AIM
To compare the cleaning effectiveness of soaps and detergents
in removing stains from clothes to determine which one
performs better under different conditions
HYPOTHESIS
Detergents are more effective than soaps in removing tough
stains from clothes due to their synthetic surfactants and
superior performance in hard water conditions.
SURVEY ANALYSIS
1. General Cleaning Preferences Survey:
A survey was conducted among 50 households to understand
their preferences between soaps and detergents for laundry.
The results showed that 70% of respondents preferred
detergents for tough stains, while 30% still relied on soap,
mainly due to its affordability and perceived naturalness.
2. Water Type and Its Effect on Cleaning:
A follow-up survey explored the water types in different
households (hard vs. soft water).
It revealed that 60% of homes using hard water faced difficulties
with soap lathering, often leading them to switch to detergents.
Households with soft water had no strong preference between
the two.
3. Environmental Impact Awareness:
Respondents were asked about their awareness of environmental
issues related to soaps and detergents.
About 80% were aware that detergents contain non-
biodegradable components, whereas soaps are generally
biodegradable. Despite this, the effectiveness of detergents
influenced their choice.
4. Stain Types and Laundry Choices:
Participants shared their experiences with different stains (oil,
ink, food, etc.).
Detergents were favored for oil-based stains, while soaps
performed adequately on lighter stains like dirt or sweat. This
data supported the hypothesis about detergent efficacy.
5. User Feedback on Skin Sensitivity:
A survey on skin sensitivity revealed that soaps caused less
irritation than detergents for 65% of users, particularly those
with sensitive skin.
This indicated a trade-off between effectiveness and user
comfort.
6. Cost Effectiveness:
Survey participants compared the cost-effectiveness of soaps
and detergents.
While detergents were slightly more expensive, their superior
stain removal and ease of use justified the price for most users.
7. Frequency of Usage:
The frequency of usage data highlighted that detergents were
primarily used for washing heavily soiled clothes, whereas soaps
were reserved for light cleaning tasks or pre-treating stains.
8. Brand Popularity Analysis:
Brands of detergents and soaps were ranked based on user
satisfaction.
Detergents dominated the rankings, with Ariel and Tide leading,
while Lifebuoy and Rin soaps had a loyal but smaller following.
EXPERIMENT DESIGN
Fabric will be stained with equal amount of stain of ketchup,
coffee and oil. These stains will sit for 30 minutes and washed.
Sample 1 will be washed with soap manually and sample 2 will
be washed with detergent in the washing machine.
SAMPLE 1 (soap) SAMPLE 2 (detergent)
(stain) (stain)
ketchup ketchup
coffee coffee
oil oil
MATERIALS REQUIRED
1. Soap
2. Detergent
3. 6 pieces of fabric
4. Stain – ketchup, coffee and oil
5. Semi-automatic washing machine
6. Gloves for handling stains
7. Water
PROCEDURE
1. Preparation of Materials:
Label the fabric samples and divide them into three groups:
ketchup-stained, coffee-stained, and oil-stained
2. Staining the Fabric:
Apply equal amounts of each stain to the fabric samples.
Let them dry for 30 minutes to ensure the stains set.
3. Washing Process:
Immerse each stained fabric sample in its respective tub (soap or
detergent).
Add a measured amount of soap or detergent
4. Washing Duration:
Manually wash each sample in sample 1 for 5 minutes and wash
samples in sample 2 in a washing machine
5. Rinsing:
Rinse each sample under running water for 2 minutes to remove
the cleaning agent.
6. Drying:
Air-dry the samples and ensure no external contaminants affect
the results.
7. Observation:
Photograph each sample before and after washing. Use a stain-
removal scale or colorimeter to measure the stain removal
percentage.
8. Recording Results:
Document all findings, noting the effectiveness of soap and
detergent on each stain type and in each water condition.
CONCLUSION
1. Preparation of Materials:
Label the fabric samples and divide them into three groups: oil-
stained, ink-stained, and turmeric-stained. Prepare hard and soft
water solutions in separate tubs.
2. Staining the Fabric:
Apply equal amounts of each stain to the fabric samples. Let
them dry for 30 minutes to ensure the stains set.
3. Washing Process:
Immerse each stained fabric sample in its respective tub (soap or
detergent).
Add a measured amount of soap or detergent and 500 mL of the
appropriate water type.
4. Washing Duration:
Manually agitate each sample for 5 minutes to simulate hand
washing.
5. Rinsing:
Rinse each sample under running water for 2 minutes to remove
the cleaning agent.
6. Drying:
Air-dry the samples and ensure no external contaminants affect
the results.
7. Observation:
Photograph each sample before and after washing. Use a stain-
removal scale or colorimeter to measure the stain removal
percentage.
7. Recording Results:
Document all findings, noting the effectiveness of soap and
detergent on each stain type and in each water condition.
