Textile test methods Dimensional change in domestic laundering of textiles

Scope

This method determines the dimensional change of fabrics or garments, likely to occur in domestic laundering. A fabric specimen or garment is subjected to an appropriate combination of specified washing, drying and restoration procedures.

This method contains six washing, five drying and one restoration procedure as listed below:
Washing procedures
1 ─ 30 °C, low mechanical action, synthetic detergent
2 ─ 30 °C, moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent
3 ─ 40 °C, low mechanical action, synthetic detergent
4 ─ 40 °C, moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent
5 ─ 50 °C, moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent
6 ─ 60 °C, moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent Other temperatures may be used and are reported.

Drying procedures
A ─ Drip dry
B ─ Flat dry
C ─ Line dry
D1 ─ Tumble dry normal
D2 ─ Tumble dry permanent press
D3 ─ Tumble dry delicate
E ─ Tumble dry without heat

Restoration procedure
I ─ Hand iron.

Before using this method, the combination of procedures suitable for the particular item to be tested will be selected to arrive at the appropriate test. A complete test consists of a washing, drying and, if necessary, a restoration procedure.

EXAMPLE - Test 1.D2.I means that the fabric specimen or garment has been washed at 30 °C with low mechanical action, tumble dried using permanent press setting and restored by hand iron.

The final result obtained will depend upon the choice of test conditions as well as the number of laundering cycles conducted.

A laundering cycle consists of both a washing procedure and a drying procedure. The number of laundering cycles to be conducted will be specified by the end user.

This method is suitable for use with woven or knitted fabrics and also with garments and other textile articles. This method is also applicable to certain nonwoven fabrics. For nonwovens, the principal directions of measurement will be machine direction and cross direction (perpendicular to the machine direction).

This method may not be suitable for use with certain types of fabrics such as those of open construction or delicate nature. Mechanical action is the factor most responsible for fabric distortion during washing and this will be considered when choosing the procedure to be used. Where the amount of mechanical action is required to be minimal (e.g., as in hand washing), CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 25.1 may be used to determine dimensional change.

Safety
The testing and evaluation of a product against this method may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this method has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.

Units of measure - Quantities and dimensions in this standard are given in SI units.