Natural dishwashing liquid from fermented grapefruit peel solution

Abstract

The release of significant amounts of chemical detergents into the environment due to human activities raises concerns regarding environmental issues and human health. This study investigates the development of an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid derived from a fermented grapefruit peel solution, aiming to reduce organic waste and promote sustainable cleaning alternatives. The formulation involves fermenting a mixture of three parts grapefruit peel, one part brown sugar, and ten parts water in a sealed container for one month. The resulting solution effectively removes 89.2% of lard from plastic surfaces, eliminates 96.6% of bacteria, and produces foam comparable to that of commercial dishwashing liquids. Although no hydrolytic enzyme activity was detected using the well diffusion agar method with the respective substrates, the detergent effect of the fermentation broth likely arises from organic acids and biosurfactants, rather than from hydrolytic enzymes. The pH value of fermentation fluid decreased to 3 to 4.5 from the initial neutral pH. Consumer feedback highlights its potential as a safe, skin-friendly, and environmentally sustainable substitute for synthetic cleaners, contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts.