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AATCC 61
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AATCC 61 - Test Method for Colorfastness to Laundering
Application
- Ensures textiles meet quality standards for durability and color retention after repeated washings
- Helps manufacturers to meet industry standards and regulations, ensuring that their products are market-ready and compliant.
Turnaround Time
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Abstract
AATCC 61 is the testing method established for the purpose of determining colorfastness during laundering. It simulates repeated home laundering effects on fabrics, thus allowing the manufacturers to pre-evaluate how the dye or the fabric finish will withstand fading, bleeding, and other changes while washing.
Although originally developed to fulfill the needs of textile applications, AATCC 61 holds a key role in providing assurance about quality across various industries where textile durability makes a difference. Here we discuss the important details about the AATCC 61 test method, requirements, and benefits.
AATCC 61 - Test Method for Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated
The test involves the washing of fabric samples with a detergent solution under controlled conditions including temperature, mechanical agitation, and time. Thus, the manufacturer will be able to predict the likelihood of his product withstanding repeated washings in good shape and fabrics will ensure customer expectations are met about durability as well as quality.
Test Conditions
- Temperature Control: The test employs the use of specific water temperatures within the range 40°C to 60°C based on the test. The test simulates different washing conditions in household laundering.
- Mechanical Agitation: Samples are subjected to mechanical agitation under a launderometer-simulating washing machine. The force as well as duration of agitation is dependent on the test procedure selected.
- Detergent Composition: Preparations of standardized concentrations of detergent solution are used. In some formulations, optical brighteners may also be included. The composition simulates a range of conditions experienced under laundering processes. The pH level of the detergent is also maintained to simulate the household laundry conditions generally observed.
- Water Hardness: The hardness of the water used for this test is controlled to ensure the results are reproducible. This aspect considers the fact that water hardness varies significantly in different regions.
- Test Duration: The test duration is dependent upon the end use of the fabric for specific washing conditions to be simulated. There are various test options in AATCC 61 that provide different kinds of washing cycles according to the requirement of fabric strength.
Test Requirements
- Sample Preparation: The specimens of the fabrics undergo treatment according to the AATCC guidelines, including cutting the specimens into standard size and, if needed, pre-conditioning.
- Control and Test Fabrics: Along with the test fabric, control fabrics are prepared for testing in order to study the degree of colorfastness and dye migration. The reference value is obtained under similar conditions for control fabrics.
- Staining and Color Change Evaluation: After the wash cycle, samples are tested for color change and staining on adjacent substrates. The evaluation is done by using a grey scale standardized for color change and staining.
- Replicates: Multiple replicates are done to ensure test results are not false. Once again, this will provide an enhanced evaluation regarding the functionality of the fabric.
Test Methodology
- Sample Preparation: Fabric samples are prepared according to the test procedure dimension and stitched sometimes to prevent fraying.
- Loading into the Launderometer: The samples, along with a stainless steel ball or abrasive to simulate wear, are placed in containers inside the launderometer.
- Addition of Detergent Solution: To each container, a detergent solution which may or may not contain optical brighteners is added. The pH of the solution is maintained at a value specified as per the test requirements.
- Washing Cycle Execution: The launderometer operates a specified number of cycles for washing under controlled temperature and agitation conditions.
- Drying and Evaluation: After performing the wash cycles, the test samples are rinsed, dried, and tested to check the color change and staining using standard testing methods.
- Comparing Against Control Standards: The test results on the test fabric are compared with control standards to check the extent of color change and staining.
Importance
- Quality Assurance: It will enable the manufacturers to affirm that their fabrics have colorfastness and durability in terms of industrial standards. The test will reveal whether the dyeing and finishing process was faulty to contribute to a problem in fabric performance.
- Customer Satisfaction: Confirmation that the textile colors will stay after numerous launderings is a direct way for the manufacturer to assure quality products for consumers. Quality assurance ensures customer loyalty and enhances a brand’s reputation.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Colorfastness defects can be caught early in production so that product recalls and warranty claims are avoided. The test turns into an avenue for proactive initiatives to enhance product quality.
Compliance and industry standard for AATCC 61
AATCC 61 is strictly required for textile manufacturing to meet industry needs. The test is globally recognized and often forms part of purchasing specifications for such textiles used in clothing, home furnishings, and industrial applications. Passing this standard test normally attracts particular markets. Thus, it forms a crucial aspect of regulations compliance and quality checks.
Advantages
- Simulates Real-World Conditions: The home laundering effect is mimicked. Becoming a relevant assessment for consumer textiles.
- Versatility: It can be used for a variety of fabrics, that range from apparel, to upholstery or technical textiles.
- Reliable Results: This test gives different quantitative results. Thus, the manufacturers can decide accurately on fabric selection, the processes of dyeing and finishing processes.
Benefits
- The test allows manufacturers to identify potential issues with the color fastness of fabrics ahead of time before the products reach the consumers. Hence it avoids potential problems.
- Enhanced Product Development: The standard test results can direct better improvements in textile treatments, dyeing techniques, and finishing processes.
- Compliance with Consumer Expectations: The ability of the fabric to be colorfast to laundering will ensure meeting the consumer expectations and demands for durability and quality standards.
Conclusion
The AATCC 61 standard forms the bedrock for testing textiles regarding colorfastness during laundering. It delivers accurate data through a well-structured methodology and controlled conditions that guarantee their adherence in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
For companies seeking to test the quality of their textiles, Microbe Investigations Switzerland(MIS) offers testing and validation services for textiles. Contact MIS now to ensure your fabrics pass the tests of colorfastness and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
The AATCC 61 is a standard testing procedure for determining the colorfastness to laundering of materials. Accelerated washing conditions have been simulated in real-time laundering to assess the durability of dyes.
AATCC 61 method allows testing of textile materials, like garments, textiles, and colored goods with colorfastness to laundering.
The approximate turn-around time for AATCC 61 is approximately 5-7 working days, subject to specific requirements and number of samples.
AATCC 61 is not a microbial-based test, but on colorfastness measurement, not assessment of antimicrobial function.
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