Science Research
Detergent Test Protocol
Detergents Europe has developed common testing guidelines for assessing the performance of laundry detergents and laundry additives across Europe.
The guidelines provide a minimum requirements methodology for evaluating the performance of heavy-duty and light-duty household laundry detergents and laundry additives. By promoting a common approach to testing, they help ensure consistent, realistic and reliable comparisons of product performance across Europe.
Why these guidelines matter
Reliable testing is essential to ensure meaningful comparisons between products. These guidelines support improved test quality by providing a common methodology that can be applied across European markets. The result is a more consistent approach to assessing product performance and interpreting results.
Developed by industry experts
The guidelines were originally developed by experts from companies manufacturing laundry detergents and laundry additives across Europe. They are based on a thorough review of existing European test protocols and industry data.
The protocols cover a range of performance indicators, including:
- Stain removal
- Stain sets and stain classes
- Dye transfer inhibition
- Whiteness maintenance
The guidelines are reviewed regularly to reflect developments in testing practices and industry knowledge.
Who are the guidelines for?
The guidelines are intended for:
- Manufacturers of laundry detergents and laundry additives
- Testing institutes
- Consumer organisations
- Other organisations carrying out comparative performance testing
They provide a common reference point for generating and interpreting test results.
Downloads
To help organisations apply the methodology consistently, the guidance documents can be downloaded here:
- Laundry Detergent Testing Guidelines (PDF) –This document sets out Detergents Europe’s minimum requirements for consistent comparative testing of laundry detergent performance, covering stain removal, whiteness, colour maintenance and dye transfer.
- Statistical Data Management and Interpretation Tool (Excel) –An Excel-based tool to support the management and interpretation of performance testing data, including the user manual.