Evaluation of Detergent Performance & Washing Resistance

The evaluation of detergent performance is an area in which Mérieux NutriSciences has a solid track record; its specialized detergent testing division has more than 25 years of experience, both in the execution of standard tests and in the development of internal methods in collaboration with leading companies. Thanks to its competence in this sector, Mérieux NutriSciences is authorized to perform Ecolabel performance tests (link to Ecolabel). 

The Mérieux NutriSciences detergents division offers a wide range of performance tests for a vast number of household and institutional products. Demand for industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals and related equipment is constantly increasing, along with expectations as to the quality of such products.

We can evaluate the performance of:

• All-purpose and sanitary cleaning products, in terms of the removal of soiling and limescale
• Drain cleaners
• Dishwashing detergents, both household and industrial
• Hand dishwashing detergents,
• Laundry detergents, in accordance with the AISE standard and applying soiling in laboratory, via a validated procedure, to evaluate product performance in removing specific spots. For these detergents, we also evaluate the secondary effects of washing, such as yellowing and traction resistance of the washed textiles.

The study of detergent performance has led to the development of the concept of washing resistance, which is an important characteristic for textiles, dishes and surfaces. Tests can be performed to substantiate claims highlighting the gentleness of the detergent (e.g. “fabrics won’t yellow”, “kind to delicate items”, “color fast”, “doesn’t scratch surfaces” or “doesn’t cause spots on surfaces”), and to evaluate the resistance of products during normal and reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. 

Mérieux NutriSciences’ integrated services cover both washing performance and the evaluation of all aspects of the products after washing, from chemical, microbiological, colorimetric, water resistance and other physico-mechanical tests through to sensory analysis and consumer research.