Natural Bleach Using Lemon Peel

Commercial bleach, as indicated by Yosi Santika Silitonga et al. in 2020, contains chemicals designed to eliminate dirt and stains. In light of this, a solution involving natural bleach derived from lemon peel has been suggested for cleaning purposes. This natural bleach can be produced by synthesizing lemon peel as the primary ingredient and combining it with ethanol and vinegar. The blend of lemon peel, ethanol, and vinegar forms an effective natural bleach agent. Experimental tests were carried out to assess the bleaching efficiancy of lemon peel extract on cotton fabric by varying the amounts of lemon peel in each mixture. Seven different doses of natural agents were tested for each bleach mixture. The findings demonstrated that lemon peel extract is proficient in lightening fabric color and removing stains while preserving fabric integrity, owing to the presence of citric acid in lemon peel which acts as a natural cleaning agent. Citric acid aids in dirt and grime removal, as well as providing a bleaching effect on fabrics, while ethanol functions as an additional cleaning agent and solvent. Additionally, vinegar with its acidic properties contributes to the bleaching process. The study also examined various parameters such as pH levels, the duration needed for lemon peel to eliminate stains on cotton fabric, and the toxicity of the bleach. Time measurements were taken during cotton cloth stain removal tests using natural bleach, based on the quantity of doses applied. Consequently, the bleach testing revealed that the most effective dose for dirt removal is a hundred grams of lemon peel, achieving stain removal within two minutes. It was observed that increasing the amount of lemon peel led to faster dirt removal, showcasing accelerated stain elimination on fabric and delivering a notably clean outcome. In summary, lemon peel extract presents a sustainable alternative with potent bleaching properties. The advantages of natural bleach encompass efficient cleaning without residual harmful chemicals, promoting environmentally conscious practices.