Understanding higher colorfastness with AATCC TM61
Keeping clothes looking vibrant through countless trips to the washing machine is a top priority for today’s consumers. Ensuring this kind of color durability is crucial for textile manufacturers, to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.
The industry relies on standardized test methods to efficiently evaluate how well fabrics retain their color through repeated washing. One of these test methods includes the AATCC Test Method 61 (AATCC TM61). This method offers an accelerated evaluation of colorfastness to laundering under simulated home washing conditions, which were originally developed to also reflect commercial laundering.
The purpose of accelerated testing
The main goal of AATCC TM61 is to predict how a fabric's color retention power even after multiple washes over its lifetime. This test method provides a fast, reliable way to simulate the long-term effects of home laundering in a much shorter time. It enables manufacturers to quickly the impact of detergent, heat, and mechanical action on dyes and finishes after real-world use.
How the test works
AATCC TM61 achieves its ‘accelerated” effect by intensifying key laundering factors. Unlike a standard home wash, this method uses higher water temperatures, a lower liquor ratio (water-to-fabric), and adds stainless steel or rubber balls into the testing chamber. These elements combine to create a more aggressive wash environment that replicates the fading and surface changes caused by multiple home washes. One 45-minute test cycle is roughly equivalent to five typical household washes. While it does a good job simulating color change, the method’s accuracy in predicting staining on other fabrics can be less consistent.
The testing procedure
Testing is done using a Launder-Ometer or similar equipment. Each fabric sample is attached to a multi-fiber test strip - piece of fabric containing several different fiber types like cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and wool. This helps assess how much dye transfers, or bleeds, onto other types of fabric.
The fabric and multi-fiber strip are placed in a stainless steel container along with a set amount of standard reference detergent. Depending on the specific testing conditions, chlorine bleach might also be added. Then, stainless steel or rubber balls are introduced to simulate the friction of real washing. The sealed container is placed in the preheated machine, which spins at a specific temperature and speed for about 45 minutes. After the cycle, samples are rinsed, water is removed, and the fabrics are dried following standardized instructions.
Interpreting the results
The final and most important step is evaluating the fabric for color change and staining. This is typically done by trained technicians under controlled lighting using the AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change and the AATCC Gray Scale for Staining. The color scale uses pairs of gray chips to visually rate how much the fabric has faded. The staining scale assesses how much dye has transferred to the multi-fiber strip.
Higher ratings on both scales mean better colorfastness. These results give manufacturers key insights into their products' performance. This helps them make informed decisions on dyes, dyeing methods, and fabric finishing—ensuring that their textiles will stay looking fresh and vibrant, even after repeated washing, and meet consumer expectations for lasting quality.