ASTM D1308 for Testing the Effect of Household Chemicals on Home Surfaces

By: Katherine Hatherley, LABORATORY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, email

What Products: All-purpose cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, cleaning wipes, disinfecting wipes, window cleaner, glass cleaner, floor cleaner, tile cleaner, tub or bathtub cleaner, shower wash, disinfectant.

What Test: ASTM D1308 – Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Organic Finishes

Why Use This Test: This test is used to determine whether a product has a deleterious effect on common household surface substrates.

Results: The results may be used for claims substantiation in that the product is safe for use on certain types of tested surfaces.

Testing whether your product has an undesired effect on common surfaces is important when it comes to safeguarding against a poor consumer experience. Consumers want to know whether a cleaner is safe to use in different situations. Perhaps you have a citric acid cleaner that is excellent for cleaning ceramic tiles, but would etch the surface of a marble countertop. It’s best to test your formulations so that you can market and label your product accordingly.

Deleterious Effects

At Dell Tech, we use the standard test method ASTM D1308 for evaluating the effects, if any, household chemicals have on surfaces, with before and after photos. Noted surface alteration would include and is not limited to:

• discoloration,
• change in gloss,
• blistering,
• softening,
• swelling,
• loss of adhesion,
• etching,
• watermarks,
• stain, and
• special phenomena.

Surface Types

We work with clients during the quoting process to compile a list of substrates they need to be tested. Dell Tech has a standard set of typical surface types to offer clients based on their product type, but clients are welcome to pick and choose the specific surfaces they would like tested or add surfaces that we do not typically offer. As long as we can source the material, the surface can be tested.

Test Procedure

ASTM D1308 prescribes the performance of open and closed (covered) spot tests at 23 +/- 2°C (73.5 +/- 3.5°F) and 50 +/- 5 % relative humidity. The sample product is pipetted onto each surface substrate.

Just as it sounds, an open spot test leaves the product exposed to the air during testing while the closed spot test is covered with a watch glass. The covered spot test simulates a situation in which a consumer uses the product and then immediately puts something on top of the surface area. For example, placing a glass or plate on a countertop that was just wiped clean. What would the consumer see when the dishes were later removed?

Typical time intervals for spot testing are 15 minutes and 1 hour, though a client may request longer intervals.

Test reports include all observations made after the different time intervals, along with before and after photos to see the results.

If you have any questions about ASTM D1308 or have a product that you would like tested, contact our team today!

Dell Tech has provided professional, confidential consulting services to the specialty chemical 

industry in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia for the last 40 years.