Fabric Washing Fastness Testing

2019/09/20

Color fastness to washing is the common quality parameter, which is considered very important from the point of view of consumers. This test determines the loss & change of colour in the washing process by a consumer and the possible staining of other garments or lighter portion that may be washed with it.

This test is used to predict the performance of any dyed or printed textile product to the common washing process using a detergent and additives. Some of the test conditions in ISO and all the AATCC conditions are designed to simulate the behaviour of the textile after 5 domestic or commercial launderings.

Test Methods:

? ISO 105 C06 / C08 / C09 & AATCC 61

While the most common test methods that are currently followed are ISO 105 C06 and AATCC 61, newer test methods such as ISO 105 C08 and C09 replicate washing with the addition of non-chlorine bleaches and low temperature bleach activators. The specific conditions for these tests are given in Table 1.

Test Equipment and Consumables:

? Wash wheel

? Standard reference detergents without Optical Brighteners – either ECE or AATCC1993 as specified by the standards.

? Multifibre Fabric

? Stainless Steel Balls

? Bleach & Bleach activators

? Grade 3 Water

? Assessment facilities