IEHA and UMass TURI Announce High-Tech Scrubbing Test

IEHA and the University of Massachusetts TURI lab have announced that performance analysis during the IEHA/TURI High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) testing program will be enhanced through use of the BYK-Gardner Abrasion Tester.  The device enables a real-world, variable and repeatable rubbing or scrubbing action to compare the cleaning performance of hard surface cleaners, such as detergents or cleansers; or to test the durability and efficacy of scrub brushes or scouring pads.

According to Jason Marshall, UMass TURI Lab Director: “This device takes the guesswork out of comparing product performance since it precisely matches pressure and rate of cleaning from surface to surface and from product to product. It enables apples-to-apples comparisons between cleaning methodologies to identify high performance.”

The BYK-Gardner Abrasion Tester uses a reciprocating linear motion at approximately 37 cycles per minute with a constant speed over a 10 inch travel. It utilizes a brush, sponge, cotton cloth, microfiber, or other wiper to simulate real life situations and can be used for testing either wet or dry cleaning.

Products demonstrating 85% soil removal using this method qualify as High Performance under the program, according to Marshall.

IEHA plans to utilize the results of these findings and others as part of its High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) Report and to augment the IEHA Field Test published in Executive Housekeeping Today.

About IEHA
The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), is a 3,500-plus professional member organization for persons who direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities. The organization was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the State’s capitol, Columbus. IEHA provides its members with an array of professional development, educational, and certification opportunities. For more information, visit www.ieha.org.

About the Toxics Use Reduction Institute
The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides research, training, technical support, laboratory services and grant programs to reduce the use of toxic chemicals while enhancing the economic competitiveness of local businesses. The TURI Laboratory tests the performance of both industrial and janitorial cleaning products to encourage companies, institutions, and product formulators, to choose and develop safer substitutes. To learn more, visit www.turi.org/laboratory.