Composition for production of test soil for assessment of cleaning action of cleaning devices, and method of use thereof

Abstract

To provide: a composition for a test soil produced for assessment of the cleaning action of cleaning devices for cleaning of vessels for human egesta; a method of use thereof; and a method of assessment of the cleaning action.SOLUTION: A composition comprises the following components in a dry form: (a) nigrosine; (b) wheat flour; and (c) whole eggs. Also provided are methods of producing a test soil for assessment of the cleaning action of cleaning devices for cleaning of vessels for human egesta, specifically, of washer-disinfectors, the methods including dissolving the composition in an aqueous medium.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition comprising the following ingredients in dry form: (a) nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole egg. The present invention also relates to a method of using the composition of the present invention to generate a test soil for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device. The present invention also provides a method of generating a test soil for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a container for human waste, in particular a washer-disinfector, comprising the step of dissolving the composition according to the present invention in an aqueous medium. The present invention relates to a test soil comprising the ingredients of the composition of the present invention in an aqueous medium, and a method of using it to evaluate the cleaning action of a cleaning device. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a container for human waste. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art includes numerous cleaning devices and cleaning methods for treating containers for holding human waste, such as bedpans or urinals. The containers to be treated may usually contain a relatively large amount of liquid or solid waste, which must be disposed of during cleaning. Moreover, such containers not only require emptying, but also usually disinfection, since they may contain infectious waste or may be contaminated in some other way. Such cleaning devices for treating containers for human waste are therefore often called cleaning and disinfecting devices, otherwise also washer-disinfectors (WD). Since bedpans are often the items to be cleaned, among others, such devices are often also called bedpan cleaners. The requirements for such cleaning devices are essentially described in the ISO standard series 15883.

[0003] For possible examples of cleaning and disinfecting devices, reference can be made, for example, to DE 102004056052 A1, DE 10348344 A1, EP 1824373 B1, EP 2755695 B1, DE 102013203342 A1 or DE 102013208060 A1. The cleaning and disinfecting devices described therein can also be used as examples in the context of the present invention.

[0004] A major concern with the construction and operation of cleaning and disinfecting equipment is that of ensuring the cleaning and disinfecting action. Numerous standards, specifications and recommendations exist in this respect. For example, DIN EN ISO 15883-6 describes the requirements and test methods for WDs in general.

[0005] In addition to ensuring the thermal disinfecting effect, particular care should be taken to ensure that the tissue is sufficiently free from soil. For example, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Krankenhaushygiene [German Society for Hospital Hygiene] recommends the use of test soils to check for visible residual soiling.

[0006] Preliminary standard CEN ISO / TS 15883-5 states that valid evidence of the cleaning effectiveness of WD according to ISO standard series 15883 are the test stains and methods currently used in several countries, and lists the test stains for each country. For example, for bedpans and urinals in Germany, a mixture of bovine albumin, mucin, corn starch, and E. faecium is known. In Austria, a test stain containing potato flakes, flour, nigrosine, and egg, called KMNE test stain, is used for bedpans, and a mixture of flour, nigrosine, and egg, called MNE test stain, is used for urinals. In addition, specifications are provided for the production of the test stain and its storage. This involves mixing, by boiling, a suspension of nigrosine and wheat flour, which are initially produced separately. Just before use, a hen's egg is added and the mixture is heated. In addition, where appropriate, dried potato flakes are added until the required consistency is reached. Such test soil is then used to fill a test specimen in the form of a toilet bowl or urinal in a specified amount, dispersing the test soil in the test specimen. The WD is then fully loaded with the soiled test specimen and an appropriate wash cycle is carried out. A visual test is then carried out, the criterion for passing being that no visible residue of the test soil should be present on the test specimen any longer.

[0007] A real problem is the complexity of producing such test stains. The test stains may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but should in principle be used immediately after their production. However, maintenance work and inspections should generally be carried out at the site of the cleaning equipment. However, especially there, the equipment required for the production of test stains is often not available. Moreover, the production of such test stains is time-consuming and often constitutes a crucial step for the duration of the test. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] DE 102004056052 A1 [Patent Document 2] DE 10348344 A1 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 1824373(B1) [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 2755695(B1) [Patent Document 5] German Patent Application Publication No. 102013203342(A1) [Patent Document 6] German Patent Application Publication No. 102013208060(A1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to provide a method for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for test soils and human waste, which largely avoids the drawbacks of certain known types of test soils and methods. More particularly, the complexity involved in providing the test soils and the complexity involved in carrying out the overall method should be reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This problem is addressed by the embodiments according to the independent claims. In the dependent claims, advantageous refinements are provided which can be realized individually or in any desired combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a visual comparison of a test soil from KMNE (Koller) (A) and a test soil according to the present invention (B). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In the following text, the terms "has", "comprise" or "include" or any grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-restrictive manner. Such expressions can therefore refer both to situations in which no further characteristics are provided or to situations in which one or more further characteristics are provided in addition to the characteristics introduced by such expressions. For example, the expressions "A has B", "A comprises B" or "A includes B" can relate both to the situation in which, apart from B, A has no further elements (i.e., A consists exclusively of B) and to the situation in which, in addition to B, A has one or more further elements, for example, element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0013] It is further pointed out that the expressions "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of such expressions, which are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express that the element or feature may be provided singly or in plural, are generally used only once, e.g., when the feature or element is first introduced. If the feature or element is mentioned again later, the corresponding expression "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used and does not limit the possibility that the feature or element may be provided singly or in plural.

[0014] Moreover, the expressions "preferably", "particularly", "for example" or similar expressions are used hereinafter in relation to optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments. Features introduced by such expressions are therefore optional and no limitation to the scope of protection of the claims, in particular the independent claims, is intended via such features. The invention can therefore also be implemented using other configurations, as the skilled person will recognize. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or "in one embodiment of the invention" should be understood as optional features, without any intention to limit alternative configurations or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Moreover, all possibilities of combinations of features introduced by this specification with other features, whether these are optional or non-optional, are intended to remain unaffected by such introductions.

[0015] The present invention relates to a composition comprising the following ingredients in dry form: (a) nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole eggs.

[0016] The expression "composition" describes a mixture of two or more components. The components may be present in different ratios. The components are preferably in dry form in the composition of the present invention. The components may be in any dry form. Depending on the component, they may be in crystalline or amorphous form. The components may be in the form of crystalline or amorphous powder in the composition, or in another suitable form, for example as a fine powder, granular material, or pellets. Usually, the composition according to the present invention is a free-flowing solid.

[0017] According to the present invention, the term "dry form" is understood to mean that the components to be included in the composition of the present invention should be essentially free of liquids, in particular free of aqueous solvents. By "essentially free of liquids", it is understood here that the components in the composition may themselves also be present in solid form, since the residual liquid in the composition provided according to the present invention is insufficient to dissolve the components.

[0018] The residual liquid content may vary depending on the ingredient. In the case of wheat flour, the residual liquid content is preferably 20% by weight or less, 15% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, or more preferably 2% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the ingredients used in the composition. In the case of whole egg powder, the residual liquid content is preferably 10% by weight or less, 7% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, or more preferably 2% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the ingredients used in the composition. Nigrosine powder is preferably free of detectable incorporated residual liquid. When water is incorporated, it is bound water of crystallization.

[0019] The term "nigrosine" as used herein refers to a blue-black anionic dye from the group of diaminophenazine compounds that are water-soluble. There are water-soluble nigrosines as well as alcohol-soluble or oil-soluble nigrosines. In the context of the present invention, water-soluble nigrosines having CAS number 8005-03-6 are preferred. Nigrosines are commercially available. Nigrosines can be obtained by heating nitrobenzene, aniline, and aniline hydrochloride with metallic iron and iron(III) chloride. Particularly preferred nigrosines are described in detail in the examples.

[0020] The term "wheat flour" refers to a powder formed by grinding wheat grains. The term used here encompasses all types of wheat flour, including spelt, emmer or einkorn varieties. Flours are categorized according to their caking properties, fineness, i.e. particle size, ash content and protein content. Flour may preferably be fine, semi-coarse or coarse flour. The flour used according to the invention is preferably type 405 flour. Other types which may also be used are types 550, 812, 1050 or 1600. Particularly preferred flours are described in detail in the examples.

[0021] The term "whole egg" as used herein refers to a product that essentially comprises egg components (egg yolk and egg white). More particularly, this product should include proteins, lipids and carbohydrates derived from eggs. Preferably according to the invention, the eggs are chicken eggs, but other eggs can also be used, in particular poultry eggs, such as quail eggs or ostrich eggs. According to the invention, the whole egg components are likewise essentially in dry form. For this purpose, the whole egg can be dried by suitable methods. Suitable methods include, for example, freeze-drying. According to the invention, the term also encompasses whole egg substitutes, such as vegetarian or vegan whole eggs, or artificial compositions comprising whole egg components. More preferably, whole egg in the context of the present invention is chicken egg powder. Particularly preferred whole eggs are described in detail in the examples.

[0022] The composition of the present invention may be dissolved in an aqueous solvent, such as water or an aqueous buffer solution. For this purpose, the composition is dissolved in a suitable amount of an aqueous solvent. The dissolving operation can be assisted here by suitable measures, such as automatic or manual stirring. The dissolved composition can then be used as a test soil to evaluate the cleaning performance of a cleaning device for cleaning containers for human waste. Depending on the composition, the cleaning performance can be evaluated for a bedpan or a urinal. Suitable methods are also described elsewhere herein.

[0023] The composition of the present invention may be provided as a ready-made mixture of the components. For this purpose, the components of the composition can be mixed together in a suitable, essentially dry form, for example as a powder, preferably to produce a homogeneous mixture of the components. This can then be provided in a suitable packaging. The packaging here should prevent the composition from getting wet, and therefore prevent unwanted dissolution of the components from occurring. Alternatively, the components of the composition of the present invention may also be provided individually in a suitable packaging, for example as a so-called kit. In this case, the composition is provided from the individual components before or during the production of the test stain. Usually, the components are provided here in a predetermined amount, and providing the composition from the components does not require the measurement of the components, but can be achieved by simply mixing the individual components in a packaged dry state or by dissolving them directly in an aqueous solvent.

[0024] Advantageously, the composition of the present invention, which is essentially composed of dry components, can be stored for a long period of time.Currently used test stains include liquid whole egg, and therefore only have a limited shelf life as aqueous compositions.In addition, the composition of the present invention can provide standardized test stains, since the components of the composition have good solubility in a specified amount of aqueous solvent.Therefore, the variability or problems in dissolving operation that may occur when using liquid whole egg can be largely avoided.

[0025] The composition of the present invention can be preferably provided in the form of a dispensing unit. A "dispensing unit" in the context of the present invention can be preferably understood to mean a specific amount of the composition. More preferably, a "dispensing unit" includes the amount of the composition required for a volume of 250 ml of aqueous solvent added. Most preferably, the dispensing unit contains an amount of the composition between 47.8 g and 62.2 g, most preferably 55 g.

[0026] Dispensing units can be advantageous because they eliminate the need for the user to weigh out the required amount of test soil, thus further simplifying handling and use of the test soil.

[0027] The dosage units may be packaged in any suitable manner. Particularly suitable packaging forms are dosage packs or dosage units in other forms of packaging, such as bags, sachets, tubes, cups, cartons. Thus, the compositions of the invention may in particular take the form of dosage units, preferably dosage packs.

[0028] The above-mentioned preferred forms of packaging can be provided with identification information, such as overprints, tags, stickers or labels, including graphic codes and / or RFID tags.The graphic code can be, for example, a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional QR code.When this code is read, for example, by a smartphone or another mobile terminal, it can lead to an internet site, such as a website, where instructions on using the test stain and carrying out the test can be displayed to the user.When the RFID tag is also read, for example, by a smartphone or another mobile terminal, it can provide the user with instructions on how to apply the test stain and / or how to carry out the test.This can further simplify the handling and use of the test stain.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the compositions of the present invention are described hereinafter.

[0030] Nigrosine and whole egg are preferably in powder form. More preferably, the components are present in the composition in the following amounts, in each case relative to a volume of 250 ml of aqueous solvent added: (a) 0.8 g to 1.2 g, preferably 1.0 g, (b) 30 g to 40 g, preferably 35 g, and (c) 17 g to 21 g, preferably 19 g, of whole egg. The composition thus has a total mass of 47.8 g to 62.2 g, preferably 55 g. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the proportion of nigrosine is about 1.8% by weight, the proportion of wheat flour is about 63.6% by weight and the proportion of whole egg is about 34.6% by weight. The composition according to the invention may be processed accordingly for any volume of aqueous solvent, see here above in the definition of wheat flour.

[0031] The composition preferably comprises dried potato flakes as an additional component. Usually, the dried potato flakes are present in an amount of 35 g to 45 g, preferably 40 g, for a volume of 250 ml of aqueous solvent added. In that case, this composition of the invention has a total mass of 82.8 g to 107.2 g, preferably 95 g. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the proportion of nigrosine is about 1.0% by weight, the proportion of wheat flour is about 36.9% by weight, the proportion of whole egg is 20% by weight, and the proportion of dried potato flakes is 42.1% by weight.

[0032] The term "dried potato flakes" as used herein refers to aggregates essentially composed of dried potato cells. Dried potato flakes are commercially available and are produced by processes known in the art. Typically for this purpose, potatoes are boiled and processed into a slurry. This slurry is dried on a roll dryer into a thin layer and broken into flakes of the desired size. Depending on the processing technique, different proportions of potato cells can be broken. In this way, the starch content can also be adjusted differently. Particularly preferred dried potato flakes are described in detail in the examples. However, the term also includes potato powder.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a method of using the above composition, which comprises the following ingredients in dry form: (a) Nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole egg, to generate test stains for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning urinals for human waste.

[0034] It will be clear that a test stain must first be provided by dissolving the composition of the present invention in an aqueous solvent. This can be achieved by the methods described herein. The test stain is preferably produced by dissolving the composition in an aqueous medium, more preferably the aqueous solvent here is water or an aqueous buffer. The test stain is then used to evaluate the cleaning action of the cleaning device. For this purpose, the test stain is applied to the urinal. This can be done uniformly or in dots on the inner and / or outer surface of the urinal. The method of applying the test stain is known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The expression "cleaning device" used here is a broad expression, but should belong to the usual standard meaning understood by a person skilled in the art. The expression is not limited to a specific or applicable meaning. The expression may refer in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus set up to free the material to be cleaned from contaminants. The cleaning device may in particular comprise at least one cleaning chamber for containing the material to be cleaned and a contacting device for contacting the material to be cleaned with at least one cleaning fluid, for example at least one cleaning liquid and / or steam. As examples of possible cleaning devices, reference may be made to the prior art cited above.

[0036] Possible cleaning materials in the context of the present invention include all items that are conventionally understood by those skilled in the art.This expression is not limited to a specific or applicable meaning.This expression may in particular, but not exclusively, relate to containers that can be used, for example, in hospitals or care departments, and can hold, for example, at least 100ml of solid or liquid waste, particularly 200ml or even 500ml of solid or liquid waste.More particularly, these containers may be bedpans and / or urinals.

[0037] Thus, the washing device may in particular be configured as a washer-disinfector within the scope of, for example, ISO standard series 15883 Washer-disinfectors-Part 1: General requirements, terms and definitions and tests.

[0038] The expression "test soil" used herein is a broad expression, but should belong to the usual standard meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The test soil in the context of the present invention comprises the composition of the present invention in a dissolved form as described herein. The test soil is suitable for wetting a test specimen. In addition, the removal of the test soil from the test specimen by the cleaning method being evaluated or by the cleaning device being evaluated is detectable. The test soil may be specifically configured as a paste-like mass that is visible to the human eye.

[0039] The expression "test specimen" as used herein is a broad expression, but should belong to the usual standard meaning understood by a person skilled in the art. This expression is not limited to a specific or applicable meaning. This term may in particular, but not exclusively, relate to an apparatus or element that can be subjected to a cleaning method and has at least one surface that is cleaned during the cleaning method, to which a test soil may be applied before cleaning. In particular, the test specimen may be a container for holding human waste, in particular a urinal and / or a urinal. The test specimen may therefore in particular be a test specimen within the scope of the pre-standard DIN ISO / TS 15883-5, Washer-disinfectors-Part 5: Test soils and methods for demonstrating cleaning efficacy.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a method of using the above composition, which comprises the following ingredients in dry form: (a) Nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole egg, and dried potato flakes as an additional ingredient, for generating test soils for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning containers for human waste.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method for producing test soils for evaluating the cleaning action of cleaning devices, particularly washer-disinfectors, for cleaning containers for human waste, comprising the step of dissolving the composition of the present invention in an aqueous medium.

[0042] The aqueous medium is preferably water or an aqueous buffer solution. The composition of the present invention is introduced into the aqueous medium and dissolved. The dissolution operation may be assisted here by physical methods. For this purpose, dissolution of the components of the composition of the present invention can be carried out by manual or automatic stirring. Both manual stirring and automatic stirring devices suitable for dissolution operations in the context of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art. Dissolution can additionally be promoted by heating the solution during dissolution or by using a heated aqueous medium as a solvent. Usually, the solution or solvent here is heated to a temperature within the range of 20°C to 40°C, preferably below 35°C, more preferably 25°C, 28°C, 30°C, or 35°C.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a test soil for evaluating the cleaning action of cleaning equipment, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, which comprises the components of the composition of the present invention in an aqueous medium, preferably water, or which is obtainable by the method of the present invention.

[0044] The present invention relates to a method of using the test soil of the present invention for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning containers for human waste.

[0045] The test soil may comprise the components of the composition of the present invention, (a) nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole egg, in an aqueous medium, preferably water, with which the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning urinals is preferably evaluated.

[0046] The test soil may comprise the components of the composition of the present invention, (a) nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole egg, and additionally dried potato flakes, in an aqueous medium, preferably water, by which the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a toilet bowl is preferably evaluated.

[0047] The invention also finally relates to a method for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, comprising the steps of: (a) generating a test soil by the method of the present invention; (b) applying the test soil produced in step (a) to a container for human waste, specifically a toilet bowl or urinal; (c) cleaning the container from step (c) with a cleaning device to be evaluated; and (d) evaluating the cleaning action of the cleaning device for cleaning a container for human waste by the amount of test soil present or removed; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of:

[0048] The method of the invention for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device can preferably be used here to evaluate the cleaning action on a bedpan and / or urinal on human waste. Depending on the type of waste or the type of item to be cleaned (bedpan or urinal), a suitable composition of the invention can be selected accordingly. For urinals, it is preferred to use a composition that does not contain dried potato flakes, and for bedpans, a composition that contains dried potato flakes.

[0049] First, a test stain is produced using a correspondingly selected composition of the present invention by dissolving the composition in an aqueous medium as described herein.

[0050] The test soil is applied to each test specimen and allowed to dry, where application can be uniform or spot-like on one or more of the interior and / or exterior surfaces. The test soil is preferably allowed to dry for about 5-10 minutes, more preferably 5-7 minutes. In this state, the test soil preferably forms a strong bond with the surface of the test specimen, but one that can be reversed by a washing operation.

[0051] The test specimens thus produced are washed in the cleaning equipment to be evaluated using a suitable washing program.

[0052] The washed test specimen is then evaluated with respect to the washing performance of the washing device or washing program used. For this purpose, the amount of test soil present or removed on the test specimen is preferably determined and compared with a reference. The reference used can be a test specimen without test soil or an unwashed test specimen with test soil. Alternatively, the reference can also be a condition defined for the test specimen. The comparison here can be made by inspection of a measured parameter that is indicative of the presence or absence of a test soil or by comparison, preferably an automatic comparison. Suitable parameters here can be parameters from the evaluation of image data or optical measurements. Suitable methods are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] The amount of test soil removed can be used to evaluate the cleaning performance. The amount removed can serve here as an evaluation index for cleaning performance, with a large amount of removed test soil being an indicator of good cleaning performance, and a small amount of removed test soil being an indicator of poor cleaning performance. For this purpose, a scoring system can be used, which classifies the cleaning performance into different categories depending on the amount of removed test soil.

[0054] Further, without intending to limit possible configurations, the following embodiments are specifically described in summary.

[0055] Embodiment 1: A composition comprising the following ingredients in dry form: (a) nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole eggs.

[0056] Embodiment 2: The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the nigrosine and whole egg are in powder form.

[0057] Embodiment 3: A composition according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the ingredients are present in the composition in the following amounts, in each case relative to a volume of 250 ml of aqueous solvent added: (a) 0.8 g to 1.2 g, preferably 1.0 g, (b) 30 g to 40 g, preferably 35 g, of flour, and (c) 17 g to 21 g, preferably 19 g, of whole egg.

[0058] Embodiment 4: The composition of any of embodiments 1 to 3, comprising dried potato flakes as an additional ingredient.

[0059] Embodiment 5: The composition of embodiment 4, wherein the dried potato flakes are present in an amount of 35 g to 45 g, preferably 40 g, per 250 ml volume of aqueous solvent added.

[0060] Embodiment 6: The composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, in the form of a dosage unit, preferably a dosage pack, or another form of packaging, such as a bag, sachet, tube, cup, carton.

[0061] Embodiment 7: The composition of embodiment 6, wherein the packaging is provided with a label comprising a graphic code and / or an RFID tag.

[0062] Embodiment 8: A method of using a composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 3 for generating test stains for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning urinals for human waste.

[0063] Embodiment 9: A method of using a composition according to embodiment 4 or 5 for generating test soils for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a toilet bowl for human waste.

[0064] Embodiment 10: A method of use according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the test stain is generated by dissolving the composition in an aqueous medium.

[0065] Embodiment 11: A method for generating test soils for evaluating the cleaning action of cleaning equipment, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, comprising dissolving a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 in an aqueous medium.

[0066] Embodiment 12: The method of embodiment 11, wherein the aqueous medium comprises water or an aqueous buffer.

[0067] Embodiment 13: A test soil for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, the test soil comprising the components of a composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 5 in an aqueous medium, preferably water, or obtained by the method according to embodiment 11 or 12.

[0068] Embodiment 14: A method for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a urinal or a bedpan for human waste, using the test soil described in embodiment 13.

[0069] Embodiment 15: A method of use according to embodiment 14, in which the test soil comprises the components of the composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3 in an aqueous medium, preferably water, to evaluate the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning urinals for human waste.

[0070] Embodiment 16: A method of use according to embodiment 14, wherein the test soil comprises the components of the composition according to embodiment 4 or 5 in an aqueous medium, preferably water, to evaluate the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a toilet bowl for human waste.

[0071] Embodiment 17: A method for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, comprising: (a) generating a test soil by the method of embodiment 11 or 12; (b) applying the test soil produced in step (a) to a container for human waste, specifically a toilet bowl or urinal; (c) cleaning the container from step (c) with a cleaning device to be evaluated; and (d) evaluating the cleaning action of the cleaning device for cleaning a container for human waste by the amount of test soil present or removed; A method comprising: EXAMPLES

[0072] The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection in any way.

[0073] [Example 1] Test stains for toilet bowls Test stain for plug-in commodes: 1.0 g Nigrosine powder (CI50420, water-soluble, for microscopy), 35 g Type 405 flour, 40 g dried potato flakes (potato puree), 19 g dried whole egg powder (spray dried): mix well and store in airtight packaging and use for approximately 12 months. Before use, add the mixture to a pot and mix with 250 ml of lukewarm water for 2-3 minutes using an egg beater. To test the consistency of the aggregate, first dip the loop of the egg beater fully into the aggregate and then pull it back out of the aggregate. If the mixture has the right consistency, it will gradually flow down the loop of the egg beater, and after 5-10 seconds, the lump of mixture remaining on the egg beater will have a diameter of 40-50 mm. This is enough for 1-2 plug-in or commode stains. Apply the aggregate to the plug-in or commode as directed. After application, the aggregate is allowed to dry for 5-7 minutes. The aggregate should be used within 3-4 hours.

[0074] [Example 2] Test stain for urinals Test stain for urinals: 1.0 g Nigrosine powder (CI50420, water soluble, for microscopy), 35 g Type 405 flour, 19 g dried whole egg powder (spray dried): Mix well and this can be stored and used in airtight packaging for approximately 12 months. Before use, add the mixture to a pot and stir with 250 ml of lukewarm water using an egg stirrer for 2-3 minutes. Apply the aggregate in / onto the urinal as directed. After application, allow the aggregate to dry for 5-7 minutes to set. This manufactured aggregate should be used within 3-4 hours.

[0075] [Example 3] Cleaning action test The test soil is prepared as described in Examples 1 and 2, applied to a toilet bowl or urinal, and allowed to dry. The test specimens thus prepared are subjected to the cleaning and disinfection method in a suitable manner in a cleaning device. The test soil remaining on the test specimen (before and after comparison) can be used to evaluate the cleaning performance.

[0076] [Example 4] Comparison of test stains using Koller's inset toilet KMNE Protective Formulations for Cleaning and Disinfection Tests (Koller): 1. Nigrosine solution: Stir 6g of nigrosine powder into 276ml of water that is hot enough to put your hand in. 2. Flour paste: Stir 53g of coarsely ground wheat flour into 369ml of cold water and boil for approximately 3 minutes. 3. Mix the solution and paste thoroughly and allow to cool to room temperature (approximately 35°). 4. 3 freshly beaten eggs are mixed into the mass, then gradually mixed into 100 g of potato batter flakes.

[0077] Final consistency as a stool substitute: When an egg beater is immersed (~7cm deep), a lump 4-5cm in diameter should remain hanging for 5-10 seconds.

[0078] This assembly was compared to the assembly produced as described in Example 1. The results are shown in Figure 1. There are no significant differences in terms of suitability for testing properties.

Claims

1. A composition comprising the following ingredients in dry form: (a) nigrosine, (b) wheat flour, and (c) whole eggs.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nigrosine and whole egg are in powder form.

3. 3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said ingredients are present in the composition in the following amounts, in each case relative to a volume of 250 ml of aqueous solvent added: (a) 0.8 g to 1.2 g of nigrosine, preferably 1.0 g, (b) 30 g to 40 g of wheat flour, preferably 35 g, and (c) 17 g to 21 g of whole egg, preferably 19 g.

4. 4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising dried potato flakes as an additional ingredient.

5. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the dried potato flakes are present in an amount of 35g to 45g, preferably 40g, per 250ml volume of aqueous solvent added.

6. 6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in the form of a dosage unit, preferably a dosage pack, or another form of packaging, e.g. a bag, sachet, tube, cup, carton.

7. The composition of claim 6 , wherein the packaging is provided with a label comprising a graphic code and / or an RFID tag.

8. 4. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for producing test stains for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning urinals for human waste.

9. 6. Use of a composition according to claim 4 or 5 for producing test soils for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a toilet bowl for human waste.

10. 10. The method of use according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the test stain is generated by dissolving the composition in an aqueous medium.

11. A method for producing test soils for evaluating the cleaning action of cleaning equipment, particularly a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, comprising the step of dissolving a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in an aqueous medium.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the aqueous medium comprises water or an aqueous buffer.

13. A test soil for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, the test soil comprising the components of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in an aqueous medium, preferably water, or obtained by the method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. 14. A method of using the test soil according to claim 13 for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a urinal or a toilet bowl for human waste.

15. A method of use according to claim 14, in which the test soil comprises the components of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in an aqueous medium, preferably water, to evaluate the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning urinals for human waste.

16. 15. A method of use according to claim 14, in which the test soil comprises the components of the composition according to claim 4 or 5 in an aqueous medium, preferably water, to evaluate the cleaning action of a cleaning device for cleaning a toilet bowl for human waste.

17. A method for evaluating the cleaning action of a cleaning device, in particular a washer-disinfector, for cleaning containers for human waste, comprising the steps of: (a) generating a test soil by the method of claim 11 or 12; (b) applying the test soil produced in step (a) to a container for human waste, in particular a toilet bowl or urinal; (c) washing the container from step (c) with a washing device to be evaluated; and (d) evaluating the cleaning action of the cleaning device for cleaning a container for human waste by the amount of test soil present or removed. A method comprising:

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