Bubble Science Research Paper 2

A Comparison Of The Properties Of An Expensive Brand And A Cheap Brand Of Washing-

Up Liquid

Abstract

SuperShine and PowerClean washing-up liquids were compared in terms of their production of
lather at different temperatures. It was found that the more expensive SuperShine consistently
produced more lather throughout the temperature range. The difference, however, was very small.

Key Words

SuperShine, PowerClean, lather, temperature

Introduction

Most people believe that the more you pay for your washing-up products the better the quality
[National Institute of Housekeeping, 2000]. This research investigates the link between the quality
of washing-up liquid and the price by measuring the amount of lather produced from a given
amount of the product. The approach is based on the work of McClune et al [2004] who show a link
between lather and cleaning efficiency. Our research also investigates the effect of temperature on
the amount of lather formed by the two products.. jarman et al [2003] have demonstrated the
importance of temperature in detergent action.

Method:

Part A

5 drops of SuperShine liquid were added to 10 ml of distilled water in a test tube

The temperature of the mixture was measured and noted
A stopper was placed in the test tube which was shaken up and down 3 times
A ruler was used to measure the height of the lather [from the top of the water to the top of the
bubbles] immediately after shaking
The test tube was left to stand for 5 minutes and the height of the lather was measured again and the
result noted
This was repeated for a further 20 minutes at 5 minute intervals
The process was repeated for PowerClean washing-up liquid

Part B

Part A was repeated with the distilled water heated to, and maintained at, 30 oC in a water bath
The test tube containing the 10 ml of distilled water and 5 drops of the SuperShine was placed
carefully into the water bath to allow the temperature to reach 30oC
The procedure in Part A was repeated except this time after each lather measurement, the test tube
was placed back into the water bath to maintain the temperature.
The process was repeated for PowerClean washing-up liquid
Part B was repeated at temperatures of 40, 50 and 60oC
Results and Discussion

Time/ Height of Lather/mm

mins 20oC 30oC 40oC 50oC 60oC
SS PC SS PC SS PC SS PC SS PC
0 42 42 36 31 41 41 37 35 53 52
5 37 34 25 22 40 38 36 29 48 45
10 35 33 18 19 38 37 29 23 45 43
15 35 30 13 15 35 33 26 21 13 11
20 34 29 13 12 20 19 27 20 12 9
25 30 28 13 12 19 18 23 13 8 7

Analysis

Below are the graphs showing the change in the lather height of both SuperShine and PowerClean
washing-up liquids as time progresses for each temperature
All five graphs show a general trend that as time passes, the lather height decreases. The graphs also
show that SuperShine produces a taller lather than PowerClean washing-up liquid at all
temperatures. However, the difference is not very large. The graph below shows that as the
temperature increases, there is a general increase in the height of the initial lather of both products.
However, the fluctuations of the trends would suggest that further research is required before any
definite conclusion can be made.

Cost Analysis

In order to compare the two products accurately, the cost of each product must be taken into
account. The cost per 100 ml was calculated for each product:

SuperShine: 21.8p
PowerClean: 9.2p

Conclusion

We conclude that the SuperShine is marginally more effective based on the lather test. However,
when the substantial difference in cost is taken into consideration, it is clear that it does not provide
better value for money. The economically aware consumer would be advised to consider the use of
the more cost-effective PowerClean washing-up liquid. These results were consistent throughout the
temperature range of the study. However, it is worth noting that the lather is much longer lasting at
lower temperatures. This appears to be quite surprising, hence further studies are planned at the
National Research Institute of Bubbology to determine the optimum temperature for washing
dishes.

References

1. National Institute of Housekeeping, Millennium Study [2000]

2. McClune et al., Bubble Science [2004] 32, 121 134
3. Jarman et al., Detergent Analysis [2003] 15, 276 - 281

Source: Science Newswise R. Jarman and B. McClune (2005) Wellcome Trust