with a temperature of 30oC, 45oC and 60oC. They further implored into the mixing of the surfactants to create a new matrix of results. By adapting the processes employed, we will direct our experiment with a similar concept, however, with the temperature of water controlled at room temperature, since most of the domestic households use tap water at a similar temperature. Our experiment will focus on laundry detergents sold in Singapore that can remove all kinds of stains with less effort, time and money. Similar key factors pertaining to an effective stain removal pointed down to the following: Classification of stains, temperature and quality of water, chemical composition of the laundry products and the addition of external (i.e.: scrubbing) forces reappeared consistently amongst the articles. Gathering the key points, we will position in a manner logical and achievable within the commonplace households in Singapore. Through this experiment, we hope to distinguish and identify the different types of stains which are most effective for a particular brand of detergent and vice-versa, using the right product for the right task.

3.0 Method and Materials

Based on the findings discussed in the literature review and through scholarly articles consisting of the market share, volume, sales and turnover of the respective household laundry products, we scrutinised to major and popular household brands sold in the nearby supermarket. The brands used in the experiment were as follows: 1. Baking Soda 2. Breeze 3. Dynamo 4. Universal Integrated Corporation (UIC) 5. Vanish Power O2 The quantity used throughout the experiment was in accordance to the manufacturers recommended usage for a typical household laundry process. To decipher and filter the best household laundry product amongst all, different stains from different environments were employed to illustrate the wide usage range and stain removing capability of the products. The stains used and classified were as follows: S/N 01 02 03 Type of Stain1 Grease stains from mechanical components Mangosteen Milo
Table 1 - Classifications of Stains

Classification Inorganic Organic Inorganic

Refer to Appendix A Types of Stains for images. 5

The following matrix illustrates the permutations of the stains used in the experiment. Type of Household Laundry Products Baking Soda Breeze Dynamo UIC Vanish Power O2 1 cup to 4.5L of water 1 cup to 4.2L of water 1 cup to 4.5L of water 1 cup to 4.5L of water 1 spoon to 4.0L of water
Table 2 - Matrix of Variables for Experiment

Manufacturers Recommended Usage Grease

Type of Stains Mangosteen Milo

The experiment was conducted in the following conditions: 1. Room and water temperature at 25oC to 28oC. 2. Similar stains were tested together. The order were as follows: i. ii. iii. Grease Mangosteen Milo

3. Specimens were tested for 1 hour. 4. The list below denotes the apparatus used: S/N Apparatus 01 02 03 Plastic Containers filled with 1.5L of water Household Laundry Detergent Rag made of 100% cotton (10cm 5cm)
Table 3 - Apparatus Used in Experiment

Quantity Used 05 05 15

Pre Experimental Procedures: 1. Fill the plastic containers with 1.5L of water. 2. Pour the amount of detergent (as recommended by the manufacturer) into the plastic containers filled with water. 3. Mix and stir to ensure even mixture with alkali and water. 4. Place stained specimens into the containers. Experimental Procedures: 1. To start timing of 1 hour from the time the specimens were placed into the container. Post Experimental Procedures: 1. Remove all stained specimens from containers. 2. Place specimens in orderly manner to observe the results and effects of the household laundry product.

4.0 Results and Discussion

Following the experiment that was conducted in the previous section, it yielded the following results2: Type of Stains Grease (Inorganic) 5 3 4 2 1 Mangosteen (Organic) 4 3 2 5 1 Milo (Inorganic) 5 4 3 2 1

Type of Household Laundry Product Baking Soda Breeze Dynamo UIC Vanish Power O2

Total Points 14 10 9 9 3

Overall Ranking 5th 4th Tie with UIC Tie with Dynamo 1st

Table 4 - Results by Product Ranking

The products were ranked most effective household laundry product with the lowest points, followed by the overall ranking, with 1st denoting the best and most effective product. The products were ranked in the following order to facilitate discussion. The scope of the discussion will include the following pointers: 1. Active Ingredients in the Household Laundry Product 2. Price per cup per wash for each Household Laundry Product 3. Time taken for each wash As observed, Vanish Power O2 was outstanding in removing all three stains which was due to the presence of Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate which was absent in the other products. Given a 5% composition of surfactants which sufficed in the laundry process, the relating of our experiment to the results obtained by ( Thiruselvam Ponnusammy et al, 2008) is useful in determining the best laundry product. ( Thiruselvam Ponnusammy et al, 2008) stated a minimum requirement of 10% surfactants to be present per wash, with the temperature of water being the variable. However, the different temperature of water may have inevitably affected the stain removal effectiveness to a slight extent. Nevertheless, given a fixed composition of surfactants in Vanish Power O2, the only
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Refer to Appendix B Results of Experiment for results.

plausible avenue of improving the effects of stain removal is through the varying of water to a higher temperature which coincides with the findings of the abovementioned journal. A common observation throughout all laundry products contained a minimum composition of Sodium Carbonate which generated the cleaning effect. A stark difference in Vanish Power O2, ahead of the rest contained Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate. This auxiliary compound of the sodium carbonate may differentiate the results from the rest. Given a 100% composition of Sodium Carbonate in Baking Soda, it is indicative that the stain removal process heavily relied on other more complex chemical composition which was present in the rest of the variables. Since Sodium Carbonate is a multi-purpose household product, its minimal limitations gave rise to its less effective ingredients. The classification of organic and inorganic stains also proved critical in the effective removing of the stains. This observation was also mentioned by (Dr Stolarchuk, 2008). Understanding these stains better allowed the choosing of a more apt product for the job. The following table shows the effectiveness of stains vs. the different classifications of stains. Type of Detergent Breeze UIC Dynamo
Table 5 - Effectiveness of Stains

Vanish Power O2 Organic Inorganic

Since Vanish was effective against 3 kinds of stains, the composition covers both inorganic and organic compounds. Tabulating a matrix against Vanish Power O2 indicates the ability of different laundry products and their effectiveness against the respective classification of stains. The chemical analysis aspect of the discussion is related to the budget aspect via the price per wash given the retail price of the household laundry product. The following paragraph introduces and compares the price factors given a fixed period of wash.

The following table compares the prices for the different household laundry products. Recommended usage per wash (5KG) 60ml 100g 90ml 60ml

Type of Household Laundry Product Baking Soda Breeze Dynamo UIC

Overall Ranking 5th 4th Tie with UIC Tie with Dynamo 1st

Price per wash $0.16 $0.26 $0.33 $0.13

Vanish Power O2

60g

$0.61

Table 6 - Prices of Household Laundry Products

Table 6 - Prices of Household Laundry Products was tabulated based on the detergent manufacturers recommended usage per wash for a machine wash of a load of 5kg. Price per wash was a fraction of the retail price from NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited with respect to the amount of detergent used. Vanish Power O2 is priced at $0.61 per wash, which was the highest amongst all the experimented household laundry products while UIC provided the most economical price per wash with decent results for grease and milo stains. Contrary to the market report developed by (Datamonitor, 2010), the results obtained in the experiment were incongruent with the market research. This could be due to rise of emerging brands, and also due to the different marketing methods employed by other companies or distributors. Combining the two major aspects of laundry, Vanish Power O2 highlighted the importance of surfactants and the modifying of Sodium Carbonate to produce the best stain removal capability albeit its high price. The recognising of the different types of stain being organic and inorganic was pivotal in obtaining the right product for the right job. This was observed and seconded from the results of UIC in Table 4 - Results by Product Ranking and the journal written by (Dr Stolarchuk, 2008). We conclude that UIC was the most economical brand of household laundry product given its standing of $0.13 per wash as compared to the $0.61 per wash by Vanish Power O2. The ability of removing stubborn and stained-in stains displayed by Vanish Power O2 brings forth

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its price factor per wash. Considering a non-stubborn organic household stains, the usage of Vanish Power O2 may be substituted for an alternative product in UIC. The major factors to contribute to a good wash were always affected by the chemical composition of the products. However, the clearer recognition of the various types of stains paved the way for a cheaper, similar effect alternative wash. As such, having more types of laundry products will initially increase the cost, but with its varied usage and effects, the costs may be averaged over a longer period of time, with the results of as-clean-clothes.

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5.0 Conclusion
The aim of the research was to determine the most effective stain removal product sold commonly in supermarkets locally. The understanding of the various types of stains, following by matching it with the apt washing product was critical in obtaining the best results. The results obtained were evident following an experiment which agreed with past journals written. Vanish Power O2 stood out among the rest of the products being the most effective in removing all different kinds of stains while UIC achieved the most economical wash amongst the products, yielding results above the average. Breaking down the composition and different factors for the experiments, factors such as the temperature of water and recognising the different types of stain is also important in determining a good wash for each individual product decreases the costs over a period of time.

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6.0 References
Thiruselvam Ponnusammy et al. (2008). Studies in Detergency: Influence of Different Factors for Remoing Motor Oil From the Contton Fabric. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, 1123-1128. Association, W. Q. (2010). Softened Water Benefits Study. ConsumerReports.org. (2011, July). Which stain treatments do your dirty work? Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/july/homegarden/stain-treatments/overview/index.htm: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/july/home-garden/staintreatments/overview/index.htm Datamonitor. (2010). Textile Washing Products in Asia-Pacific. Datamonitor. Dr Stolarchuk, S. M. (2008, September). Laundry Detergents and Stain Removal. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/11337847/Laundry-Detergents-and-Stain-Removal: http://www.scribd.com/doc/11337847/Laundry-Detergents-and-Stain-Removal

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v. Appendices
Appendix A Types of Stains

Figure 1 - Milo Stain

Figure 2 - Mangosteen Stain

Figure 3 - Grease Stain

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Appendix B Results of Experiment

Figure 4 - Results for Baking Soda

Figure 5 - Results for Vanish Power O2

Figure 6 - Results for UIC

Figure 7 - Results for Dynamo

Figure 8 - Results for Breeze

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