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AATCC 61 Colorfastness to Laundering Test (Accelerated Washing Method)
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Summary
AATCC 61 is an accelerated laundering test that assesses the colorfastness of textiles by simulating home or commercial washing conditions. AATCC 61 is based on multiple home wash cycles in controlled laboratory conditions to evaluate change in textile colour and staining. Test results are measured by using standard gray scales. The method is applicable for apparel, home textiles, and performance fabrics.
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Quick understanding of the test
AATCC 61 - Test Method for Colorfastness to Laundering
The AATCC 61 test is used to evaluate colorfastness of textiles to laundering. This is done by replicating real-world washing conditions in a controlled environment.
Application
Textiles such as garments, fabrics, home furnishings, upholstery and more
- Fabric samples are introduced into a launderometer adding detergent and steel balls to replicate five home laundering cycles.
- After rinsing and drying, the specimens are observed for fading and staining against control standards using gray scales
- Helps to verify if textiles meet quality standards for durability and color retention after repeated washings
- Supports manufacturers/companies to meet industry standards and make sure their products match performance criteria and are ready for market entry
Turnaround Time
Time duration is typically 1-2 weeks.
Results are assessed by comparing color change and staining of test samples to control samples.
Passing criteria
Test criteria are based on manufacturers’ requirements. However, in general, the test specimen should achieve a minimum rating of 4 for color change and 3-4 for staining on the gray scales.
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What is AATCC 61 test ?
AATCC 61 is a standard test method used to evaluate the colorfastness of textiles to laundering when exposed to repetitive washes. The test defines a reliable procedure to check if a fabric is durable against fading, bleeding and staining by replicating multiple home or commercial laundering cycles in a short period of time.
The procedure properly replicates real-world laundering through washing conditions, detergent formulations, and abrasive action, to verify if the results are consistent and reproducible in test products.
Test methodology
Sample preparation
- Test fabric specimens are cut as per AATCC 61 test guidelines
- Each specimen is attached to adjacent multifiber fabrics and placed inside a steel container with detergent solution and stainless steel balls
Temperature and time conditions
- The test is performed at 49 ยฐC for 45 minutes.
Accelerated laundering procedure
- The steel containers are introduced into a launderometer and rotated under controlled temperature and time.
- This process is designed to replicate the effect of five home launderings in a single test.
Evaluation using gray scale ratings
- After washing, the samples are rinsed, dried, and then evaluated for color change and staining using standardized gray scales.
- The test results are compared against control to determine how much the fabric has faded or stained.
AATCC 61 grading & passing criteria
Passing criteria is usually according to the Clientโs requirement.
If not specified by the client, the general passing criteria is as follows:
- Grade 4-5 is considered excellent
- Grade 3-4 is considered commercially acceptable
- Grades less than 3 is considered to be non-compliant
Which industries typically require AATCC 61 testing ?
AATCC 61 testing is applicable for a broad range of industries including –
- Clothing and garment materials
- Sportswear and performance textiles
- Home textiles (bed linens, towels)
- Uniforms or workwear
- Retail compliance programs
Importance
Colorfastness is an important quality for textiles, because it highly impacts user satisfaction and lifespan of a product. AATCC 61 helps manufacturers to understand how fabrics will perform during regular use and laundering, preventing issues such as premature fading, color transfer, or uneven appearance. AATCC 61 test ensures compliance with international standards and supports global trade. It provides valuable insights to product developers on selecting dyes, finishes, and treatments that improve textile performance, making it a crucial step in quality assurance.
Why choose our lab for AATCC 61 testing !
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we provide precise textile testing services, including AATCC 61. Our advanced laboratory equipment and expert team ensure fast, reliable, and reproducible results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
AATCC 61 is a standard accelerated laundering test that replicates multiple home wash cycles to assess a textileโs colourfastness to washing and staining using controlled detergent, temperature, and mechanical action.
AATCC 61-2A is a part of AATCC 61 that describes the procedure for machine washing at 49 ยฐC for 45 minutes with a specified concentration of detergent to imitate around 5 home launderings.
No, AATCC 61 uses harsher test conditions with higher number of steel balls and a specific detergent, while ISO 105-C06 uses international wash conditions that usually better imitate consumer laundering.
Grade 4 indicates good colourfastness, meaning there is minimal colour change or staining visible according to the gray scales after the simulated wash cycles.
AATCC 61 replicates approximately five home/commercial wash cycles in a single accelerated test run.
It measures the degree of colour change and staining that textiles go through after the accelerated washing procedure
To pass the test, the test specimen should achieve a minimum rating of 4 for color change and 3-4 for staining on the gray scales.
This test is applicable to textile products such as garments, fabrics, home furnishings, upholstery, and more.
Testing requires a controlled laundry tester ( launderometer or a specialized washing machine), detergent, stainless steel balls, drying facilities, and gray scales for rating colour change and staining.
It helps manufacturers predict how dyes and finishes will hold up in repeated laundering, ensuring product quality, durability, and compliance with market standards before sale.
AATCC 61 usually takes 1-2 weeks to complete.
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