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Way To Test Colorfastness
2019/11/01
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Colorfast is the ability of a fabric or other substances to keep the same color without fading or running even if washed, placed in harsh light, exposed to perspiration, or treated with certain chemicals.
The term, colorfast, was first coined in 1916 by the manufacturers of textiles in testing fabrics when exposed to light, washing, perspiration, and abrasion. There are now standards to rate fabric behavior when exposed to testing. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists provides test method development and quality control materials for members in more than 60 countries throughout the world. Colorfastness during washing is categorized from one to five with the higher number being the better fastness.
One easy way to test if a fabric is colorfast is to dampen a clean, white cloth. Rub the wet cloth on an interior seam or hem of a colored garment. If any color comes off onto the white cloth, then the item is not colorfast and the dye will run when the garment is washed.
For a more thorough test for specific detergents and laundry products, use the following tips:
Mix one teaspoon of the laundry product (detergent, stain remover, chlorine bleach, or oxygen bleach) with 1/2 cup of warm water. Stir well to mix and be sure that any powdered formulas are completely dissolved.
Turn to an interior seam or hem. If you are concerned that the solution will bleed through to the right side of the fabric, place a dry, white cotton cloth under the test area.
Dip a cotton swab in the solution and dab it onto the test area.
Blot the area with a white paper towel. If the color comes off onto the white paper towel, the fabric will bleed dye. If the color of the test area has changed or become lighter, the dye will bleed.
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