In today’s competitive market for consumer cleaning products, marketing teams often want to highlight features that set their products apart. These may include fast drying, long-lasting fragrance, no residue, gentle on surfaces, or good cleaning performance from a new format such as wipes. However, many of these claims are not covered by existing standardized test methods from ASTM, ISO, or the Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA). Standards provide a strong foundation, but they do not always match the needs of modern product development or marketing.
This is where custom test method development becomes important. At Dell Tech Laboratories, we work with manufacturers to create test procedures that fairly evaluate a product and support the claim being made. These methods may be modified versions of recognized standards or fully custom procedures designed to reflect real use conditions. In every case, the method must make scientific sense, be tightly controlled, and produce objective data that stands up to review.
What Custom Method Development Means
Custom test method development involves using an existing standard as a starting point and adjusting it so that the test accurately represents how a product is used or what the claim is trying to show. Sometimes a standard simply does not fit the product format, or the claim focuses on something the standard does not measure. Other times the standard is suitable, but the directions for use in the method do not reflect how consumers actually apply the product.
Custom methods are useful when:
- The product format is new or does not align with the standard.
- The intended claim requires measuring something the standard does not include – like use on a different material or surface type.
- The standard method has unrealistic conditions for real consumer use.
- A retailer or internal team requires a specific type of data.
- A manufacturer wants a method that matches their in-house testing approach.
The goal is to develop a fair, controlled, and meaningful test that generates data the marketing team can rely on.
Why Standard Methods Can Fall Short
Standardized methods were created for specific product types and controlled use conditions. As a result, they do not always represent what brands are trying to evaluate. For example:
- There is no dedicated method for measuring streaking or residue left by glass cleaning wipes.
- Few standardized procedures measure dry time or fragrance longevity.
- Slip resistance tests were originally written for floor polishes, not cleaning wipes.
- Many dwell times in standards do not reflect real consumer habits.
- Standards may require volumes or application patterns that do not match typical use.
To support claims that matter to consumers, testing must reflect real use while still being scientifically controlled.
How Dell Tech Adapts Standard Methods
Below are examples of how standard methods can be thoughtfully modified while maintaining good laboratory practice, consistent application, and controlled variables.
1. Adapting HCPA DCC-09 for Glass Cleaning Wipes
HCPA DCC-09 is written for sprayable glass cleaners. When a client wants to test glass cleaning wipes, Dell Tech adjusts:
- The application pattern so the wipes can be used in the washability apparatus.
- The number of wipe passes.
These adjustments allow the test to fairly evaluate wipe performance while still using an established framework.
2. Using ASTM D2047 (James Machine) to Assess Slipperiness After Using Wipes
ASTM D2047 measures slip resistance for floor polishes. To evaluate wipes, Dell Tech:
- Applies the wipe to a representative surface in a controlled way.
- Standardizes pressure, coverage, and drying time.
- Uses the James Machine to measure the coefficient of friction.
This approach supports claims such as “will not leave floors slippery” using objective instrumentation rather than subjective opinion.
3. Measuring Stickiness, Fragrance Longevity, or Dry Time
Some claims relate to tactile or sensory properties. Dell Tech uses a combination of methods, such as ASTM D5343 for cleaning performance and ASTM E2346 for structured sensory panel evaluations. These can provide data for:
- Tackiness after use.
- Time required for a surface to dry.
- How long a fragrance remains noticeable.
The combination of objective and panel-based measurements produces data that fairly represents what consumers experience.
4. Using HCPA DCC-15 to Infer Wipe Softness
DCC-15 is written for abrasive cleaners. Dell Tech uses this standard to show that wipes do not scratch specific surfaces. If a wipe does not cause abrasion in this test, it supports claims that the product is gentle or safe for delicate surfaces.
5. Adapting ASTM D1792 to Evaluate Wax Removal from Produce
ASTM D1792 is a floor polish removal method. The underlying chemistry is relevant to wax removal in other settings, so Dell Tech can adapt this method to evaluate whether a cleaning product removes wax from grocery produce.
6. Adjusting Methods to Match Directions for Use
Sometimes the most important adjustment is aligning the test with how consumers actually use the product. Examples include:
- Using dwell times that match the product label rather than the standard method.
- Adjusting the amount of product applied to match real-life use.
- Standardizing the number of wipes used.
- Adjusting rinsing or buffing steps to reflect typical use.
- Applying the wipe or spray pattern in a way that better matches consumer habits.
Even when conditions are adjusted, the testing relies on controlled variables, appropriate equipment, and calibrated instruments. This approach gives marketing teams data that reflects real performance rather than artificial results based on unrealistic conditions.
When Fully Custom Methods Are Needed
If no standard provides a suitable foundation, Dell Tech can develop a completely new method that matches the intended claim. A fully custom method may involve:
- Creating specific soils for testing.
- Selecting realistic substrate materials.
- Defining precise environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity.
- Standardizing the amount of product applied.
- Incorporating specialized equipment like the washability apparatus to reduce operator variability.
- Establishing acceptance criteria, controls, and repeatability checks.
Custom method development is especially useful when the product format is new or when claims cannot be evaluated using any recognized standard.
Scientific Integrity in Modified and Custom Methods
Although the methods may be customized, they are never informal or arbitrary. Dell Tech follows principles that ensure every test is reliable and defensible:
- Controlled environments including consistent temperature and humidity.
- Use of laboratory instruments such as the washability apparatus, James Machine, gloss meters, colorimeter, and balances to minimize human error.
- Clear documentation for all method modifications.
- Appropriate controls and reference products.
- Replicate testing to confirm repeatability.
- Transparent reporting that explains the method and results in detail.
- Good laboratory practices applied throughout the method development and testing process.
Even with modifications, each method must still make scientific sense and be suitable for evaluating the claim.
How This Supports Marketing Claims
Custom or modified methods allow brands to support a wider range of claims such as:
- No residue left behind
- Streak-free finish
- Surface safe or non abrasive
- Dries quickly
- Does not leave floors slippery
- Long lasting fragrance
- Removes wax buildup
- Cleans better than other wipe products
These claims become compelling when backed by objective, controlled data from an independent laboratory.
Dell Tech’s Process for Custom Method Development
Our process for custom or modified methods includes:
- Initial consultation to understand the product, directions for use, and the claim.
- Review of standard methods to find suitable starting points.
- Identification of gaps between the standard and the claim.
- Planning of adjustments that make the method more relevant.
- Testing in controlled laboratory conditions using calibrated equipment.
- Validation to confirm that the method produces consistent results.
- Detailed reporting with clear documentation of the procedure and findings.
- Record keeping for repeated future testing.
Conclusion
Standard methods provide a strong foundation for testing, but they do not cover every product type or marketing claim. Custom test method development allows manufacturers to evaluate new formulations, unique product formats, and specialized claims in a fair and scientifically credible way. When a method is modified, it remains controlled, consistent, and aligned with good laboratory practices.
Dell Tech Laboratories works closely with manufacturers to design tests that reflect real use, remove operator variability, and support claims with objective data. If you are developing a new cleaning product or preparing for a claim, our team can help create a test method that fits your needs.
If you would like support with a custom or modified test method, contact Dell Tech’s Lab Services Group to get started.
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Blog Author
Kate Hatherley
Katherine supports analytical testing in Dell Tech’s Lab Services. Prior to joining Dell Tech’s Lab Services Group in 2019, Katherine worked in project administration and geographic information systems in the Ontario forestry industry.
