Clorex Wipes Science Fair Projects

Bleach Safety

Bleach can be a vrey dangerous substance. To avoid burning your skin wear rubber gloves or latex gloves when working with bleach. Also wear goggles to prevent the fumes and the bleach solution from splashing into your eyes. Finally, do not mix bleach and amonia products together. This can be extremely dangerous.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the bacterial content before and after the use of Clorox wipes on the inside and outside door handles of restrooms.

I became interested in doing a project on bacteria because I am interested in a career in medicine, biology or microbiology. In addition my mom has taught me about avoiding bacteria in restrooms and encouraged me to use a paper towel instead of my hand to open the door when leaving. I thought it would be good to study this scientifically.

The information gained from this experiment affects almost everybody on earth today but it should especially help store and restaurant owners in trying to keep their bathrooms clean. The bacteria on bathroom door handles could possibly cause sickness and disease and needs to be dealt with properly.

HYPOTHESIS

My first hypothesis was that there would be more bacteria on the inside of the door handle than the outside due to the germs picked up from the restroom and people not washing their hands.

My second hypothesis was that there would be more bacteria in supermarket restrooms such as Wal-Mart or Fred Meyer because there are usually more people cycling through.

My third hypothesis was that the Clorox wipes would reduce the amount of bacteria significantly.

EXPERIMENT DESIGN

The constants in this study were:
• Time frame project conducted
• Amount of time handles were swabbed
• Pressure swab was pressed against handle when collecting bacteria.
• Type of swab used
• Type of agar
• Type of Petri dish
• Time incubated
• Temperature incubated
• Type of incubator
• Type of bleach used
• Same time to dry
• Same time wiped with Clorox

The first manipulated variable was the location of sampling: supermarkets, homes, and restaurants.

The second manipulated variable was whether the sample was collected on the inside or outside of the restroom door.

The third manipulated variable was sampling before and after the use of Clorox.

The responding variable was the amount of bacteria on the door handles.

To measure the responding variable the bacteria colonies were counted.

MATERIALS

Clorex wipes science fair projects continues at germs science fair projects