Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias) As An Alternative For Commercial Zonrox With It’s Oxalic Acid

Content
Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

This study generally aimed to determine the effectiveness of Kamias extract in removing stains.

Previous research has shown the effectiveness of Kamias as a stain remover, while, this study

compared the effectiveness of fresh and boiled Kamias extract as a stain remover. They

determined the cost of making stain remover using Kamias extract, the ability of this fruit juice

as a stain remover in terms of whitening the cloth, and ultimately, the significant difference

between the various treatments.

The researchers took an experiment to determine whether the fresh Kamias juice is more

effective to remove stains than the boiled Kamias juice.

Background of the Study

Many researchers before, discovered and made cleaning products like laundry detergents, soaps

and bleaches which can be bought in the market and have been useful in removing the dirt on

clothes. These products are very important especially in washing activities and these products are

highly in demand. But due to the inflation experienced in the country right now, the price of

these products is also increasing. Also, some of these commercial products are impractical for it

contains chemicals and substances that are harmful for humans and also in the environment, so

instead of using bleach products as a stain remover it’s also thinkable to try making use of

organic plants within the community, since it is safe for everyone and it doesn’t contain any

components that may harm people, to this many vegetables and fruits plants are highly effective
household cleaners. They can help in removing stains and save you money. Stain is one of the

common problems of households especially to those who cannot afford to buy expensive bleach.

Averrhoa Bilimbi fruit is also known as Kamias or Pias here in Abra. It is a common fruit that

can be found around backyard and everywhere. Kamias are very familiar in used as ingredients

in making a food and also due to some research the researcher researched on the different

components of bilimbi fruit and discovered something that might be a great help. It has been

stated that this Averrhoa Bilimbi fruit (Kamias) just like lemon, has a high vitamin C which can

be a possible ingredient for cleaning stains. Averrhoa Balimbi (Kamias) is a fruit-bearing tree,

and the small (4 cm in length), green, acidic fruits have various culinary uses. Kamias give a sour

flavor to dishes. Kamias is an ethanolic fruit that contains oxalic acid (Lao, 2015). The content of

oxalic acid in the Kamias extract could scrape stains on the cotton cloth.  

The researchers read materials which are connected to the study they will accomplish.

These materials will serve as their basis why they pursued this study. These will serve as a guide

to the researchers which will lead them on the path on how to make this study. 

In addition, the researchers read articles, journals, researches and abstracts of studies

which are connected to the Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias) as an alternative for commercial Zonrox. 

Using Kamias as a stain remover will make your life so much easier  if your house is anything

like ours, fabric stains are a daily fact of life. Using Kamias as a stain remover is an easy and

natural way to keep fabrics clean and home green. Whether you have pets, kids, enjoy being

outdoors or are a little clumsy during meals, you’re bound to wrestle with stains from time to

time. If you would prefer to use a more natural DIY stain remover, Kamias is a unique but
effective choice thanks to its oxalic acid content. Perhaps no other cleaning agent is as useful

around the home as oxalic acid: from improving the appearance of wood to removing stains.

According to HealthyHuemans (2021) Oxalate is an organic acid found in plants. Oxalic

acid occurs in lots of foods in small amounts and a few foods in large amounts. Kamias contains

a high percentage of oxalic acid, so much that some companies use it as the main ingredient in

organic detergents. Kamias as a stain remover is inexpensive, great on fabrics and safer to use

than chlorine bleach and fabric softeners. It is a gentle stain remover that eats the stain but leaves

the base surfaces, such as delicate fabrics intact. If you have stains or residue on the bottom of

your iron, Kamias works well as a gentle abrasive.

HealthyHuemans (2021) also stated that clothing stains are super frustrating because they

typically happen to our favorite, most comfortable stuff, the items we wear most often. Kamias

extract as stain remover works on practically every stain imaginable (even tough ones) like grass,

grease stains, and food. But when you switch to using Kamias as stain remover, you can’t just

spray it all with “Shout” and call it a day. Removing stains naturally takes a little more know-

how and work than using a one-size-fits-all spray. When used correctly, Kamias is highly

effective in removing stains. TIP: Always treat stains from the back, rather than the front, to

avoid rubbing the stain in more.

Moreover, removing stains naturally takes a little more know-how and work than using a

one-size-fits-all spray. When used correctly, Kamias is highly effective in removing stains. TIP:

Always treat stains from the back, rather than the front, to avoid rubbing the stain in more. 

How to Use Kamias As A Stain Remover?

containers, thanks to its oxalic acid. Related studies about Kamias as stain remover show that

on its own, oxalic acid acts as a bleaching or whitening agent that removes stain-causing

substances. Kamias also efficiently remove grease and grime from kitchen and bathroom faucets

and fixtures.

 Extract the juice (squeeze) from the Kamias and rub it over the stain.

 Rinse after 30 minutes, then wash as usual.

 For greasy spots, rub lemon juice over the affected area, then let the clothing dry.

 Wash as you normally would.

 Test Kamias juice on an inconspicuous spot before using it on clothing stains to

ensure it doesn’t bleach the fabric. (HealthyHuemans, 2021)

The bleaching effect of oxalic acid solution from the fruit of Averrhoa Bilimbi L.

(Kamias) on white cotton-made fabric. 

Clothes made out of fiber will react distinctly if stained and if treated with stain

removers. According to (Lima, Melo, & Santos Lima, n.d). Kamias can manifest the presence of

oxalic acid through its sour taste. The purpose of this study was to determine the bleaching effect

of oxalic acid solution obtained from (Averrhoa Bilimbi L.) on cotton made fabrics. This study

utilized the randomized controlled-experimental design and was conducted at the pharmacy

laboratory room 424 of Cebu Doctors' University, Mandaue City, Cebu. The study utilized 66

pieces of 4x4 inches cotton-made fabrics, randomly assigned into 3 groups. The cotton made

fabrics were sewn different colors at the side of the fabric, which serves as an indication for the

test groups. Each of the groups was stained with 10 drops of the prepared Nescafe classic coffee
starting at the center; air dried for 10 minutes. For 30 minutes, all of the treatment groups were

soaked in 50 mL each of the 6% oxalic acid solution from Kamias, 6% sodium hypochlorite

(Clorox) and distilled water, respectively. The results were then evaluated, analyzed and

interpreted.

Hence, the oxalic acid solution extracted from Kamias had a median score of 1. This

indicated a very light coloration after application to the coffee-stained fabric, showing its

bleaching effect. Compared with the commercialized sodium hypochlorite solution (Clorox),

which scored a median of 0, the oxalic acid solution showed lesser bleaching effect. Median of 0

indicates no visible stain after application to the coffee-stained fabric. Clorox has been used for

several years as a common household bleaching agent containing sodium hypochlorite which has

the ability to oxidize the bacteria's cell wall killing the organism (Myers, 2007). Expectedly, the

incomparable bleaching effect of Clorox showed no visible stain median score on the coffee -

stained cotton fabric. On a lighter note, when the experimental oxalic acid solution is compared

with the group where it was only soaked with distilled water, the bleaching effect observed was

greater. Water only had a median score of 3, which indicated a slightly dark coloration after

treatment. Water is used basically on any type of stain but is not usually 100% effective as a

stain remover if used alone (Centeno, 2013). Using pairwise comparison, it showed a significant

difference on the ‘median scores of the discoloration of the stain in the three groups after

intervention. 

Thus, the researchers want to know what is more effective if the fresh Kamias extract or

the boiled Kamias extract to remove stains on the cloth. 

Research Paradigm

The paradigm (Figure 1) above shows the conceptual view on how the research was done

showing the input process or the preparation, the main process, and the output process or the

result and conclusion.

      INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Ingredients in making Follow the steps in Produce locally made

The study aimed to examine if Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias) can be produced as an alternate

for commercial Zonrox to remove stains in the clothes. 

Specifically, it will answer the following questions: 

1. How effective is the Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias) fruit when it is produced into a

commercial Zonrox to remove stains? 

2. What are the effects of applying the Kamias juice as a substitute of commercial Zonrox to

the clothes?  

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Averrhoa bilimbi (Kamias) as a stain

remover?

Significance of the Study 

This experimental research would be a great contribution to the parents and future

researchers who will gain interest in studying commercial zonrox or products that can remove

stains to the clothes. 

For Parents, the product will be beneficial for the parents such as they are able to buy a

cheaper product and they will also enjoy the other benefits of the Averrhoa Bilimbi (Kamias) 

For Future researchers, this research will be used as reference and a reliable source that

can contribute to their studies and encourage them to continue their studies until they find what

they are interested to discover.

Scope and Delimitation

fruit extract. This study will determine the potential of the developed bilimbi fruit extract

multipurpose cleaning agent specifically in removing stains caused by soy sauce stain, orange

juice stain, and banana stain to white cloths. The bilimbi fruit extract multipurpose cleaning

agent will be tested in different concentrations such as droplets, 1 mL and 10 ml. In determining

the effectiveness of the bilimbi fruit extract multipurpose cleaning agent, fresh Kamias extract

and boiled Kamias extract will be used in removing sample stains. White cotton will be used as

testing materials.

     Time for testing the effectiveness will be set at 1 minute and below or upon

application, 1 to 5 minutes and above.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms of defined operationally:

AVERRHOA BILIMBI- commonly known as cucumber tree or tree sorrel, is a fruit bearing

tree and is a close relative of carambola. It is a rare plant and few growers produce them. In

this study, the bilimbi fruit extract will be used as a main ingredient in the development of a

multipurpose cleaning agent to be used in removing stains. 

PACKAGING- Packaging is the process of placing products in containers or covering them

with wrappers. 

STAINS- a dirty mark or discoloration that is difficult to remove especially on the clothes.

STAIN REMOVER- it is a product used for removing stains or dirty marks usually used on

the clothes.