Effectiveness of Cleaning Products for Removing Peanut Allergens from Nonporous Surfaces Measured by Chromogenic Assay

Overview

Question/Hypothesis:This study investigated which commercially available cleaning method is most effective at removing peanut allergen from nonporous surfaces and whether cleaning duration affects allergen removal. It was hypothesized that alcohol-based sanitizing wipes and longer cleaning times would remove allergen better than non-alcohol wipes or dry wipes. Procedures: Plastic plates were contaminated with 0.05 grams of peanut butter (PB) or peanut powder (PP). Surfaces were cleaned using dry, non-alcohol or ethyl-alcohol wipes for 5 or 10 seconds. Residual protein was measured using chromogenic rapid protein test and scored on a 0–3 ordinal scale. Data/Analysis: For peanut butter, dry wipes produced the lowest allergen scores at 5 and 10 seconds (p<0.05), with complete removal at 10 seconds. Wet wipes performed poorly at both time points (p=0.63 PB, p=0.37 PP), while alcohol wipes improved only at 10 seconds (p=0.02). For peanut powder, dry wipes were significantly more effective than wet wipes, especially at 10 seconds (p<0.05). Mann–Whitney U-testing confirmed statistically significant differences for multiple comparisons. Conclusion: The hypothesis was partially rejected. Dry cotton wipes used for 10 seconds were the most effective method for removing both peanut butter and peanut powder from nonporous surfaces. Results suggest that mechanical friction and absorption are more important than chemical sanitizers for allergen removal, as wet and alcohol wipes may smear residue rather than fully remove it. These findings have important implications for reducing allergen exposure in public and household settings.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Product Science (Junior Division) · Entry J-19-03

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