Minimum Protocol for Comparative Detergent Performance Testing Detergent Testing) A.I.S.E. Working Group

Abstract In this paper a new protocol to support comparative testing of European laundry detergents is described. This protocol has been developed by A.I.S.E., the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance products, to assess the primary (i. e., stain removal) and key secondary performance (whiteness, colour safety and colour transfer) of Household Laundry Detergents and Laundry Additives. The main purpose of designing and supporting a minimum test protocol across A.I.S.E. members and external stakeholders has been to improve the available comparative testing methodologies, while it is not intended to become a standard methodology in the detergent industry. This was carried out by setting minimum requirements for a reliable comparison of detergent quality which is particularly important for test institutes and consumer organisations running comparative performance tests.