A Sustainable Dishwashing Paste Using Coconut Husk Ash for Cleaning Efficiency, Perceived Antibacterial Effectiveness, and User Acceptability

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable household products highlights the need for cleaning solutions that balance functional performance, consumer acceptance, and economic feasibility. This study evaluates EcoScent Dishwashing Paste, a dishwashing formulation incorporating coconut husk ash as a value-adding agricultural by-product, with emphasis on user acceptability and cost feasibility as indicators of potential market adoption. An experimental and descriptive research design was employed, involving user-based testing under normal household and small-scale food service conditions. Data were collected from 50 respondents through structured surveys assessing perceived cleaning efficiency, sensory attributes, skin-friendliness, and perceived antibacterial effectiveness. Results indicate that the dishwashing paste demonstrated satisfactory cleaning performance and was generally well accepted in terms of ease of use, scent, and overall user experience. A cost analysis further suggests that the product can be produced at a relatively low unit cost, supporting its feasibility for small-scale or community-based production. From a sustainability and management perspective, the utilization of coconut husk ash supports circular economy principles by converting agricultural waste into a functional household product. Overall, the findings suggest that coconut husk ash–based dishwashing paste has potential as a sustainable and economically viable alternative within the household cleaning market.