Development and User Evaluation of a Multi-Purpose Mixing Tool for Liquid Dishwashing Soap and Fabric Conditioner

Abstract

This research project developed and evaluated a multi-purpose mixing tool intended primarily for the preparation of liquid dishwashing soap and fabric conditioner. The project was undertaken to address the need for a more efficient, accessible, and transportable mixing device that can support skills training and community extension activities. The study combined iterative manual testing and user evaluation to examine the tool's performance, mobility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, technical/economic viability, and manufacturability.

This research project focuses on the development of a multi-purpose mixing tool designed specifically for the production of liquid dishwashing soap and fabric conditioners. The primary goal is to alleviate the challenges faced by educators in conducting extension services, thereby enhancing the efficiency of training programs aimed at community members aspiring to become entrepreneurs in the soap-making industry. The proposed mixing tool integrates advanced engineering principles to streamline the soap-making process, significantly reducing the time and effort required while increasing production capacity.

The developed tool uses an electrically driven shaft-and-paddle mixing mechanism. The terminal report identifies a maximum container capacity of 140 L, a 120-W gear motor with a 1:10 ratio, and an adjustable operating range of 0–100 rpm. The reported design and material specifications include galvanized painted carbon-steel tubing, stainless-steel rod and paddle components, and dimensions of approximately 50 cm (L) × 55 cm (W) × 101.4 cm (H). The project involved iterative testing and modification, including pilot, second, third, and final testing conducted in August and September 2024.

The design of the machine incorporates a shaft blade and a mixer that operates electrically, capable of producing up to 100 liters of soap per batch. The methodology employed includes extensive data collection from diverse sources, including academic journals, technical publications, and online resources, to help improve the design and functionality of the mixing tool. Key findings indicate that the big-size Pail has a capacity of 17 L/batch, while the mixer can handle 100 liters of liquid soap ingredients per batch. The machine is powered by a 120 watts gear motor with a ratio of 1:10 ac motor. Operating with adjustable rpm from 0 to 100 rpm, ensuring optimal performance.

User-evaluation results were generally favorable. Across the six evaluation areas, respondents rated the tool positively for performance, mobility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, technical/economic viability, and functionality. The reported item-level sample sizes ranged from 13 to 20, with mean ratings generally between 3.25 and 4.00. The lowest reported mean was 3.25 for portability and ease of transport, indicating a specific area for further design improvement. The terminal report also records recommendations for improving output consistency, accessibility, portability, and possible application to other liquid cleaning products.

The results of the project demonstrate that the viscosity and turbidity of the liquid soap produced using this machine surpass those of manually produced soap, while maintaining comparable quality to that produced by commercially available mixing machines. Furthermore, the time and quality of the product is significantly higher than in manual procedure. This project not only aims to enhance the technical capabilities of educators but also empowers community members by providing them with the tools necessary to enter the soap-making market, fostering entrepreneurship and economic development.

Zenodo Doi:-10.5281/zenodo.22806383

Keywords

multi-purpose mixing tool, liquid dishwashing soap, fabric conditioner, product development, user evaluation, community extension, engineering design