Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers?

Areas of Science	Chemistry
Difficulty
Time Required	Very Short (≤ 1 day)

*Note: For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

Abstract

Some laundry detergents have added enzymes that break down proteins, helping to remove them from the cloth fibers, and thus remove stains. You can perform a scientific test of these enzymes' stain-fighting ability. Do background research on the enzyme(s) in the detergent, and on the substances you choose for making the stains. Try to predict for which substances the enzymes will be effective. Cut a piece of light-colored cotton cloth into identical 10 cm squares. Choose different types of stains you'd like to test (e.g., mustard, grass, egg yolk). For each substance, prepare identical stains on three pieces of cloth: one for washing with regular detergent, one for washing with enzyme-containing detergent and one that is not washed, for comparison. Circle the stained area with permanent marker. Also label the squares to indicate which treatment the fabric received (stain and washing). Prepare detergent solutions and wash the squares in the same way (e.g., by shaking them in a closed jar for a specified amount of time). Rinse, dry and compare the results. Here are some additional ideas you might try. Many proteins are denatured when heated to 60 C or more. Do you get the same results if you heat the detergent solutions before using them (hint: use a double-boiler on your stove to do this). How do the pH values of the two detergents compare? (VanCleave, 1993, 25-29)

Bibliography

VanCleave, J., 1993. A+ Projects in Chemistry: Winning Experiments for Science Fairs and Extra Credit. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons.

Cite This Page

General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers?" Science Buddies, 28 July 2017, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Chem_p039/chemistry/are-enzymes-in-laundry-detergents-effective-stain-removers. Accessed 8 Apr. 2020.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2017, July 28). Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers? Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Chem_p039/chemistry/are-enzymes-in-laundry-detergents-effective-stain-removers

Last edit date: 2017-07-28

Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

Ask an Expert

The Ask an Expert Forum is intended to be a place where students can go to find answers to science questions that they have been unable to find using other resources. If you have specific questions about your science fair project or science fair, our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.

Ask an Expert

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers solve the problems that affect our everyday lives by applying the principles of chemistry. If you enjoy working in a chemistry laboratory and are interested in developing useful products for people, then a career as a chemical engineer might be in your future. Read more

Biochemist

Growing, aging, digesting—all of these are examples of chemical processes performed by living organisms. Biochemists study how these types of chemical actions happen in cells and tissues, and monitor what effects new substances, like food additives and medicines, have on living organisms. Read more

Chemical Technician

The role that the chemical technician plays is the backbone of every chemical, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical manufacturing operation. Chemical technicians conduct experiments, record data, and help to implement new processes and procedures in the laboratory. If you enjoy hands-on work, then you might be interested in the career of a chemical technician. Read more

News Feed on This Topic

, ,

Note: A computerized matching algorithm suggests the above articles. It's not as smart as you are, and it may occasionally give humorous, ridiculous, or even annoying results! Learn more about the News Feed

Looking for more science fun?

Try one of our science activities for quick, anytime science explorations. The perfect thing to liven up a rainy day, school vacation, or moment of boredom.

Find an Activity

Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers? *

Abstract

Bibliography