Accurate results – objectively verified
As well as laundry detergents, we also carry out practical, comparative tests on cleaning products for hard surfaces and hand dishwashing liquids. As part of our globally unique comparison system, we provide you with objective, reproducible results – including as proof of effectiveness for eco-labels.
Cleaners for hard surfaces
We carry out practical testing in accordance with the IKW recommendations for quality assessment (including all-purpose cleaners and heavy-duty grease removers).
- Cleaning performance:
on surfaces relevant to the intended use (e.g. floor cleaners on floor tiles) and with defined soiling (e.g. grease and pigment-based dirt) in a multi-track mopping machine - Clear drying and streaking:
Assessment of the visual appearance after drying - Material compatibility:
including stress corrosion cracking tests on plastics
The results serve as proof of efficacy, for example for the EU Ecolabel for all-purpose and sanitary cleaners.
Hand dishwashing detergents
We test hand dishwashing detergents in accordance with Part A of the updated IKW recommendation on the quality assessment of cleaning performance – specifically, the yield in the plate test:
Soiled plates are washed by hand using a specified washing utensil (sponge or brush); the key parameter is the number of plates cleaned until the foam layer collapses.
The procedure is carried out with internal controls using one and/or two dosages and delivers practical, reproducible and differentiated results – including as a ‘fitness for use’ test, as stipulated by the EU Ecolabel Protocol for the EU Ecolabel.