Testing of detergents and cleaning products

At INFINITIA Industrial Consulting we specialise in the evaluation and analysis of detergents and cleaning products to ensure their efficacy, material compatibility and regulatory compliance. Our industrial testing laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of forensic engineering experts to design and execute specialised tests.

We offer solutions based on accurate and rigorous data. These tests not only ensure that products meet the highest quality standards, but also optimise their performance in various industrial and commercial applications. Find out what testing is all about and put your trust in our experts.

What are detergent and cleaning product tests?

Detergency tests are technical tests designed to evaluate the performance of cleaning products in terms of cleaning efficacy, material compatibility and safety in use. They allow the chemical composition of detergents, their impact on various surfaces and their biodegradability to be analysed.

Depending on the type of detergent and its application, tests may include surfactant evaluation, chemical resistance, corrosion tests and biodegradability studies. These studies are essential to ensure that cleaning products are effective without compromising the safety of users or damaging the materials they come into contact with.

At INFINITIA we test detergents with a comprehensive approach that combines chemical composition analysis, material compatibility testing, homologation and cleaning efficacy studies. Our team of specialists design customised tests according to the client’s needs, ensuring that the products analysed meet the highest quality standards. In addition, we apply advanced methodologies to detect potential failures in the interaction of detergents with various surfaces, allowing us to anticipate problems such as corrosion, premature wear or loss of efficacy.

Benefits of detergency testing

One of the main benefits of detergency testing is the possibility to optimise the formulation of cleaning products to improve their efficacy and reduce their environmental impact. This is what we did in this work on the analysis of detergents from different suppliers to ensure their quality and efficacy under real conditions of use. Thus, in the textile industry, these tests of detergents guarantee their cleaning efficacy: that they remove stains without damaging the fibres of the fabrics.

In the industrial sector, they make it possible to check that cleaning products do not affect the resistance of treated metals or plastics. In addition, these tests can help to reduce costs by evaluating more efficient and safer alternatives, ensuring compliance with international regulations such as the biodegradability standard for detergents.

Types of detergent and cleaning product tests

At INFINITIA we develop different detergency tests to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cleaning products in different applications. This means that detergents comply with quality standards, show optimum performance or are compatible with different materials.

1. Evaluation of the chemical composition of detergents

This analysis focuses on studying the composition of detergents, identifying the active ingredients and their behaviour under different conditions of use. We evaluate factors such as the concentration of surfactants, stabilisers, preservatives and bleaching agents, determining their effectiveness and possible incompatibilities with other substances or surfaces.

The process includes techniques such as gas chromatography and spectroscopy, which provide a detailed understanding of the detergent formulation. This information is crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable formulations.

2. Material compatibility testing

We evaluate the impact of the detergent on different materials, such as metals, plastics, glass and textiles, in order to ensure that it does not cause deterioration or alteration of their properties. Tests include:

Abrasion and wear tests para medir la resistencia de las superficies al contacto continuo con el detergente.
Mechanical properties tests, such as impact resistance (Charpy) and Modification of Burst Energy (MUE), which detect changes in the integrity of the material.
Corrosion tests, in these chemical tests we simulate extreme conditions of humidity and temperature to evaluate possible damage to metal surfaces.

3. Evaluation of cleaning efficiency

These tests measure the efficacy of industrial detergents. That is, the removal of dirt, grease and micro-organisms. We carry out tests under different conditions to ensure that the product is effective in domestic, industrial and sanitary cleaning.

Organic and grease stain and grease removal tests, where the detergent’s ability to dissolve and remove residues is measured.
Microbiological tests, which evaluate their effectiveness in eliminating bacteria and fungi, ensuring hygiene in critical environments such as hospitals and the food industry.

4. Biodegradability and ecotoxicity tests

Detergents must comply with environmental regulations that require their components to be biodegradable and non-toxic to the ecosystem. At INFINITIA, we carry out these biodegradability tests in detergents that determine the degradation speed of the detergent in natural conditions and its impact on aquatic organisms. Some of the tests include:

Chemical degradation tests, where we evaluate the decomposition of surfactants in aquatic environments.
Toxicity tests on living organisms, analysing the effects of the detergent on micro-organisms and fish.

5. Stability and chemical resistance tests

These tests determine how the detergent performs under different environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature, humidity and exposure to light. They include the following:

Thermal stability tests, assessing whether the detergent formulation maintains its efficacy at different temperatures.
Container compatibility testing, ensuring that the product does not react with its storage material and retains its effectiveness.

Applications of detergents and cleaning products testing

Detergency testing is applied to various industrial sectors, ensuring the safety, functionality and efficacy of cleaning products. Here are some of the sectors where these tests play an essential role:

1. Chemical industry and detergent manufacturing

We are your chemical analysis laboratory. Because detergent manufacturers need to validate their products before they are marketed, ensuring that they comply with quality and safety standards. For this reason, detergency tests allow:

Optimise detergent formulation to improve performance and reduce costs.
Assess biodegradability and ecotoxicity, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Verify the stability of the formulation, ensuring that the product maintains its effectiveness throughout its shelf life.

2. Textile industry and industrial laundry

Detergents used in textile cleaning must remove stains without damaging fibres or altering colours. Thus, this type of test is used for:

Evaluate the compatibility of detergents with different types of fabrics.
To measure the efficiency in the removal of difficult stains, for optimal results in industrial laundries.
Determine the impact of detergent on the durability of garments.

3. Food industry and catering

In the food industry, detergents must be highly effective in removing residues and grease without leaving chemical contaminants. Thus, they help us in:

To evaluate the effectiveness of detergents in cleaning food processing equipment.
Check that detergent residues do not affect food safety.
Validate cleaning and disinfection protocols in industrial kitchens.

4. Automotive industry and metallurgy

Detergents used in the cleaning of metal parts must be effective against oils and industrial residues without causing corrosion. They are suitable for:

Determine the resistance of the detergent in environments with high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
Assess its impact on protective coatings and metal parts.
Check the effective removal of grease and production residues.

5. Hospital and pharmaceutical sector

Detergents used in hospitals and laboratories must ensure effective disinfection without damaging sensitive equipment and surfaces. In this sector, the tests allow:

Validate the efficacy of detergents in the elimination of pathogenic micro-organisms (as in this work on characterisation of antimicrobial properties on surfaces).
Assess compatibility with hospital surfaces, ensuring that they do not affect their integrity.
Check the safety of detergents in contact with medical materials.

The importance of testing detergents and cleaning products in industry

In an increasingly demanding market, rigorous analysis not only optimises formulations, but also reduces risks and improves end-user satisfaction. Testing of detergents and cleaning products plays a key role in ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of these products in a variety of commercial and industrial applications (industries such as healthcare, food and automotive, where hygiene is critical).

Through our expertise in forensic engineering and materials analysis, we perform specialised tests to detect potential failures in the interaction of detergents with different surfaces, anticipating problems such as corrosion, premature wear or loss of efficacy. In addition, our biodegradability and ecotoxicity tests ensure that products are sustainable and comply with environmental regulations.

At INFINITIA we offer a personalised and results-oriented service, adapting to the needs of each client with an approach based on science and innovation. We develop products that meet quality standards, but are also safe, effective and sustainable in their application.

Do you need to validate, optimise or improve the quality of your detergents and cleaning products? Do not hesitate to contact us. At INFINITIA we develop efficient and competitive products, minimising risks and maximising their performance in the market.