Nilfisk-Advance has announced (10 November) the results of independent testing of the performance of electrically-activated water technology on professional floor scrubbers. The results show that a floor scrubber using electrically-activated water technology did not perform better than when that same floor scrubber used ordinary tap water, discrediting claims in the marketplace that electrically-activated water ‘converts’ water into a ‘powerful detergent’ when used on floor scrubbers.

“The claim that electrically-activated water acts as a ‘powerful detergent’ on professional floor scrubbers was not supported in our testing,” said Wade Reitmeier, general manager, R&D & product management for Nilfisk-Advance.

“Such claims must be met with careful analysis because our industry relies on credible science to provide products and services. To evaluate the performance of electrically-activated water on floor scrubbers, Nilfisk-Advance worked with several experts to design a comprehensive test procedure using accepted ASTM standards and best industry practices,” Reitmeier stated.

Nilfisk-Advance retained two independent and internationally-accredited labs to test the cleaning performance of today’s current floor scrubbers equipped with electrically-activated water technology. The labs measured the cleaning efficiency when using three different cleaning solutions: 1) with electrically-activated water; 2) with plain tap water; and 3) with tap water and a common detergent.

The results show that the floor scrubber using electrically-activated water performed no better than when that scrubber cleaned with only tap water. The results also indicate that when cleaning with electrically-activated water, the scrubber did not clean as effectively as when the scrubber cleaned with a common detergent.

“These independent lab test results make clear that if customers are paying a premium for this technology, expectations as to value and performance are unlikely to be met,” said Steve Baker, vice president of sales & marketing for Nilfisk-Advance. “In this case, the testing simply does not support the claim that electrically-activated water on floor scrubbers is a ‘powerful detergent’,” Baker added.

The Nilfisk-Advance press released noted that, ‘Electrically-activated or not, water is, and always has been, an effective cleanser on a variety of floor conditions. Floor scrubbers are routinely used with plain tap water and can effectively clean a range of soiled floors. Some floor conditions, however, do require the use of detergents when deeper cleaning is necessary.’

To request a copy of the complete findings of the two independent Cleaning Efficiency Test reports, the Cleaning Efficiency Testing Summary, or Scientific Testing Procedures white paper, go to www.nilfisk-advance.com